THUNDER BAY – Liberal MPP Michael Gravelle is calling on the province to prevent Lac Des Iles Mines from reopening on April 28. But it might be a moot point.
Gravelle, in a letter to mine management, the provincial government and Thunder Bay District Health Unit medical officer of Health Dr. Janet DeMille, the former mines minister says he supports a call by the Gull Bay First Nation community to keep the mine closed.
“While fully recognizing the importance of Impala-LDI Mine to our regional and national economy, I must agree that the dangers outweigh the benefits at this time.”
However, according Erin Satterthwaite, vice-president of corporate affairs at Impala Canada, suggested Gravelle's plea may have been premature.
"We have no plans to resume operations on April 28th and will remain in care and maintenance," she said in an email response to Dougall Media.
Among the Conservative ministers copied on the letter are Minister of Health Christine Elliott, Minister of Labour Monte McNaughton and Minister of Northern Development and Mines Greg Rickford.
"There's a tremendous level of concern in Gull Bay and in White Sand First Nation as well. They've got the support of (Fort William First Nation) Chief Peter Collins as well," Gravelle said, in phone interview with CKPR News.
"The concern about the spread of the virus in those communities is extremely strong and in light of the problems we had with 14 cases at Lac Des Iles, the feeling is very strong that the mine should not be opened up at this time."
At least 14 Lac Des Iles Mine employees have tested positive for the virus and are in various stages of self-isolation, either at home or at a Thunder Bay hotel.
This story has been updated to include comments from mine management.
