Aboriginal and Inuit Mining and Oil/Gas – Page 230

Webequie says its still open for Ring of Fire business – by Shawn Bell (Wawatay News – November 24, 2011)

November 26, 2011

This video was posted on You Tube by the Matawa First Nations on November 7, 2011. It is about the Ring Of Fire development and effects on the communities of the Matawa First Nations in Northwestern Ontario. While this You Tube posting is not connected to the Webequie article, it does provide some background content and puts the recent Matawa political opposition to the Ring of Fire in perspective. – Stan Sudol

Wawatay News is Northern Ontario’s First Nation Voice with offices in Sioux Lookout, Timmins and Thunder Bay.

Rifts in the Matawa First Nations’ opposition to mining in the Ring of Fire were on display Nov. 23 as Webequie First Nation held a press conference to announce that Matawa does not speak for the people the community.

Webequie Chief Cornelius Wabasse presented a community position statement calling for companies interested in developing the Ring of Fire to negotiate directly with the community, not through organizations such as Matawa.

“Matawa Tribal Council is not a decision-making authority for Webequie First Nation, Wabasse said. “Webequie will determine our own community-led process to guide industry, government and commercial groups through the process of working collaboratively.”

Study of second proposed Ring of Fire mine underway – by Shawn Bell (Wawatay News – November 18, 2011)

November 26, 2011

Wawatay News is Northern Ontario’s First Nation Voice with offices in Sioux Lookout, Timmins and Thunder Bay.

As the controversy over the environmental study of a proposed Ring of Fire mine drags on, another proposed mine in the Ring of Fire has started a similar environmental assessment process. The environmental assessment for Noront Resources’ proposed Eagles Nest mine kicked off Nov. 15 with the opening of a 30-day public comment period.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) decided to do a comprehensive study, the same process chosen for Cliffs Natural Resources’ proposed chromite mine.

CEAA spokesperson Celine Legault said that the agency determined there was no need for the Noront project to be subjected to a more intensive Joint Review Panel (JRP) assessment. “At any time during the study the (federal) minister of environment can refer the assessment to a Joint Review Panel,” Legault said.

Development, protection; [Ontario] Far North Act clarifies land use planning – by Michael Gravelle (Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal – November 21, 2011)

November 24, 2011

Michael Gravelle is Ontario’s Minister of Natural Resources and MPP for Thunder Bay-Superior North.

AS the minister responsible for implementing the Far North Act, I can tell you that I truly believe it is the foundation of a remarkable and, frankly, unprecedented land use planning process that will benefit the North.

While our government moves forward in its work with scores of First Nation communities, I do acknowledge that there is still a lot of misunderstanding and opposition, and I believe that it is my responsibility to address this.

Most people would agree that good planning leads to good development which creates good jobs and a strong economy. The fact is that jobs and investment are coming to the Far North, and the benefits of that will be felt by both First Nations communities and the Northern Ontario communities that will become important transportation hubs and supply and service providers.

The Honourable Joe Oliver, P.C., M.P. – Minister of Natural Resources Mining Day Speech (Ottawa, Canada – November 22, 2011)

November 23, 2011

This speech was given by the Honourable Joe Oliver, P.C., M.P. – Minister of Natural Resources to the Mining Day on the Hill Luncheon, Economic Council of Canada and Mining Association of Canada

Check against delivery

“For example, the Ring of Fire in northern Ontario is an
emerging mining region, where 26 exploration companies
have mineral claims covering almost 500,000 hectares.
Analysts estimate that there are $50 billion in qualified
resources for chromite and $10 billion for base-metal
and platinum group metal deposits.” (Honourable Joe Oliver –
Canadian Minister of Natural Resources)

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Let me start by thanking the Mining Association of Canada and the Economic Council of Canada for the invitation to speak with you today.

I also want to congratulate the Mining Association and its members for organizing this event. It’s a great occasion to recognize just how much this industry contributes to our prosperity — and why it’s important we all work together to make sure this sector continues to succeed.

As you know, I recently returned from a week-long trip to Japan and China. My main objective was to help broaden and deepen Canada’s trade and investment relationship in two of the world’s largest economies.

In meetings with senior political and business leaders, I promoted Canada’s potential for investment, exploration and development, and the opportunities for Canadian mining companies to do business in the Asia-Pacific.

WEBEQUIE FIRST NATION (WFN) POSITION PAPER [Ring of Fire] – November 23, 2011

November 23, 2011November 23, 2011

COMMUNITY POSITION STATEMENT

Webequie First Nation (WFN) re-affirms that it has a right to determine its own community-based processes, community-driven initiatives, and community-led negotiations with commercial entities as well as with the different levels of government as its relates to the traditional, historic, ancestral, and customary areas of Webequie First Nation. This right is supported by the Canadian legal framework, the WFN Consultation Protocol, the WFN Lands & Resource Policy, and WFN Members.

