Less than one in 3,000 exploration sites will become a mine, and businesses have no control over where the richest ore will be. For Canadian Royalties, this means working with the challenges of the Canadian Arctic to get nickel and copper concentrates to its Chinese and European customers.
The company’s $1 billion Nunavik Nickel mine in the northernmost region of Québec is one of seven NI 43-101 compliant resource estimates in the area. The nearest access point for shipping is Deception Bay, about 120 kilometres away, and Canadian Royalties turned to Logistec to make the link between mine and market.
“The lack of infrastructure in this isolated area meant that they needed much more than just stevedores. They needed a solutions-oriented partner to ship the mine’s entire production output, and manage the influx of supplies and machinery that the mine requires to operate,” says Daniel Jodoin, Vice-President, Bulk Cargo at Logistec.
“The North is a demanding environment, and we drew on previous experience with Baffinland Iron Mines and Consolidated Thomson (Cliffs),” Mr. Jodoin added. “You have to ship everything in ahead of time, plan carefully for the people and equipment you need as well as the duress of the extreme cold.”
With the help of qualified personnel, including local Inuit and fly in-fly out employees, Logistec manages the entire Canadian Royalties terminal. This includes receiving and stockpiling truckloads of concentrate, a detailed sampling process, inventory control, and loading the M/V Nunavik, the most powerful bulk-carrying icebreaker in the world. Logistec also handles resupply cargo operations, including containers and general cargo, as well as the mine’s vital supply of diesel fuel.
“New mines need a partner they can turn to for guidance, and who is willing to be flexible as they get things off the ground,” says Madeleine Paquin, President and CEO of Logistec. “Our sales and operations staff are experts in what they do, and make us an innovative, hands-on partner every step of the way.”