The Canadian province of Ontario is inviting companies to tender to exploit a total of 11 million m³ of timber from its Crown forest.
The material comprises logs, branches and other wood co-product and tenders are expected to include proposals to use it for biofuel and wood composites, as well as sold timber products. Of the total, 7.7 million m3 is classed as mercantible roundwood, and 3.3 million m3 non-mercantible material suitable for wood energy and other co-product uses.
The competition is open to existing forest companies interested in “expanding their wood supply or exploring new markets and business opportunities”.
The Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry (NDMF) is also interested to hear from forest businesses “with facilities that are currently idle, to demonstrate their commitment to reopen and resume use of wood supplies”.
NDMF minister Michael Gravelle said that criteria for tenders include incorporating a strategy for providing “aboriginal opportunities”.
“Currently within Ontario’s managed forests there is an existing wood supply that is not being used,” he said. “By putting this wood to work, Ontario can move towards a strong, diversified forest sector, with an initiative that will bring new investment into the region and create jobs in northern, rural and aboriginal communities.”
At the last report, 131 bids had been submitted, with a number from European countries, including the UK.
Proposals must be submitted by March 4, 2010 and further details can be found on the NDMF website.