It is well known that any project activities within a First Nation’s traditional area will require direct engagement and consultation with that First Nation
community. The following quotes from Chiefs of Ontario, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, and Matawa reinforce this point:

“It is the prerogative of the First Nation government to determine their consultation processes and the Crown should be responsive to the process requirements of the First Nation”(1)

Read more

NEWS RELEASE: The Mining Association of Canada (MAC) contributes once again to the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF)

November 23, 2011

OTTAWA, Nov. 23, 2011 /CNW/ – During its annual Mining Day on the Hill event, the Mining Association of Canada made a $2500 contribution to the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF). This builds upon the $25,000 contribution made earlier this year, for a total contribution of $27,500.

The mining industry is a strong supporter of Aboriginal education programs across Canada and particularly in rural and northern communities. Mining is a prominent partner in the federal government’s Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership programs, with initiatives active in many Canadian jurisdictions. MAC member companies are also active supporters of Aboriginal education, supporting numerous scholarship programs and other initiatives. MAC’s support for NAAF builds on this work.

“Mining is the largest private sector employer of Aboriginal Canadians and our future depends on their growing participation in our sector,” says Pierre Gratton, President and CEO of MAC. “Canada’s mining sector is poised for significant growth and potential new investment of almost $140 billion in the next 5-10 years.

NEWS RELEASE: Webequie First Nation Reaffirms Community Rights in Ring of Fire

November 23, 2011

Thunder Bay, ON, November 23, 2011 – The Chief and Council of Webequie First Nation is reaffirming its community rights and local autonomy with respect to decision-making processes in the Ring of Fire.

Today, Webequie First Nation released two independent documents; a Community Position Paper and a Consultation and Accommodation Protocol, which both clarify and outline for industry, government and the public that the membership of Webequie First Nation will determine their own community-led negotiated process as it relates to the traditional, historic, ancestral, and customary areas of Webequie First Nation.

Chief Cornelius Wabasse of Webequie First Nation says; “Following recent reports in the media and consequent enquiries, Webequie First Nation would like to remind all those who wish to work with our First Nation and, particularly commercial entities, that they must have direct engagement and consultation with our First Nation before and above any other agency.

We, the Webequie First Nation people, are the primary contact and exclusive decision-makers for our community, not any third party or external organization.”

A giant step in the mining agreement process [Goldcorp and Cree Nation of Wemindji] – by J. Borsato (CIM Magazine – May, 2011)

November 21, 2011

Founded in 1898, the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) is a technical society of professionals in the Canadian minerals, metals, materials and energy industries.

Cree Nation sets the tone for future collaborations with mining industry

Mineral exploration and development in Canada typically occur in close proximity to Aboriginal communities. The positive impact such activities have on these communities are significant on many levels – agreements with First Nations on mining-related projects can result in job creation, skills training and economic growth at both the local and regional level.

If approached in a proactive, respectful and responsible way, companies can tip the balance in favour of a harmonious and profitable partnership. Moreover, when a First Nation is proactive in its negotiations, it is not only a recipe for success, it is a model to be emulated.

Historically, impact benefit agreements (IBAs) existed as bilateral agreements between the government and an Aboriginal community, to ensure local rights are respected and that employment opportunities are created for the people in the community.

Chromite competition [Thunder Bay/Greenstone] Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal Editorial (November 18, 2011)

November 19, 2011

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

THUNDER BAY and Greenstone have both made their pitches to host the facility that will process chromite ore from the Ring of Fire, Ontario’s most promising mineral deposit in years. Both sent delegations Wednesday to the Cleveland offices of Cliffs Natural Resources, the key player, and both came away confident they’d made the case for this important development.

Both have benefits and drawbacks, and without knowing what went on in Cliffs’ boardroom it is impossible to ascertain who may now enjoy an edge. But Greenstone appears to have put more effort into selling itself. It hired former Ontario energy minister now consultant George Smitherman to bring his influence to bear. It is also working with a public relations company.

Greenstone issued an opinion piece to this newspaper timed to coincide with Cliffs’ open house in Thunder Bay Monday and the trip to Cleveland two days later. It made a compelling case involving proximity to the proposed ore transfer point and a regional energy grid which is the key to such a power-hungry development.

Fighting for the [Ring of Fire] smelter – by Special to the Sudbury Star (Sudbury Star – November 18, 2011)

November 19, 2011

The Sudbury Star is the City of Greater Sudbury’s daily newspaper.

