Activation Laboratories Limited (Act Labs) announced it is opening a new facility in Thunder Bay. The 38,000 square foot building, formerly the Brick Furniture store, will contain an administrative office and new mineral detection technologies. Approximately 30 to 40 new positions will be created. The company cites an increase in demand for assay services as a result of the Ring of Fire mineral deposit.

http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/on/offices/2009lmb/northwest.shtml

Mining

Osisko Mining Corporation acquired Brett Resources Incorporated at the end of May. Brett Resources’ major project has been the Hammond Reef gold deposit outside of Atikokan. The company expects to pursue development of the Hammond Reef project by completing feasibility studies and environmental assessments this year.

Puget Ventures Incorporated announced that a secondary drilling program has produced high-grade cobalt deposits at its Werner Lake property near Kenora. The company plans a surface exploration program during the summer.

Noront Resources Limited signed a historical exploration agreement with the Webequie First Nation in June. The agreement sets out protocols for exploration activities conducted on reserve land and outlines a future impact benefit agreement. Noront Resources is a dominant land holder for the Ring of Fire mineral deposit in the James Bay Lowlands.

Noront Resources also announced high-grade assay results from its Eagle’s Nest copper, nickel, platinum and palladium deposit in the Ring of Fire site. The company plans on continuing with exploration activities in the area and has commenced drilling in the Eagle’s Nest area.