Skip to main content

Newfoundland wildfires force temporary shutdown of iron ore mines

Smoke from a wildfire is shown in Labrador City, N.L. in a Friday, July 12, 2024 handout photo. Handout/Janelle Nippard Smoke from a wildfire is shown in Labrador City, N.L. in a Friday, July 12, 2024 handout photo. Handout/Janelle Nippard
Share
MONTREAL -

Wildfires burning near Labrador City, N.L. have prompted mining companies in the area to temporarily halt operations.

Over the weekend, Montreal-based Champion Iron Ltd. and Toronto-based Iron Ore Co. of Canada said they were temporarily shutting down their mining operations in response to forest fires burning just north of the locations.

The Newfoundland government ordered residents of Labrador City to evacuate on Friday evening due to extreme fire activity.

Labrador City is located approximately 20 km from Bloom Lake, Quebec, the site of Champion Iron's iron ore mine.

The company said it is working with local and regional authorities and has mobilized its own fire brigade to mitigate the impact of forest fires on its infrastructure.

Iron Ore Company of Canada operates a mine, concentrator and pellet plant at Labrador City.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 15, 2024.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

LIVE RNC UPDATES

LIVE RNC UPDATES Follow Live: JD Vance officially nominated at RNC

The Republican National Convention kicked off this week, with delegates and officials descending on Wisconsin amid the tumult that follows a Saturday assassination attempt on Trump as he becomes the GOP’s official nominee. Follow for live updates of the RNC.

DEVELOPING

DEVELOPING Motive of man who tried to assassinate Donald Trump remains elusive

Former U.S. president Donald Trump called for unity and resilience after an attempt on his life injected fresh uncertainty into an already tumultuous presidential campaign, while President Joe Biden implored Americans to 'cool it down' in the final stretch and 'resolve our differences at the ballot box.'

NEW

NEW Things flight attendants say they would never do when travelling

For some airline passengers, flying can be a daunting and stressful journey. For others, it's a welcome experience to see the world from hundreds of feet high. CTVNews.ca spoke with a Canadian flight attendant to find out what he wouldn't advise passengers to do before and during flights.

Local Spotlight