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Sudbury mining companies receive Certificates of Recognition for energy conservation - Environmental Communication Options/Huff Strategy

Sudbury mining companies receive Certificates of Recognition for energy conservation

Mar 29th, 2007 5:10 AM

Media Release - Attention News/Assignment & Photo Editors Ontario’s Chief Energy Conservation Officer awards Certificates of Recognition to Ontario mining companies for their participation in the Sustainable Leak Prevention Program (Sudbury, Ontario, March 29, 2007) Peter Love, Ontario’s Chief Energy Conservation Officer presented Certificates of Recognition to the Ontario Mining Association (OMA), CVRD Inco’s South Mine and FNX Mining’s McCreedy West Mine for their involvement with the Ontario Power Authority in the Sustainable Leak Protection Program (SLPP). Prior to presenting the Certificates, Mr. Love observed, “Ontario’s mining industry spends more than $500 million each year for energy, and this ranges from 15 to 30% of operating costs depending on the type of mining operation. Compressed air systems, found in underground mines, are one of the largest contributors to electricity costs. Even small air leaks in these systems can increase electricity costs substantially by causing compressors to overwork, leading to wasted electricity and higher operating costs.” The SLPP oversees audits of compressed air systems underway at the Williams Mine near Marathon, CVRD Inco’s South Mine and FNX Mining’s McCreedy West Mine, both in Sudbury. Accepting the Award on behalf of the OMA was Cheryl Brownlee, the OMA’s Manager of Stakeholder Relations. The other recipients were Dave Secord, Snr. Maintenance Coordinator, McCreedy West Mine, FNX Mining Company; Dave Tomini, Divisional Energy Coordinator, CVRD Inco. The Williams Mine will receive their recognition at a later ceremony. Ms Brownlee observed, “SLPP will improve energy efficiency and help save hundreds of thousands of dollars in mine site operation costs annually. The results from these three pilot sites will allow us to offer a sustainable air leak control program to all Ontario Mining Companies.” The Ontario Power Authority was created to help develop a sustainable, competitive and reliable electricity system for the benefit of Ontario consumers, as well as to help build a “culture of conservation” in the province. Funding for 41 percent of the project comes from the OPA’s Conservation Fund, with the balance provided by the OMA and participating sites. Mr. Love described how, “The Conservation Fund was established to mobilize as many sectors of the Ontario economy as possible to embrace a culture of conservation. After little more than a year, the Ontario Power Authority’s Conservation Fund has provided $2.5 million to 37 electricity conservation projects in a variety of sectors of the Ontario economy. The Fund focuses on enabling conservation education and electricity reduction pilot projects. Partnering with groups like the OMA helps better promote energy efficiency and a culture of conservation in Ontario. These projects also help build a community of practice which will lead to better conservation programs for everyone.” Mr. Love concluded, “It is our hope that the SLPP will further the cause of energy conservation both at work, and then at home, as Ontario’s mining workforce becomes more aware of the importance of saving energy in Ontario, not just to help the environment, but to support industry through greater energy efficiency.” -30- For further information, please contact: • Barton Sala, Ontario Power Authority, (416) 969-6009, barton.sala@powerauthority.on.ca • Cheryl Brownlee, Ontario Mining Association, Manager of Stakeholder Relations, (416) 364-9301 x223 The Conservation Bureau is an office of the Ontario Power Authority. It was established in 2005 to develop, coordinate and stimulate electricity conservation and demand management by planning, designing and implementing comprehensive programs that foster a culture of conservation across the province (www.conservationbureau.on.ca). The Conservation Fund was established in 2005 to provide funding for action-oriented, sector-specific electricity conservation pilot projects that help build a culture of conservation in Ontario. Since 2005, the Conservation Fund has provided $2.5 million to 37 projects in a wide variety of sectors including mining, forestry, agriculture, small business, schools, hospitals and religious institutions. Every dollar of the funding has leveraged over two dollars in partner support. The 2007 Conservation Fund budget is $3 million (www.powerauthority.on.ca).