The mine and concentrator in Voisey’s Bay, Labrador reached full design capacity within a year of start-up, a noteworthy achievement within the mining industry.

The hydromet Demonstration Plant in Argentia completed its first full year of operations, researching and developing expertise and a knowledge base to help assess the viability of hydromet technology for use in the commercial processing plant at Long Harbour.

Of the more than $242 million made in expenditures by VBNC on goods and services during 2006, $205 million – or 85 per cent – was spent in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Progression plans are in place at the mine and concentrator site to prepare Aboriginal workers for promotions into more senior positions, including supervisory and management roles.

The Skills Development Centre was opened in March 2006 at the mine and concentrator site to assist workers who want to improve their personal and workplace skills.  The Centre is the only private work site in the province that is accredited to provide Adult Basic Education (ABE).

The winter shipping program was successfully implemented to safely mitigate the effects of shipping operations through ice.  VBNC’s winter shipping protocols includes a signage system to mark the ships’ track, management of several points that are designated safe crossings, and a comprehensive communications system that advises hunters and other ice users in the area of the status of vessel activity during the winter months.

A major study was launched to identify and measure the social impacts of the mine and concentrator on communities on the North Coast of Labrador.

The safety record at the hydromet Demonstration Plant was excellent in 2006, with zero recordable incidents.

There were no recordable environmental incidents at the hydromet Demonstration plant, and recordable incidents at the mine and concentrator decreased by 60 per cent over 2005.

The proposed commercial nickel processing plant at Long Harbour was registered for environmental assessment in March, and the province released its guidelines for the Environmental Assessment in late October. Pre-feasibility engineering studies commenced on the processing options for the commercial processing plant to define the full scope and costs of the facility.