Al Chislett, co-discoverer of Voisey's Bay, dies at 69

Al Chislett, the co-discoverer of the massive Voisey's Bay nickel deposit in northern Labrador, has died in St. John's at the age of 69.

Chislett, who with Christopher Verbiskidiscovered Voisey's Bay in 1993, had been battling cancer. Before he died, he had been receiving care at the Miller Centre in St. John's.

He was originally from Heart's Delight-Islington but later lived in Conception Bay South.

The nickel deposit atVoisey'sBay proved to beone of Canada's most substantial mineral discoveries.

The two men, who co-owned prospecting company Archean Resources,found the deposit while working for Diamond Fields Resources Ltd., which was later acquired by Inco Ltd.

The discovery triggered a bidding war between several companies, both Canadian and international, with Inco being the ultimate winner. Inco later was bought by mining conglomerate Vale.

Chislett and Verbiskisold their royalty interest in the mine in 2005for $180 million, as well as amillion shares of a new mining royalty company.

In 1997Chislettco-foundedthe Newfoundland and Labrador Party as a provincial party, but it petered out after a few years when members left and interest waned.