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The province’s Industrial Electricity Incentive is helping expand two local mines and create 75 jobs.

Alamos Gold Inc. is expanding their operation, as is St. Andrews Goldfields.  Energy Minister, Bob Chiarelli was in Timmins to make the announcement and recognize the work being done by both mines.

Alamos mine manger, Luc Guimond says the Young-Davidson site near Timmins is primes for expansion and the Industrial Electricity Incentive (IEI) will help reduce costs dramatically.

“It’s going to allows to increase our capacity of 6,000 tonnes per day and take it 8,000 tonnes per day. Our maine users of electricity are main components of the underground operations, the ventilation, our  detwatering pumping requirements as well as our hoisting requirements.”

Maenwhile, St. Andrews Goldfields is expanding an underground mine near Matheson, with productions set for the end of 2016.

Chiarelli admitted Ontario may never have the competitive electricity rates of Quebec or Manitoba but says thanks to many incentive programs like IEI.

“This IEI program is part our Government’s commitment to support a dynamic and innovative business climate where businesses can thrive and succeed.”

“Northern Ontario is among the lowest in energy charges, I believe fourth lowest when you take into account our Near Program and other programs available.”

Chiarelli says a mild winter also meant a 2.5% increase in energy prices and says four other provinces had it worse than here. He also stated, Ontario is staying competitive with pricing even after taking out 25% of its generation through the elimination on burning coal and switching to nuclear power.