Aboriginal and Inuit Mining and Oil/Gas – Page 204

Vale and Hudbay: Mining under the microscope – Thompson Citizen Editorial (February 27, 2013)

March 4, 2013

The Thompson Citizen, which was established in June 1960, covers the City of Thompson and Nickel Belt Region of Northern Manitoba. The city has a population of about 13,500 residents while the regional population is more than 40,000. editor@thompsoncitizen.net

The fat is in the fire, as the old saying, dating back to at least the 16th century, goes. “I’m not surrendering my sovereignty for any more beads and trinkets. When mining companies come to our communities, the beads and trinkets of the past, jobs and training, that’s over,” aboriginal rights lawyer and academic Pam Palmater told about 100 people at an Idle No More – Northern Manitoba forum, co-sponsored by Churchill riding NDP MP Niki Ashton and the Thompson Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation (TNRC) at the USW Local 6166 Steel Centre Feb. 16. “We’re talking about sharing management ownership of the resource that belong to both treaty partners.”

The forum also featured speeches by NDP Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation Steve Ashton, and Clarence Pettersen, NDP MLA for Flin Flon. Palmater, a Mi’kmaq lawyer whose family originates from the Eel River Bar First Nation in northern New Brunswick, is an associate professor in the Department of Politics and Public Administration at Ryerson University in Toronto.

Palmater and Pettersen spoke of Pukatawagan Chief Arlen Dumas’ struggle with Hudbay over Lalor Mine near Snow Lake. Pettersen says while he supports Dumas and Idle No More – Northern Manitoba, he supports negotiations between Mathias Colomb Cree Nation and Hudbay over constructing, operating, and extracting resources from Lalor Mine at Snow Lake and does not support the self-styled “stop-work order” or any blockade, such as the one Jan. 28, of Lalor by Mathias Colomb Cree Nation or Idle No More – Northern Manitoba.

Aboriginal excellence to be honoured at PDAC – by Lindsay Kelly (Northern Ontario Business – March 1, 2013)

March 4, 2013

Established in 1980, Northern Ontario Business provides Canadians and international investors with relevant, current and insightful editorial content and business news information about Ontario’s vibrant and resource-rich North.

In the early days of the Klondike Gold Rush, Tagish prospector Skookum Jim was known for his perseverance and tenacity. The same attributes could easily be bestowed on Windigo Catering, which will receive an award named for the 19th-century miner at the Prospectors and Developers Association (PDAC) in March.

Windigo is the 2013 recipient of the PDAC’s Skookum Jim Award, which acknowledges Aboriginal achievement in the mining industry. It’s the first such accolade for the catering and janitorial service company based in Sioux Lookout, but likely won’t be the last.

In the last year, the company has continued to excel in its role providing catering and janitorial services at Goldcorp’s Musselwhite Mine northwest of Thunder Bay. Now the company is poised for growth, an exciting prospect, but one that’s slightly daunting, said Debbie Korobanik, general manager of Windigo’s parent company, Windigo Ventures General Partner.

“We’re just trying to keep the growth at a level where it’s still manageable,” Korobanik said. “Sometimes I worry about that. There’s lots going on.”

Ground-breaking [First Nation] partnership – by Kyle Gennings (Timmins Daily Press – February 28, 2013)

February 28, 2013

The Daily Press is the city of Timmins broadsheet newspaper.

TIMMINS – Local entrepreneurs had the opportunity to explore First Nations partnerships on Wednesday.

As part of the Timmins Chamber of Commerce’s Inisde Their Business series, guests were treated to a unique perspective on an emerging market by the man who has led the way in First Nations partnerships, Compass Carriers president Chris McKay.

Compass Carriers is a transportation company whose creation was made possible through a ground-breaking partnership between Mattagami First Nations and BazCorp Inc. and as a consultant, McKay helped to forge the already successful business venture.

“When the forestry industry took a downturn, our First Nation had no other choice but to look for an alternative to employ our skilled workforce,” he said. “This opportunity, which we created, took several years to come to fruition. It wasn’t something that we had to scramble to accommodate, it was something that took time and effort to build.”

In building this business venture, one of many that McKay has helped to create, the First Nation entered into some unfamiliar territory as it took its first step into modern business. “We had a skilled workforce trained to operate heavy equipment, which had been scattered all over the place in their search for work,” he said.

“We wanted to bring as much of that skilled work force back home as we laid the foundations that this company was built upon.”

EDITORIAL: Short-sighted blockades may have negative impact – by Ron Grech (Timmins Daily Press – February 27, 2013)

November 4, 2015February 27, 2013

The Daily Press is the city of Timmins broadsheet newspaper.