THUNDER BAY — Fort William First Nation Chief Peter Collins and Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs agree the ferrochrome processor that is to be part of the Ring of Fire development needs to be in northwestern Ontario, whether it is Thunder Bay or the Township of Greenstone.

Hobbs and Collins, along with other local leaders, returned to Thunder Bay on Wednesday following a trip to Cliffs Natural Resources headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio, where they pitched Thunder Bay’s case as a potential site for the processor.

“The pitch was just that Thunder Bay may not be the base case, but it is the best case,” Hobbs said shortly after returning to the city. Sudbury is currently Cliff’s base case, but Hobbs said northwestern Ontario will only benefit if chosen as the site.

The pitch is made [for Ring of Fire refinery] – Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal (November 17, 2011)

November 17, 2011

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

Fort William First Nation Chief Peter Collins and Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs agree that the ferrochrome processor that is to be part of the Ring of Fire development needs to be in Northwestern Ontario, whether it is Thunder Bay or the Township of Greenstone.

“The pitch was just that Thunder Bay may not be the base case, but it is the best case,” Hobbs said shortly after returning to the city. Sudbury is currently Cliff’s base case, but Hobbs said Northwestern Ontario will only benefit if chosen as the site. “There will be no benefit in this region if it goes to Sudbury,” he said.

Development and delay [Ring of Fire/XL Oil Pipeline] Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal Editorial (November 16, 2011)

November 17, 2011November 16, 2011

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

TWO LARGE resource development proposals in this country highlight the difficulties in balancing economic opportunity with environmental protection. The addition of economic uncertainty and cultural considerations makes this balancing act even tougher.

Here in the Northwest, the proposal to develop the huge Ring of Fire chromite project is the subject of dispute over what form of environmental assessment is suitable. A comprehensive study of Cliffs Natural Resources’ proposal, by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, is already under way. First Nations in the James Bay Lowlands withdrew their support of the project when the federal government opted not to conduct a higher-level joint review panel EA.

Matawa First Nations claims the comprehensive study EA provides “no realistic opportunity for First Nations to participate.” It says the current process will fast track the EA process for government and Cliffs, but put First Nation communities and their lands at serious risk.

Noront’s [Ring of Fire] mine proposal under microscope – by Northwest Bureau (Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal – November 16, 2011)

November 3, 2015November 16, 2011

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

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is accepting public comments on the proposed Eagle’s Nest project in the Ring of Fire. Noront Resources Ltd. has proposed a base-metal mining project in the area, in the James Bay Lowlands.

The agency has prepared draft environmental impact statement guidelines that identify potential environmental effects to be addressed and information that needs to be included in the proponent’s statement.

The federal and provincial governments are co-ordinating their respective processes for the comprehensive environmental assessment of the project.

Noront is proposing an 11-year, 2,960-tonne-per-day, underground nickel-copper-platinum mine, to be located 500 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay.

Chief has concerns with gold project – by Chris Ribau (Timmins Daily Press – November 15, 2011)

November 15, 2011

Location of Sold Gold Resources discovery sparks questions from First Nation

The Wahgoshig First Nation has expressed concerns over a exploration project close to the borders of their community. It’s concerns centre on Solid Gold Resource Corporation and their exploration of an area immediately north of the Porcupine Destor Fault zone at Lake Abitibi.

“Our territory covers basically south of Lake Abitibi,” said David Babin, chief of the Wahgoshig First Nation. “Our territory is about 12 miles long and three miles wide. Basically starting from Twin Lakes to three miles east. They’re not in our boundaries, but they’re just outside of them.”

Babin is concerned about keeping the historical significance of the area undisturbed and intact, as well as maintaining their culture and way of life.

“What we want is to make sure they adhere to some of our values within the area,” said Babin. “We have burial sites, artifacts in the area, and members of the community collect medicine for the community from the territory.”

Unlocking the wealth of Northern Ontario [Ring of Fire]- by Renald (Ron) Beaulieu and George Smitherman

November 14, 2011

Renald (Ron) Beaulieu is the Mayor of Greenstone
George Smitherman is a former Ontario Deputy Premier and Energy Minister

Discovery of the massive “Ring of Fire,” a chromite-rich mineral deposit in a remote area of Northern Ontario, is the first and perhaps easiest step in realizing the site’s potential.

Mining the ore, then transporting it across the terrain of the Hudson Bay Lowlands will be challenging from an environmental and engineering standpoint.

Greater still is the challenge and responsibility of utilizing this resource in a way that advances the economic and social needs of our First Nation peoples whose traditional and reserve territories stand to be significantly impacted. The First Nation peoples living in the area have made it clear that they expect minerals extracted from their traditional territories to be refined nearby.