ViganSailors SocietyBühler GmbHGeneva DryPort of South LouisianaCimbria
  • Telestack
  • Vigan
  • Van Aalst
  • Port of Stockton
  • Geneva Dry
  • Bühler GmbH

Rio Tinto IOC celebrates 70 years in the Labrador Trough

Rio Tinto IOC celebrates 70 years in the Labrador Trough

(Posted on 03/09/24)

Rio Tinto’s Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) is celebrating its 70th anniversary, marking seven decades as a leading North American producer and exporter of premium iron ore pellets and high-grade concentrate. Over its history, IOC has been a pioneer in responsible iron ore production, making substantial contributions to the economy and local communities. This milestone reflects a legacy of innovation, excellence, and enduring commitment to the Labrador Trough region.

IOC President and Chief Executive Officer Mike McCann said: “As we celebrate 70 years of operations, we reflect on the remarkable journey that has shaped IOC into a leader in the iron ore industry. Our success is built on the dedication of our employees, the support of local communities, and our commitment to responsible practices. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue driving innovation, fostering strong partnerships, and contributing to the future of the Labrador Trough with the same spirit of excellence and responsibility that has defined us for decades.”

To commemorate this occasion, IOC hosted a reception at the historic Quebec North Shore and Labrador Station (QNS&L) in Sept-Îles. Held near the old locomotive, which symbolizes the importance of the rail line to IOC’s operations, the event featured key stakeholders including Chief Mike McKenzie of Premier Nation Innu Uashat mak Mani-utenam; Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency; Kateri Champagne Jourdain, Quebec's Minister of Employment and Minister Responsible for the Côte-Nord Region; and Perry Trimper, MHA Lake Melville and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. Employees, customers, suppliers, and local community members were also in attendance. The celebration also featured a musical performance from renowned Innu singer-songwriter Florent Vollant, honoring IOC’s Indigenous relations.

Notes to editors

IOC is a leading North American producer and exporter of premium iron ore pellets and high-grade concentrate. Its operations include a mine with five operational pits, a concentrator, and a pelletizing plant located near Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador. These facilities are situated in the Labrador Trough, a significant basin with rich deposits of high-grade iron ore. High-grade iron ore, crucial for green steelmaking and decarbonization, is now listed on Canada’s, Quebec’s, and Newfoundland and Labrador’s Critical Minerals Lists, underscoring its pivotal role in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

IOC’s impact extends beyond its 2023 production of 9.7 Mt. Last year, IOC contributed $384 million to the federal, provincial, and local economies, while also investing $1.12 million in community initiatives. With nearly 3,000 employees in Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec, Rio Tinto IOC remains an employer of choice in the Labrador West and Sept-Îles communities as it celebrates its 70th anniversary.

The origins of IOC trace back to 1929 when geologists James, Gill, Low, and Retty, under the guidance of Mathieu André and Francis Pinette, began exploring the Labrador Trough. By 1947, George Humphrey, who would later become IOC’s president, set a target to prospect 300 million tonnes of iron ore.

Latest News

Cargill moves to take full control of SJC Bionergia

(Posted on 07/02/25)

Cargill continues to advance its growth strategy in the Brazilian market and reinforces its investment... Read more


Anglo American completes sale of minority interest in Jellinbah for A$1.6 billion

(Posted on 31/01/25)

Anglo American plc has announced the completion of the sale of its 33.3% minority interest in Jellinbah... Read more


Rivera now MD of Cremer Erzkontor Mexico

(Posted on 30/01/25)

Rafael Rivera has been appointed the new Country Manager Mexico of the end-to-end raw materials supplier... Read more


Rio Tinto provides Iron Ore update following Tropical Cyclone Sean

(Posted on 24/01/25)

Tropical Cyclone Sean delivered record rain along parts of the Pilbara coastline of Western Australia... Read more


Rio Tinto shows greater consistency across key operations

(Posted on 19/01/25)

Rio Tinto has released fourth quarter production results. Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said: &ldquo... Read more


Trafigura publishes 2024 Sustainability Report

(Posted on 19/01/25)

Trafigura Group Pte Ltd. has published its 2024 Sustainability Report, highlighting the Group’... Read more


NGFA comments on US East and Gulf Coast port labour deal

(Posted on 10/01/25)

The International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. have... Read more


Vitol completes acquisition of Noble Resources

(Posted on 07/01/25)

Further to the announcement of 2nd August 2024, Vitol B.V.  has now completed the acquisition of... Read more


Rio Tinto progresses development of Quebec gallium extraction process

(Posted on 17/12/24)

As part of a research and development programme, Rio Tinto is assessing the potential for extracting... Read more


Trafigura publishes 2024 Annual Results

(Posted on 17/12/24)

Trafigura Group Pte Ltd, a market leader in the global commodities industry, has released results for... Read more


Port of StocktonTBA GroupTelestackTMS Awards 2023Van Aalst
  • Port of South Louisiana
  • Sailors Society
  • Cimbria

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping