http://insupportofmining.wordpress.com/2014/03/14/greenstone-event-stokes-ring-of-fire-flame/

Posted on March 14, 2014

The northwestern Municipality of Greenstone is forging ahead with preparations that will help it benefit from development of Ontario’s far northern Ring of Fire mineral zone.

Despite setbacks that have dimmed the Ring of Fire’s glow, the municipality remains excited about the region’s potential and eager to ready itself for a boom. And it encourages others to do the same — lest they be caught out if the Ring suddenly catches fire again.

“We understand that progress is not moving as fast as some had anticipated and we may think we have time to prepare for development, but Greenstone recognizes that as fast as the flames on the Ring of Fire waned, the fire can rage again,” said Mayor Renald Beaulieu in a release. “We are working steadily to prepare to be an integral part of the mining industry in Northern Ontario.”

Located at the “gateway” to the remote mineral zone, the community will host its second Grow Greenstone Expo next week. Talks, workshops and high-profile guest speakers will showcase the many opportunities associated with mineral development and encourage businesses to get involved.

The March 17 and 18 event, to be held at Thunder Bay’s Victoria Inn, aims to encourage business owners, mining executives, regional leaders and those interested in entering the industry to network, share their knowledge and trade experiences.

Open to the public, attendance is free to the Business and Workforce Expo and the speakers’ presentation area. A Monday evening gala dinner ($50 per ticket) will feature Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle as its keynote speaker.

Other Expo speakers will include Bob Rae, former Ontario premier and Matawa Ring of Fire negotiator; Ovide Mercredi, former national chief of the Assembly of First Nations; and Christine Kaszycki, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines Assistant Deputy Minister and Ring of Fire Coordinator.

Designed to forge relationships in the region, the Business and Workforce Expo will bring together suppliers and procurement specialists, potential employers and employees, and new workers and training options.

“The Grow Greenstone Expo is the best place to learn about the mining industry, how to fit into it and how everyone in the region, businesses and individuals included, can maximize their position in the development,” said Beaulieu.