British Columbia producers, gov't clash over adopting new pulp mill technology from Voith [From the web]

NANAIMO, BC, Aug. 10, 2011 (Local News) - The owners of Harmac pulp mill are interested in testing new technology that promises to drastically reduce production costs for B.C. mills, but transplanting the technology from German-based company Voith AG would require significant investment.

New Democrat MLAs say the province could become a world leader in pulp production, if the government would invest the $3.5 million. However, the technology is unproven and would not be a smart way to spend taxpayers' money, according to Pat Bell, Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Minister.

The new system reduces both power consumption and chemical waste, which would save companies money and allow mills to thrive, according to supporters of the project from the NDP camp. There had been a commitment of $10 million from the B.C. government when Catalyst paper mill in Port Alberni was negotiating about three years ago. That money was contingent on the federal government matching the funding, but those discussions failed.

Nanaimo Daily News - Parties clash over viability of new pulp-mill technology

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