[Ferro-Alloys.com] Spanish-owned FerroAtlántica Group is planning to invest $382 million to build its first silicon metal factory in North America in Port-Cartier, Que. on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River.

“FerroAtlántica sees silicon metal as a substance of the future and an opportunity, especially for Québec and the North Shore, to consolidate its singular expertise to position itself among this growth industry’s world leaders,” said the Group’s owner Juan-Miguel Villar Mir.

An environmental impact study beginning in June 2014 will mark the project’s first phase which requires a $215 million investment.

This project will create nearly 230 construction-related jobs and 175 direct jobs to produce 50,000 tonnes annually.

The three furnaces are slated for full operation by December 2017.

When all phases are completed, the FerroQuébec subsidiary will create 345 direct jobs and produce 100,000 tonnes per year.

Port-Cartier is accessible by boat, train and truck. It has readily available wood substance and holds immense promise for sustainable development using an integrated cogeneration component.

FerroAtlántica Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of Spain’s Villar Mir Group. FerroAtlántica is a producer of silicon metal, as well as manganese and ferrosilicon alloys.

They are used primarily in the automotive industry, silicone production, high-performance concrete and solar panel manufacturing.

Grupo Villar Mir is already involved in several projects in Canada, including the University of Montreal Hospital Centre, through its construction subsidiary, OHL. It is one of the world’s biggest hospitals currently under construction, with a budget of about $2 billion.

OHL has a 25 per cent stake in the concession and a 50 per cent stake in the construction work.

The group also holds a 50 per cent stake in the $400-million Toronto subway project, which includes a 3.5-km double tunnel and 600 surface parking spaces.

• [Editor:Yueleilei]