Frood-Stobie Mine: A Legacy of Nickel Production in Sudbury
Located in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, the Frood-Stobie Mine stands as a significant landmark in the history of Canadian mining. Named after Thomas Frood—a federal employee of the department of Crown lands who staked many of the region's early claims—the mine's influence extends beyond industry, with a major city arterial road also bearing his name.
Key Facts
- Location: Greater Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.
- Primary Resource: Nickel.
- WWII Contribution: Provided 40% of all nickel used in Allied artillery production.
- Royal Visits: Visited by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (1939), and Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip (1959).
- Operational Status: Production suspended at the end of 2012.
Corporate Evolution and Amalgamation
Before January 1, 1929, the Frood Mine was operated by two separate entities: the International Nickel Company of Canada and the Mond Nickel Company. Because these companies held adjoining claims to the same ore body, their operations were closely linked. The Mond mine specifically faced challenges with its hanging wall—the rock mass that lies above an inclined ore deposit.
Recognizing the immense synergies available through a merger, Robert C. Stanley and Alfred Mond agreed to amalgamate their respective companies, fusing them into the International Nickel Company of Canada.
War Effort and Royal Recognition
The Frood Mine played a critical role during the Second World War. Its output was vital to the global conflict, accounting for 40% of the total nickel utilized in the production of Allied artillery. This strategic importance brought the mine to the attention of the British monarchy.
The site hosted two significant royal visits: first on June 6, 1939, by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, and later in 1959 by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
Safety Records and Operational Challenges
The mine's history regarding occupational health and safety has been a mixture of acclaim and tragedy. In 1989, the Frood Mine shared the John T. Ryan Trophy, an award recognizing the best occupational safety record among Canadian mines for the preceding year.
However, a fatal accident occurred on June 8, 2011, at the Stobie Mine. Two miners were killed on the 900-metre (3000 ft) level when they were struck by a run of muck—a sudden flow of fragmented ore—at an ore pass. Following this event, Vale Limited pleaded guilty to three safety-related counts and was fined $1,050,000 by the Ontario Ministry of Labour under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Closure and Summary
In 2012, Vale Limited announced that production at the mine would be suspended by the end of the year, citing falling prices as a primary driver for the decision.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Mineral | Nickel |
| Key Former Operators | International Nickel Company of Canada, Mond Nickel Company, Vale Limited |
| Major Achievement | 40% of Allied artillery nickel (WWII) |
| Safety Award | John T. Ryan Trophy (1989) |
| Closure Date | End of 2012 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Thomas Frood?
Thomas Frood was an employee of the federal department of Crown lands who prospected and staked many of the early mining claims in the Greater Sudbury area.
Why did the International Nickel Company and Mond Nickel Company merge?
The companies merged because they held adjoining claims to the same ore body and the Mond mine was experiencing issues with its hanging wall, making corporate amalgamation more efficient.
What was the mine's contribution during World War II?
The Frood Mine was essential to the war effort, producing 40% of all the nickel used in the production of artillery for the Allied forces.
What led to the $1,050,000 fine for Vale Limited?
The fine was imposed by the Ontario Ministry of Labour after Vale pleaded guilty to three counts related to mine safety following the deaths of two miners in June 2011.
When did the mine stop production?
Vale Limited announced in 2012 that production would be suspended at the end of that year due to falling prices.