McGuinty Government Balances Industry and Aboriginal Interests
NEWS
March 29, 2012
Ontario has reached an agreement with Toronto-based junior mineral exploration company God’s Lake Resources (GLR) to surrender its mining lease and claims near the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) First Nation.
In keeping with the agreement, GLR has surrendered its mining lease and claims, north of Red Lake in Northwestern Ontario. The lands are now subject to the Province’s recent withdrawal from staking and mineral exploration in the area.
It was the ministry’s goal to see KI and GLR work together to build a positive relationship. This settlement responds to KI’s concerns, while allowing GLR to move forward with mineral exploration in other parts of the province in the future.
QUOTES
“Our government is committed to assisting companies move forward with exploration and development in Ontario and continuing to meet our duty to consult. With mineral exploration investment in Ontario reaching an historic $1 billion, clearly, there are excellent economic opportunities for all affected parties, including First Nations communities, who are interested in benefitting from our successful mining industry.”
— Rick Bartolucci, Minister of Northern Development and Mines
QUICK FACTS
- Ontario is responsible for managing Crown lands and the natural resources of the province. At the same time, Ontario is committed to meeting its constitutional obligations to Aboriginal peoples.
- Ontario will pay GLR $3.5 million in return for surrendering its lease and claims in the Red Lake area.