Update on heavy rains affecting QNS&L Railway

SEPT-ÎLES, LABRADOR CITY, ST-JOHN'S and MONTRÉAL, Dec. 17 /CNW Telbec/ - Since Wednesday evening, our teams have been working day and night to clean and repair the significant damage to more than 40 kilometres of the QNS&L Railway. This is due to recent extreme rain and wind and has resulted in suspension of rail operations.

Our initial assessment is that rail operations will be disrupted for approximately 14 days as we perform the necessary work for safe recovery, assuming stable weather conditions and no unforeseen events. We are undertaking repairs from the north and the south, in accordance with environmental rules and regulations.

Production operations in Labrador City have not been affected and we have sufficient finished product stockpile capacity on site until railway activities resume. Sept-Îles resumed shipping on Wednesday after a 24 hour loading stoppage.

It is anticipated that customer sales will not be impacted for the month of December.

About IOC

IOC is the largest manufacturer of iron ore pellets in Canada and its customer base covers North American, European and Asian steel producers. The Company operates a mine, concentrator and pelletizing plant in Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as port facilities located in Sept-Îles, Quebec. It also operates a 418-kilometre railroad that links the mine to the port. IOC has approximately 2,200 employees. Its shareholders are Mitsubishi Corporation (26.18%), Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation (15.10%) and the international mining group Rio Tinto, majority shareholder (58.72%) and operator, which has activities in more than 40 countries throughout the world.

For further information:

Arlène Beaudin,
Advisor, External Relations
Phone: [phone] ext. 7792