Aboriginal and Inuit Mining and Oil/Gas – Page 216

Ontario negotiating to build Ring of Fire toll road – by Shawn Bell (Wawatay News – September 13, 2012)

September 14, 2012

Northern Ontario’s First Nations Voice: http://wawataynews.ca/

The Ontario government has confirmed it is planning to help build and operate a pay-per-use road to connect the Ring of Fire mining development to the existing highway grid.

A government spokesperson told Wawatay News that the province is “committed to sharing the cost” of building an all-season road to the Ring of Fire, and that discussions continue over how Ontario plans to recoup its investment in the road.

“It could be a toll, it could be a monthly invoice,” Ministry of Northern Development and Mines spokesperson Andrew Morrison said of the pay-per-use plan for the access road. “It’s difficult to characterize how a payment system would work at this point.”

According to a Noront Resources press release on Sept. 4, Ontario has assured the mining industry that all industrial users would be permitted to use the access road, which was proposed as part of Cliffs’ Ring of Fire chromite project. Noront also noted that the road plan involved some sort of toll for companies to pay-per-use.

Aroland diamond agreement a result of ‘taking time to listen,’ says Debut CEO – by Chris Kornacki (Wawatay News – September 13, 2012)

September 14, 2012

Northern Ontario’s First Nations Voice: http://wawataynews.ca/

A diamond exploration company that recently completed an exploration agreement with Aroland First Nation says taking the time to build a respectful relationship was key to the deal.

Chris Meraw, President of Debut Diamonds, told Wawatay News the agreement proves that if companies take the time to get agreements in place with First Nations, both sides can benefit.

“We knew that the modernization of the Mining Act is under process and that you are going to need an agreement with the First Nation in order to use mechanized equipment on their traditional land,” Meraw said. “And we’ve always had a great respect for treaty rights and have built a tremendous relationship with the chief and community.

“The agreement is the result of both sides taking time to listen and discuss and reach an agreement that will benefit everyone,” Meraw said. “If you don’t talk, don’t consult and don’t communicate you’re really not moving ahead in any reasonable way.”

The agreement between Aroland and Debut was just one of two exploration agreements Aroland signed in August. The First Nation also signed an agreement with White Tiger Mining, a German exploration company, giving the company access to explore for gold, copper and silver on its Marshall Lake property 30kms west of Nakina.

MP foresees fiery clash [mining and First Nations]- by Ron Grech (Timmins Daily Press – September 12, 2012)

September 13, 2012

The Daily Press is the city of Timmins broadsheet newspaper.

TIMMINS – MP Charlie Angus (NDP — Timmins-James Bay) foresees a clash between First Nations and mining companies within the Ring of Fire. He believes the federal government has a role to play in helping to prevent it.

“We could end up with clashes on the ground and it seems to be a lot opportunity to have conflict over this,” Angus said Wednesday. “I’ve talked to First Nations and I’ve talked to mining companies in the North who are both very frustrated about the fact when it comes to these negotiations, the feds are not at the table.

“We need to be partners together for development. What we want to see is the feds sitting down at the table” along with the province, First Nation communities and mining companies. The Daily Press asked Angus about building tensions within the James Bay lowlands during a wide-ranging interview on Wednesday in advance of the fall session of parliament which begins Monday.

Among the key concerns for Angus is the plan to increase size of the Timmins-James Bay federal riding which is already larger than some European countries.

Pickle Lake pushes east-west Ring of Fire route – by Bryan Meadows (Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal – September 13, 2012)

September 13, 2012

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

The Township of Pickle Lake wants the province to reconsider its support for a proposed north-south road corridor to Nakina from the Ring of Fire mining camp.

“The businesses in our community stand to lose 30 to 40 per cent of their business due to the north-south route decision,” Mayor Roy Hoffman said Wednesday. “The impact of this could potentially put these businesses ‘out of business’ and put extreme pressure on a community that is already struggling to survive.”

Hoffman explained that a north-south route would impact a supply chain developed over decades through Pickle Lake, which acts as a distribution point for building supplies, fuel, groceries, mail and medical supplies.

“To fundamentally change the flow of traffic to (remote) First Nation communities will have a negative economic impact on the community,” he said, noting that the community prefers that a north-south rail line be constructed to get minerals to market from the Ring of Fire, south to Nakina and the CN Railway main line.

NEWS RELEASE: Greenstone confirmed as Gateway to the Ring of Fire

September 12, 2012

(Greenstone, Sept. 12, 2012) “More and more it is becoming clear that the Municipality of Greenstone is emerging as the gateway to the Ring of Fire.” These words were used by Greenstone Mayor, Renald Beaulieu, while briefing Councillors on recent developments concerning the Municipality.

The first development is the Noront Resources (NR) announcement that their “base case” is predicated on transporting Ring of Fire ore using the proposed North-South Corridor (with a southern terminus in Greenstone’s Nakina ward. The second is that the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) is now considering an East of Lake Nipigon transmission corridor.

