Danny Williams resigns from Alderon board
Company cites former premier's advice, influence in sucess to date
Former Newfoundland and Labrador premier Danny Williams has resigned from the board of directors of Alderon Iron Ore.
The mining company made the announcement Wednesday, a day after the federal environment department gave Alderon's Kami iron ore project in western Labrador the green light. It was approved by provincial environment officials on Jan. 10.
In a statement, Alderdon noted Williams will remain a consultant for the company in the role of special advisor.
"Mr. Williams was an influential board member and his advice and active participation were instrumental in Alderon's achievement of numerous milestones over the last two years. Alderon looks forward to Mr. Williams' continued involvement with the company."
In clearing the final environmental assessment hurdle, federal officials concluded the Kami project is "not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects."
"The positive decision of the federal minister of environment marks another enormous milestone for Alderon as we move forward with the development of the Kami project," said Tayfun Eldem, company president and CEO.
"We now have the green light from both the provincial cabinet and the federal minister and can move forward with our construction plans."
Alderon owns 75 per cent of the Kami iron ore project. The other 25 per cent is held by Hebei Iron and Steel Group, the largest steel producer in China, and third largest in the world.
Wednesday's news follows last week's decision by the Newfoundland and Labrador government to build a third power transmission line this year from Churchill Falls to the Labrador West region, something Alderon had said was key to developing its Kami mine.