“The illegal blockade of the ice road to the Victor diamond mine drew
international attention, tarring the region with a sense of lawlessness
and economic risk for investors.” (Ron Grech – Timmins Daily Press)

TIMMINS – After being stalled for nearly three weeks because of blockades, De Beers says it may not be able to deliver a year’s worth of supplies required by the Victor diamond mine before the ice road begins to melt.

If that happens, the mine may be looking at temporary shutdowns and layoffs at some point during their normal operating season. That may pose a short-term problem that has long-term implications on the future of the mine.

The challenge is convincing De Beers’ decision-makers in South Africa the prospects in Attawapiskat are worth the trouble of investing in exploration to extend the life of the mine beyond 2018.

The illegal blockade of the ice road to the Victor diamond mine drew international attention, tarring the region with a sense of lawlessness and economic risk for investors.

Companies are never keen to invest millions of dollars in regions where vital business operations are interrupted, court orders are defied and community leaders regularly seek to re-negotiate terms of previously signed agreements.

NEWS RELEASE: SGX Resources Announces Exploration Agreement with Mattagami First Nation

February 27, 2013

(TSX-V: SXR) – Timmins, ON – February 26, 2013

SGX Resources Inc. (TSX-V: SXR), is pleased to report that the Company has signed an exploration agreement with Mattagami First Nation.

The Agreement recognizes the rights, obligations, and responsibilities held by each party in relation to ongoing exploration activities on claims held by the Company that are located in Mattagami traditional territory. The Agreement also identifies potential opportunities which may arise from exploration activities in these areas and provides methods for the Mattagami community to participate in these opportunities.

“SGX is proud of the relationship that has developed with Mattagami. This Agreement provides the foundation for the Company to continue pursuing exploration activities across many prospective targets in a manner that respects the traditional values of the community and ensures fair access to economic opportunities as they arise,” said Dale Ginn, President and Chief Executive Officer of SGX Resources Inc.

Mattagami First Nation Chief Walter Naveau stated, “SGX approached Mattagami First Nation in a proactive and respectful manner regarding exploration in our traditional territory. I look forward to a long, mutually beneficial relationship with SGX.”

Attawapiskat blockade ends peacefully – Lenny Carpenter (Wawatay News – February 26, 2013)

November 4, 2015February 27, 2013

http://wawataynews.ca/

A blockade of the 90-kilometre winter road leading to De Beers’ Victor diamond mine site near Attawapiskat ended on Feb. 22 after a Timmins judge ruled that it was illegal.

The group of community members who put up the blockade dismantled it after speaking with Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) liaison officers, who said they must enforce the court injunction filed by De Beers Canada and extended indefinitely by Ontario Superior Court Justice Robert Riopelle. A large force of OPP officers was ready to move in to remove the blockade.

Attawapiskat Acting Chief Christine Kataquapit said the blockade ended peacefully and no one was arrested. The blockade lasted for more than two weeks after a group of community members, cited issues with employment at the Victor Mine and the use of their traditional territory.

It was the second blockade after another small group blocked the road Feb. 4-6. The first blockade ended peacefully after the members reached an agreement with De Beers officials and community leaders.

The winter road, which runs from the Victor site to Attawapiskat, is a critical line for De Beers to ship in fuel, equipment and supplies from Moosonee that would be otherwise be more costly or impractical to bring in by air.

B.C.’s mineral exploration laws are progressive – by Gavin Dirom (Vancouver Sun – February 21, 2013

February 26, 2013

http://www.vancouversun.com/index.html

Far from being ‘antiquated,’ regulations have been updated as recently as July 2012

Gavin C. Dirom is the president and chief executive officer of the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia (AME BC).

The mineral exploration and development industry in British Columbia has continually evolved, changing its practices and updating regulations in both reasonable and practical ways based on sound facts and information.

Industry’s approach is in contrast to the incomplete set of facts and fearmongering it sees from some special-interest groups with a narrow agenda. A recent Vancouver Sun opinion piece by Sarah Cox from Sierra Club B.C. and Jessica Clogg from West Coast Environmental Law is the latest example. The Jan. 30 article contained a disappointing number of errors and omissions about B.C.’s mineral exploration laws and the industry today.

Consider their description of B.C.’s mineral tenure legislation as “antiquated,” and from the 19th century. In fact, B.C.’s Mineral Tenure Act and Regulations were significantly amended in 2005 and again in July 2012. These laws are regularly updated and considered a model for other jurisdictions around the world. Moreover, converting mineral tenure to a mining lease is very far from an automatic process. It is a modern and highly regulated process based on common sense — and it’s already in place.

