Letters to the Editor No connection

I write to draw attention to an error (T.N.M., Feb. 12/90) in the article “Rio, Denison sue each other over Elliot Lake practices.” In the closing paragraph, the writer attributes the pending closure of our Quirke and Panel mines in Elliot Lake to “expiration of long-term contracts with Ontario Hydro.” In fact, the two mines are expected to close in the first half of 1991 when they have completed production under existing long-term contracts which are not with Hydro. Our third Elliot Lake mine, Stanleigh, is dedicated to production for a long-term contract with Ontario Hydro. We expect deliveries under that contract to extend for many years.

It is important that your readers know that the anticipated closure of the Quirke and Panel mines is in no way related to our contract with Ontario Hydro, and I would appreciate having this clarified. John Sparks Manager, Corporate Communications Rio Algom Ltd. Toronto, Ont.