VBNC is committed to maximize opportunities for local businesses at all of its operations in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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

In Labrador, there is emphasis on developing business with majority Aboriginal ownership, and VBNC has been highly successful in this regard, through contractual arrangements with companies like Sikumiut Environmental Management, Shuashim Group Limited, Innu Mikun, Torngait Services, Innunuk Traders Limited Partnership, Minaskuat Limited Partnership, and others.

At the Demonstration Plant in Argentia, the operation is smaller but local suppliers of goods and services are contracted wherever they qualify and are competitive. A variety of local firm have been contracted for the supply of goods and services, from fiberglass manufacturing to metal fabrication to site security to janitorial services.

“The procurement of local goods and services had always been a priority for VBNC,” said Miles Lippett, Manager of Procurement. “This will not change during the imminent construction and subsequent operations of the commercial nickel processing plant in Long Harbour, Newfoundland.”
 
Construction at the plant is scheduled to begin in 2008, with the start of production in 2011. To ensure that businesses are made fully aware of opportunities associated with the commercial nickel processing plant – and all other VBNC operations in the province – the company embarked in 2007 on a series of Supplier Information Sessions at seven locations in Newfoundland and Labrador. 

“Our intention was to make vendors and contractors aware of the project and the many opportunities that are associated with both construction and operations,” Lippett said. “From construction and eventual operations of the commercial plant in Long Harbour, there will be tremendous opportunities for local companies in the provision of goods and services.”