When commenting on NR’s decision to transport ore on the planned north-south road, the Mayor said, “For decades, Nakina was viewed as the end of the road, but increasingly it seems that Nakina, a proud part of Greenstone, will soon be seen as the start of the road.”

Adding greatly to the Mayor’s enthusiasm was the low key, yet pivotal, news that the Northwest Ontario First Nations Transmission Planning Committee (NOFNTPC) has been informed by the OPA that the OPA is now studying an East side of Lake Nipigon transmission line.

Martin Falls signs Ring of Fire agreement with Ontario – by Lenny Carpenter (Wawatay News – September 7, 2012)

September 8, 2012

Northern Ontario’s First Nations Voice: http://wawataynews.ca/

Marten Falls First Nation and the Ontario government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Sept. 7. The agreement signifies a working relationship where the two parties will work to ensure minimal environmental impacts as a result of mining development in the Ring of Fire.

Signed in Marten Falls by Chief Eli Moonias, Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci and Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle, the MOU addresses the employment, economic development and environmental impacts of any Ring of Fire projects in the First Nation’s traditional territory.

In a media release, Moonias said the Ring of Fire is an opportunity for the community to work towards the implementation of Treaty 9, which their ancestors signed with mutual benefits for all parties, including an annual payment of $4 for all band members.

“Needless to say, the environment has no price tag,” he said. “Therefore, development will proceed only if the environmental assessment process is thorough and with the full participation of Marten Falls First Nation.”

Honourable Joe Oliver – Canadian Minister of Natural Resources Speech at Canaccord Genuity Corporation (Toronto – September 4, 2012)

September 5, 2012

Please check against delivery

“Natural Resources: Canada’s Advantage, Canada’s Opportunity”

Introduction

Thanks very much, David, and thanks to everyone for joining us.

It’s something of an occasion today, because I have some impressive new numbers from Canada’s natural resource sector to share with Canadians. And this is a great place to announce it, in the heart of Toronto’s financial services industry, which has contributed so much to Canadian capital formation, industrial growth and prosperity for Canadians across the country.

We all know that natural resources have been a key driver of Canada’s economy for decades. There’s good reason for that. This country has a tremendous natural wealth: huge capacities and reserves of energy, including the third-largest proven oil reserves in the world. We have tremendous hydroelectric capacity, massive tracts of forests and an abundance of minerals and metals. Of course, it’s not enough to have the resources.

You have to do something with them and very few people have capitalized on their natural bounty the way Canadians have. Only five countries produce more oil than we do.

Bartolucci ‘very, very excited’ about the Ring of Fire – by Shawn Bell (Wawatay News – September 4, 2012)

September 5, 2012

Northern Ontario’s First Nations Voice: http://wawataynews.ca/

Concerns that Ontario is planning to give a special ministerial exemption to Cliffs Natural Resources so that the American company can export raw ore from the Ring of Fire out of Canada were raised in the provincial legislature Aug. 28.

The MPP for Timmins-James Bay who brought up the issue was left scratching his head over Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci’s response.

On Aug. 28 NDP MPP Gilles Bisson asked Bartolucci whether the government is “in any way in discussions with Cliffs resources to sign a ministerial permit allowing ore to be shipped out of Canada?” Instead of answering the question, Bartolucci explained the government’s position on the mining development.

“We are very, very excited about the Ring of Fire,” Bartolucci said in his response. “There are several aspects that the government is speaking to Cliffs about, which will be no surprise to the member from Timmins–James Bay, because we were very, very excited. I think members on both sides of the House were very, very excited when Cliffs decided that they were going to build their processing plant in Ontario.”

Neskantaga will ‘continue to fight’ Ring of Fire despite court ruling – Shawn Bell (Wawatay News – August 31, 2012)

September 1, 2012

Northern Ontario’s First Nations Voice: http://wawataynews.ca/

Neskantaga Chief Peter Moonias says his community will continue to fight to slow down the Ring of Fire, just days after Ontario’s Mining Commissioner ruled against the First Nation on it’s case targeting a north-south road to the development.

Moonias also told Wawatay News that he remains committed to laying down his life to block a bridge being built over the Attawapiskat River.

“We will continue to fight, (with) whatever means we can,” Moonias said. “And I will stand by what I said before. I am not backing down on it, regardless of what Cliffs will do in there. I’m not backing down a bit. My people are prepared to do that. We are serious when we say something.”

The Ontario Mining Commissioner, Linda Kamerman, dismissed Neskantaga court case in a decision released Aug. 24. Neskantaga had gone to the mining court attempting to be named a landholder in a dispute over mining claims between Cliffs Natural Resources and Canada Chrome Corporation (CCC).

