Sugar Zone mine provides a boost for White River

WHITE RIVER, ON — Ontario Premier Doug Ford was invited to officiate at the official opening of the province's newest gold mine today.

Harte Gold Corp. last month announced it was starting full-scale operations at its Sugar Zone mine, 40 kilometres northeast of White River.

Last week it announced it had conducted the first gold pour at the mine.

The company says Sugar Zone is currently expected to operate for at least 12 years, providing jobs for close to 200 people.

It is Ontario's first new high-grade gold mine in over 10 years.

Premier Ford was scheduled to deliver remarks at the opening ceremony Wednesday afternoon.

White River Mayor Angelo Bazzoni, fresh off his election victory on Monday, said he's "thrilled and excited" by the development.

Bazzoni added that he's impressed by Harte Gold. "You couldn't ask for a better organization there...the management people, the investors, the contractors."