First train leaves Bloom Lake Iron Ore Mine

Quebec Iron Ore Inc. (QIO) announced last week that the first train loaded with 16,500 metric tons of high-grade 66 percent Fe iron concentrate left the Bloom Lake Iron Ore Mine near Fermont, Quebec.

The first train represents a "tangible step toward realizing Bloom Lake's potential to become a major supplier of high quality iron ore to global markets," QIO officials said in a press release. QIO is a subsidiary of Champion Iron Ltd.

QIO announced late last year that it would restart production at Bloom Lake. Operations began Feb. 16, ahead of schedule.

Last year, Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway Co. Inc. and Champion Iron QIO signed a contract for the transportation of iron ore concentrate generated from the mine.