Harper sees job creation as key to solving Far North’s problems – by Barbara Yaffe (Vancouver Sun – August 28, 2012)

August 30, 2012

The Vancouver Sun, a broadsheet daily paper first published in 1912, has the largest circulation in the province of British Columbia.

To combat harshness of life north of 60, Ottawa promotes natural resources development – and work it creates – as cure for what ails region

Stephen Harper shifted tone last week on his seventh annual foray to the Far North, talking less about national sovereignty and more about job creation. With most Canadians aware the north is not under any great foreign threat, the PM used the trip to focus more on northerners, promoting his ubiquitous jobs and growth strategy.

The region, which accounts for 40 per cent of Canada’s land mass, is becoming ever more high profile, with gradual melting opening up more economic opportunities. Resource exploitation, tour-ism and shipping are set to expand, and are bound to shine a bigger spotlight on those living in the region.

Northern residents are spread out across a vast terrain, with a population no bigger than that of Kelowna, at 117,000. More than half are aboriginal.

NEWS RELEASE: Neskantaga First Nation Will Continue to Fight the Construction of a Road to the Ring of Fire in the Wake of an Ontario Mining Commission Court Decision that Up-holds the Community’s Right to Consultation.

August 29, 2012

For Immediate Release

Thunder Bay, August 29, 2012 – The Ontario Mining Commission court handed down a decision on a case that had involved Neskantaga First Nation last week. The community had hoped the decision would prevent Cliffs Natural Resources from building a road or rail line across the Attawapiskat River to the proposed site of the company’s Ring of Fire (ROF) chromite mine. However, the Commission determined that their decision only concerns whether Canada Chrome should have to share the surface rights of the proposed easement with Cliffs Natural Resources and thus does not affect Neskantaga’s interest.

“The decision is both good and bad for us,” said Chief Peter Moonias of Neskantaga First Nation. “On one hand the Commission won’t make a decision about stopping the road, but on the other hand it has strongly acknowledged our First Nation’s right to be consulted.”

The Commission emphasized that its decision will not result in the grant of the road easement to Cliffs. It is only a decision that tries to determine whether there is a reason that Canada Chrome should not be compelled to share any surface rights with Cliffs. Once that decision is made, it will then fall to the Minister to decide if the easement should actually be granted.

NEWS RELEASE: KWG Files for Aggregate Permits [Ring of Fire railroad right-of-way]

August 28, 2012

TORONTO, ONTARIO – (Aug. 28, 2012) – The KWG Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE:KWG) (“KWG”) subsidiary Canada Chrome Corporation has filed applications with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) for thirty-two aggregate permits at sites that are located within the mineral claims covering the company’s 308 kilometre-long railroad right-of-way. The sites were identified and investigated by Golder Associates during initial assessment work conducted for engineering feasibility studies as previously reported. The sites are located along the proposed route for KWG’s railway to the Ring of Fire region, and may provide material for the construction of the planned railbed. An environmental assessment and consultation with affected parties have not yet been concluded.

“In our meetings with Matawa First Nations Management Inc. officers and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency to review our draft Project Description, we have indicated our preference that the consultation requirements and protocols be developed in their entirety by the affected First Nations, to ensure the adequacy of the process,” said KWG President Frank Smeenk. “To make that exercise meaningful, we felt that the physical consequences of the development should be described as fully as possible within the regulatory framework. For that reason we have prepared and filed preliminary aggregate borrowing plans to enable a relatively more informed determination of consultation requirements.”

Canada Chrome Corporation has also made application to MNR under the provisions of the Public Lands Act, for the grant of title to the lands it has tentatively designated as the “Port of Koper Lake” at the northern terminus of its right-of-way.

Dependency and federal aid in Canada’s Arctic – by Heather Exner-Pirot (Alaska Dispatch – August 23, 2012)

August 28, 2012

http://www.alaskadispatch.com/

Nunavut is a wealthy region. With a GDP/capita of $53,506, if it were a country it would easily rank amongst the top ten richest – ahead even of Canada, which using the same formula has a GDP/capita of $47,605.

But of course, Nunavummiut themselves are not wealthy. They are more likely to live in poverty than any other Canadians, and have the lowest human development ranking in the country. This is because most of Nunavut’s income does not come from employment, profitable businesses or even resource development. It comes from the federal government.

Indeed, 92 percent of the Government of Nunavut’s revenue comes from federal transfers, compared to 9.1 percent for Newfoundland at the provincial low end, to 39.9 percent for PEI at the high end. Yukon and NWT stand at 71.7 percent and 76 percent respectively. This amounts to, as they say in the development biz, a “high level of aid dependency.”

Money transferred from Ottawa to Iqaluit is not, technically speaking, aid – citizens in Nunavut pay taxes and transfer royalties to the Crown, after all – but comparisons between Nunavut’s and Africa’s situations are unsettlingly easy to make.