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Vale's Manitoba Operations, located in Thompson, Manitoba, is comprised of two underground
operations -- Thompson Mine and Birchtree Mine, as well as Thompson Open Pit.
Our Manitoba Operations were the world’s first fully integrated nickel mining and
processing complex and has produced four billion pounds of nickel in its 50 years
of operation.
Thompson, with a population of some 15,000, has grown to become Manitoba’s third
largest city. Although its beginnings were the result of an agreement in 1956 between
what was then the International Nickel Company of Canada and the Province of Manitoba,
it has developed into a major northern transportation hub. A major highway system,
rail line, seaplane base and airport all provide goods and services to northern
remote communities. In fact, the Thompson airport is the second busiest in Manitoba.
Community Involvement
Vale is committed to being a good neighbour to the citizens and City of Thompson.
It contributes financially and in-kind to organizations such as WinterFest, Nickel
Days, and a variety of sporting, artistic and non-profit organizations that meet
the needs of local residents. It also sponsors major initiatives such as the Safe
Workers of Tomorrow program in Manitoba and events such as the Manitoba Indigenous
Summer Games. It also makes major financial contributions to much needed facilities
such as the Personal Care Home, Recreational Complex, Mammography Unit and others.
Vale also participates in events that help promote the mining industry in Thompson
and Manitoba, such as the provincial government's Mining Week and events hosted
by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Minerals and Petroleum. It is often a major
sponsor in events that will help promote economic development in the region, such
as the Mid-Canada Industry and Business Conference hosted by the Norman Regional
Development Corporation.
Although the operation's SafeProduction program - with its goal of zero harm - was
originally developed for the Manitoba Operations work environment, the principles
of SafeProduction are spreading into the community. The program provides the tools
to manage risk in the workplace and prevent harm to employees, the workplace, the
community and the environment.
Environmental Stewardship
Vale's Manitoba Operation owns and operates the city’s water treatment plant. The
plant has a 4.5 million gallon per day capacity. As part of the 1956 agreement,
it supplies potable water not only to its own plant for its needs, but also to the
City of Thompson free of charge.
Vale maintains open communications on environmental issues through a Public Liaison
Committee (PLC). Comprised of about a dozen volunteer members of the community,
the PLC meets quarterly to discuss Vale environmental issues that may be a concern
to residents. It also arranges for tours of the operation and speakers on specific
topics.
Vale recognizes the need to be an environmentally responsible neighbour. The operation’s
weather station monitors daily the wind direction, air pressures and other environmental
factors that can cause the plume from the stack to disperse over the city, causing
residents to smell sulphur dioxide. When the operation is able to forecast this
is about to happen, operators in the Smelter automatically turn down the roasters
to reduce th effects of the sulphur dioxide. In addition, there are three monitoring
stations at key locations in the city that help this process. The program is called
the Voluntary Emissions Reduction Program (VERP).
The Operation also maintains a 24-hour-a-day environmental live-hotline should residents
have environmental concerns; the number is 778-2888. A local website also provides
real-time emissions data from each of the three monitoring stations in the city
of Thompson.
Manitoba Operations occupies more than 250 acres. Included in this is a tailings
basin which acts as a settling pond primarily for tailings from the mill. The tailings
pond is closely monitored and managed. A large assortment of waterfowl and other
birds nest in the grasses on the shores of the tailings pond.
The operation relies primarily on hydro-electricity for its energy, and is therefore
an extremely low producer of greenhouse gases, which helps keep its environmental
footprint small. Two mines which were recently decommissioned, Soab North and Soab
South, earned the praise of the provincial government’s conservation department
for the steps taken to leave the sites as though no industry has occupied them.
© Vale 2010
Last Updated: Friday, March 30, 2012
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