[Thunder Bay’s] Fort William First Nation prepares for mining opportunities – by Karen McKinley (Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal – February 26, 2013)

February 26, 2013

Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal is the daily newspaper of Northwestern Ontario.

A mining boom is coming to Northwestern Ontario and one First Nation is eager to encourage business ties for everyone in the region.

Fort William First Nation is hosting a mining conference March 25-26 to allow companies, businesses and anyone interested to meet and discuss potential employment they could share with the region. Several mining companies are to attend, as well as speakers and training organizations to encourage people to consider a career in the sector.
The event is free and open to the public.

“We are having this conference because we want to be ahead of the game,” Walter Bannon, Fort William First Nation communication and research officer, said in an interview on Monday. “A study from Lakehead University shows there will be around nine mines operational in Northwestern Ontario in the next five to seven years.”

Bannon said the community and region want to be prepared for eventual business and employment opportunities.
The conference is being presented from the point of view of First Nations, but it is open to all interested in getting involved in the mining industry.

The First Nation has also invited the District Catholic School Board, Confederation College, Lakehead Public Schools and Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School to bring students to the conference. The goal is to show students who may want to find work in mining what courses they need.

Judge cautions De Beers about suing blockaders – by Ron Grech (Timmins Daily Press – February 25, 2013)

November 4, 2015February 26, 2013

The Daily Press is the city of Timmins broadsheet newspaper.

TIMMINS – A Timmins judge urged De Beers Canada Monday to give careful consideration before launching into any lawsuits against the demonstrators who blockaded the ice road leading to the Victor diamond mine.

“I would think twice about that,” Superior Court Judge Robert Riopelle told De Beers lawyer Neal Smitheman when asked about opportunities to determine costs and file an application to sue for damages. “I think relationships between you and community members are very good probably right now but it may sour somewhat if you do something like that.”

Despite the peaceful resolution to the blockade reached Friday night, Smitheman said it may be impossible for De Beers to deliver all the fuel, equipment and supplies it needs for the year before the ice road begins to melt.

De Beers typically requires 30 days to truck all of its supplies within a 45-day period when the ice road is operational. However, as a result of two separate blockades, De Beers has lost nearly three weeks to get the job done.

During a teleconference meeting that was held in open court Monday, Smitheman enquired about making written submissions to the court about costs to the company as a result of the blockade.

“If you still want to go ahead with that,” Riopelle said with a note of reservation, “bring your motion within the next 30 days, co-ordinate it with the trial co-ordinator to make sure we have a day and time for it” then make sure all the defendants are served with the notice in person.

Blockade ends in Attawapiskat – by Ron Grech (Timmins Daily Press – February 25, 2013)

November 4, 2015February 25, 2013

The Daily Press is the city of Timmins broadsheet newspaper.

ATTAWAPISKAT – A peaceful resolution has been reached in Attawapiskat as the blockade to the Victor diamond mine was taken down by demonstrators late Friday night.

A large number of provincial police officers were on their way to the blockade to enforce a judge’s order to have the barricades removed but no formal action by police was required as the barricade was no longer in place, Const. Marc Depatie, communications officer with the provincial police in South Porcupine, told The Daily Press Sunday.

“The protestors appear to have voluntarily complied with the Superior Court Order without further incident.”

Depatie said “teams of officers” were deployed from detachments throughout the region from Hearst south to Black River-Matheson. There was also an emergency response team that was deployed from Thunder Bay. Unconfirmed reports from Attawapiskat indicated there were about 40 Ontario Provincial Police officers in the area.

The OPP will remain in the area, continuing to patrol the ice road to ensure access to the Victor mine remains open, Depatie said. When asked about the voluntary removal of the barricades by the demonstrators, Depatie noted, “The judge was rather direct and articulate when he handed down his instructions” to police and “what the inevitable outcome would be if the protesters persisted with the blockade.”

Cliffs plays political waiting game – by Ian Ross (Northern Ontario Business – February 22, 2013)

February 22, 2013

Established in 1980, Northern Ontario Business provides Canadians and international investors with relevant, current and insightful editorial content and business news information about Ontario’s vibrant and resource-rich North. Ian Ross is the editor of Northern Ontario Business ianross@nob.on.ca.

Cliffs Natural Resources could scale back into its spending in the Ring of Fire if “uncertainties” associated with its chromite mine project in the James Bay lowlands aren’t ironed out with Queen’s Park.

With provincial negotiations in a stalemate, the Cleveland-based miner is re-evaluating this year’s budget to advance its $3.3-billion Black Thor chromite project. The company has set aside $60 million to complete its feasibility study of its proposed open pit mine, roughly 500 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay.

“I can’t really go to the board of directors and ask to them to move out of the feasibility phase of the project until we’ve wrapped up some of these uncertainties,” said Bill Boor, Cliffs’ president of ferroalloys.

