Hampton says area is on the cusp of a mining boom

By Ken Johnston
Editor

In these uncertain times of economic downturns, Kenora-Rainy River Member of Provincial Parliament, Howard Hampton, feels the area is on the cusp of what could be a boom.
Laying out the land for municipal leaders of the Rainy River District, Hampton said, “Eight years ago there were 21 paper machines running from Sault St. Marie to the Manitoba border. Now there are four. Eight years ago there were 15 saw mills, now there are two. Eight years ago there were seven board mills. Now there are 1.5 running. 10-15 years ago I spent a lot of my time meeting with Forestry companies. Now I meet with mining companies and lots of them!”

While Rainy River to Fort Frances area has been lucky with the paper mill in Fort and the OSB mill in Barwick remaining running, other areas have not been so fortunate. But he feels things will get even better here in the very near future. “While I am not a gambling man, there is good news on the horizon. I think that within a year there will be an announcement of a gold mine opening here.”
Hampton said that while there have been even larger gold finds in the northern portion of the riding, there are big logistical hurdles up there. “They need roads or rail lines to be constructed. It will be 5-10 years away for the Ring of Fire.”

Hampton feels this area is poised to take advantage of gold. “We already have the roads and railway.”
He said that it depends on what kind of mining operation the area will see as to how many jobs there will be. If it is just open pit there will likely be about 150 jobs. But if a pit, shaft and milling operation are part of it the number could be upwards of 450!
Hampton said there is also a fairly well trained labour force here. “Loggers and farmers are good mechanics and heavy equipment operators.”
“We have always known there are gold deposits in the area. But when it was $300 an ounce it was not worth mining. Now at $1,400 it is,” said Hampton.
“The west end of the district needs more jobs. This is going to benefit the entire area!” he concluded.