Chief Derek Orr ( centre in red tie) joins local and Provincial politicians to cut the ribbon at mill opening – photo submitted

Mackenzie, B.C.-  There  was cause for celebration this afternoon in Mackenzie as Duz Cho Forest Products official  opened its new cant mill.

The mill  was built with used  equipment from across Canada.   With  the mill line outside (protected by an overhang of the building)  combustible  dust issues are avoided . Sawdust  will be  sold to the Mackenzie pulp mill.

The mill employs 28 people,  most of them  First Nations.

“This is a very innovative mill” says Minister of Forests Steve Thomson ” They are utilizing fibre other mills are not using.”  The mill will use beetle kill logs, or smaller diameter logs to create the cants.

While the mill line is outside,  Thomson says the operations will  carry on year ’round.

“Through the Duz Cho mill, we are able to transform wood that isn’t wanted by other manufacturers in the area” says McLeod Lake Indian Band Chief Derek Orr, “Processing this material has a significant positive impact on forest health by getting the forest replanted sooner. It also improves utilization on the land base. These are both critical issues for McLeod Lake Indian Band and a reflection of our values and commitment to our future.”

The mill already has a market for its product  with  exports to China, the Middle East, and  some to the United States.