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Opposition Leader Gerry Reid says government must review all reports and
assessments completed by Voisey’s Bay Nickel Company Limited (VBNC)
regarding their plans for a commercial nickel processing facility in the
Argentia - Long Harbour area. Reid is also encouraging both government and
VBNC to be up front with the people in the area and release whatever
documentation possible that will indicate why the processing facility cannot
be located in Argentia. Information leaked to the media this past weekend
indicate that government was advised of VBNC’s decision not to locate their
commercial processing facility in Argentia almost a year ago. Officials with
VBNC have confirmed that Argentia is no longer their preferred site for this
facility due to environmental concerns that have been encountered in the
area. VBNC has now indicated that their preferred location is Long Harbour.
"When I first read the story in the Telegram, I was very concerned that
government knew about this decision for such a long period of time and did
not consult with the people of the Placentia area," said Mr. Reid. "Nobody
would expect VBNC to risk the environmental conditions in the area, however,
government and the company should have been up front regarding the
situation. Government must complete its due diligence to verify that the
company’s information is factual. I would also encourage both sides to stop
the secret nature of these discussions and share some of the information
with the people in the area who will be most affected by this decision.
"Government’s silence on this issue is of concern. They are attempting to
play political games with this project, as shown by their absence at the
opening of the demonstration plant, and have done nothing to provide
information to the people in the area. It appears that after ten months,
they have done very little to verify whether the company’s information is
actually factual. It begs the question, are they committed to a commercial
hydromet facility in Argentia, or are they unwilling to enforce the Voisey’s
Bay Agreement due to their own political biases?"
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