The Minister of Natural Resources of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador authorized Consolidated Thompson Iron Mines Limited to transport an extra 8 million tons of iron ore concentrate per year over the Bloom Lake railway. This will bring the overall tonnage of iron ore concentrate shipped by CLM to 16 million tns/yr. Construction for the company’s new facilities will begin before the year is finished and CLM has commenced its proposal to expand its capacity for mining operations at Bloom Lake, to be completed the end of 2012. In the first quarter of 2011, the company intends to achieve a rate of production equaling 8 million tns/yr.