In 1959 the Canada Tungsten Mining Corporation was formed to develop the rich deposit of Scheelite which had been discovered past the Northwest Territories border. This immense deposit of tungsten-bearing ore is the largest in the free world.
Located at the headwaters of the flat river. The area is remote and difficult to reach. With a primitive landing strip providing the only means of access. In 1961 an aerial reconnaissance was carried out. And later that year, without any further survey work, construction started on the Cantung Road, as it is commonly called. Construction was completed in 1963.
It is a narrow and winding gravel road with limited visibility, one lane bridges and steep grades.