New Millennium Iron Corporation announced that TATA Steel Minerals Canada Limited has awarded a general construction contract to Innu Municipal LP of Labrador City.

IML will mobilize immediately and start with foundation excavation. IML will be responsible for the general construction at the Timmins area, where the processing plant, offices, warehouse, maintenance shops and related infrastructure are to be installed under a 106 meters wide x 182 meters long dome with an apex height of 42 meters.

Mr Dean Journeaux president & CEO of NML said that "This important step brings us closer to achieve our goal of commencing shipments during the fourth quarter of 2012. The installation of the whole processing complex under a dome will provide controlled and efficient working conditions inside the building on a year round basis when completed."

The permit application for site excavation, the construction of the processing plant and related infrastructure has been approved by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, subject to customary conditions. TSMC is proceeding to satisfy these conditions. The order for the supply of the building structure has been placed with Big Span Structures based in Hernando in Florida. The space frame system will cover under one roof the entire processing complex as well as other installations such as offices, warehouse, laboratory, repair and maintenance shops. A year round climate controlled environment during operations will facilitate achieving a high plant operating efficiency and enhance productivity.

IML will commence the work of foundation installations and progressive erection of the dome so that the civil work related to the processing plant and ancillary facilities can continue during the winter. The dome is in fabrication with deliveries starting in December. TSMC has also started the procurement of long delivery process equipment in order to meet the schedule for production start up. The camp construction is nearing completion.