While Boor remained confident the feasibility study will be wrapped up as planned by late summer, some next-phase construction moves may be put on hold. “What’s possible is we might demobilize some of that effort and not be prepared to move into execution at the end of feasibilty.”

Business savvy: Wabun First Nation communities establishing successful mining ventures – by Liz Cowan (Northern Ontario Business – February 2013)

February 22, 2013

Wabun First Nation communities are reaping the benefits of a mining boom by establishing successful business ventures in the service industry.

“We are starting to see some real business-like profit and the regular capitalistic type of progress that the other communities have enjoyed,” said Jason Batise, economic development and technical services advisor for Wabun Tribal Council. “For too long, our communities sat and watched other communities be successful.”

The council is headquartered in Timmins and serves the communities of Beaverhouse, Brunswick House, Chapleau Ojibwe, Flying Post, Matachewan and Mattagami.

Matachewan First Nation, located west of Kirkland Lake, has created some successful platforms, including a venture that provides temporary housing for Aurico employees at its nearby Young-Davidson Mine. The company, Ednysian, provides a 300-bed facility with full meal service and housekeeping.

“Ednysian is Ojibway for a place to be when you are not home,” he said. “It has been an extremely successful business model and is profitable and I think our service is great.”

Attawapiskat protestors hurting First Nations with lawless blockade of De Beers mine – by Jonathan Kay (National Post – February 22, 2013)

November 4, 2015February 22, 2013

The National Post is Canada’s second largest national paper.

Canadian politicians and First Nations leaders all agree that economic development will be critical for raising the living standards of Canada’s native population. In many cases, this will mean bringing large, multinational corporations onto traditional native lands — because only these companies have the resources and expertise necessary to develop mines and other capital-extensive resource-extraction operations.

Unfortunately, as the example of Attawapiskat shows, the situation in and around many reserves actively repels that kind of investment.

Large, risk-averse companies won’t invest in areas of the country where the local population doesn’t respect Canadian laws — or even obey local band chiefs. Militant native protesters in these areas may think they’re striking a blow for economic empowerment. But all they’re really doing is reinforcing the stereotype that native tribes aren’t responsible business partners.

The De Beers Victor Mine, located in the lowlands 90 km west of the James Bay Cree community of Attawapiskat, cost $1-billion to create. Before a single diamond particle was extracted, the company negotiated impact benefit agreements (IBAs) with four local communities — including Attawapiskat.

Clement steps in [to the Ring of Fire] – Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal (February 22, 2013)

February 22, 2013

Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal is the daily newspaper of Northwestern Ontario.

MINERS have tried. The Ontario government has tried. Now it’s the federal government’s turn to search for a way through the minefields hampering development of Northern Ontario’s highly-promising Ring of Fire mineral deposits. Ottawa appears to have given up hope that players already at the table can agree on how to proceed. Many discussions to date have been acrimonious as mining groups, First Nations and provincial representatives grappled with staking rights versus treaty rights. Exploration teams have been ordered off land claimed by First Nations.

The province has tried and, in most cases, failed to facilitate agreements on issues that fall under its jurisdiction. There are notable exceptions but the success stories are fewer than the harsh disagreements over who can do what, where and when.

Prime Minister Harper this week assigned Tony Clement, Minister for the Federal Economic Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor) to broker environmental, industrial, transportation and other issues alongside the expectations of First Nations. He must respect court decisions around the duty to consult those communities and be mindful of the fact this isn’t solely his responsibility.

While both senior governments have aboriginal, infrastructure, resources and northern development departments, Queen’s Park governs the central issue of land use while Ottawa bears responsibility for lands under treaty. In this case, it’s much the same land.

OPP inaction [on De Beers roadblock] results in ‘lawless’ north – by Brian Lilley (Toronto Sun – Feburary 22, 2013)

November 4, 2015February 22, 2013

Above Commentary by Ezra Levant on February 21, 2013

http://www.torontosun.com/home

Lawyers for the Ontario Provincial Police will appear in court Friday to provide excuses for their inaction in enforcing a court order near the De Beers diamond mine in Northern Ontario.

There are no excuses, and in my view the police force, including OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis, should be cited for contempt. This all stems from a half-dozen protesters from the Attawapiskat First Nation who decided to blockade the winter road that services the mine.

The road is used for resupplying the work site with fuel and equipment too heavy to fly in.

“Due to the blockade, we have lost a total of 14 of the available 20 days to deliver the critical freight and fuel to resupply the mine,” De Beers said in a statement. “Should we not be able to complete the program as planned, we are concerned for the health and safety of our employees at site and the future of our mine.”