Aboriginal and Inuit Mining and Oil/Gas – Page 246

Bright future for mining [Northern Ontario] – by Harold Carmichael (Sudbury Star – September 24, 2011)

October 11, 2011September 24, 2011

The Sudbury Star is the City of Greater Sudbury’s daily newspaper. hcarmichael@thesudburystar.com

For the web’s largest database of articles on the Ring of Fire mining camp, please go to: Ontario’s Ring of Fire Mineral Discovery

“Mining is on the agendas … But, that’s because the southern
Ontario manufacturing economy is in serious trouble. While our
major customer (the United States) will probably be going through
a most troubling economic time the next decade or so, the only part
of the Ontario economy that is doing well is the mining sector.”

Sudol said not having a low-enough electricity rate could be the
deal breaker for Cliffs Natural Resources locating its proposed
chromite processing plant in Ontario. “Right now, power rates in
Manitoba and Quebec are 40- 60% lower than Ontario … There’s no
way they are going to locate that refinery in Ontario.” (Mining
strategist Stan Sudol – RepublicOfMining.com)

AT ISSUE: What is the vision for mining in Greater Sudbury and Northern Ontario?

Chris Hodgson has good reason to believe things are looking up — way up — for Ontario’s mining sector. That’s primarily because the Ontario Mining Association’s recent vision paper and its 10 recommendations about what the mining sector wants addressed by the province is getting serious attention in the Ontario election.

“It’s a big difference,” he said. “In the late 1990s, it was a sunset industry. Now, it may be the key to getting us out of the hole financially.”

A former minister of Northern Development and Mines in the Mike Harris Progressive Conservative government from 1995-99, Hodgson has been president of the OMA for seven years. The association has 70 members who operate 40 mines and employ 20,000 people.

The forest and the trees [Aboriginal social issues] – Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal Editorial (September 22, 2011)

September 23, 2011

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

IN MATTERS of public policy, it’s sometimes difficult getting to the heart of the matter. Large bureaucracies formed to address major issues often are unable to tackle them on a community level, let alone among individuals who “fall through the cracks” in the all-too-familiar phrase.

A variety of northern lifestyle issues currently challenges regional authorities: rampant drunkenness in Thunder Bay; painkiller addiction in Marten Falls and other First Nations; violence and abuse across the Far North; the unexplained deaths of seven aboriginal youth who came to Thunder Bay for schooling.

It would be difficult to catalogue the number of services, agencies and departments that are set up to address these very things. Federal, provincial and municipal governments and First Nation organizations spend billions of tax dollars to operate programs aimed at pressing social issues. Yet many of the issues are getting worse.

Ignace likely home for iron ore processing – by Ian Ross (Northern Ontario Business – September 12, 2011)

September 22, 2011September 22, 2011

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.

An up-and-coming northwestern Ontario iron ore producer is “98 per cent” sure the processing for a magnetite deposit will be located near Ignace, rather than Atikokan.

Thunder Bay’s Bending Lake Iron Group is evaluating two sites close to the northwestern Ontario town for a concentrator and pellet plant.

The privately-held, First Nation family-owned company wants to develop an open pit mine which will create 700 construction jobs within two years and 300 permanent mine and processing jobs.

President Henry Wetelainen said after examining the costs of permitting, their project timelines and delays at Atikokan to reach an agreement with the Ministry of Natural Resoruces, the company decided to shift its focus to Ignace.

K.I. vs. Platinex: a ‘worst case’ example of community relations – Canadian Business Ethics Research Network

September 26, 2011September 22, 2011

The Canadian Business Ethics Research Network (CBERN) aims to promote knowledge-sharing and partnerships within the field of business ethics and across private, governmental, voluntary and academic sectors. CBERN also aims to support work from inception to dissemination, from graduate student research and fellowship opportunities to promoting the projects of established professionals.

For the web’s largest database of articles on the Ring of Fire mining camp, please go to: Ontario’s Ring of Fire Mineral Discovery

CASE STUDY

•This section presents the now-infamous case in light of the previous discussion of the Aboriginal context to mining in Ontario, and the importance of community consultation in advance of resource development.

On December 14th, 2009 the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry (MNDMF) announced that an agreement had been finalized between the McGuinty Government and Platinex Inc. to settle the junior mineral exploration firm’s litigation against Ontario and the K.I. First Nation (see MNDMF, 2009). This agreement included a $5 million payment to Platinex upon the release of its mining claims in the K.I. traditional territory and the guarantee of a royalty of 2.5% of any future resource revenues from those lands.

The settlement officially ended a dispute that began nearly ten years earlier, exacerbated tensions between Aboriginal communities, the province, and the mining industry, cost millions in legal fees, billions in potential revenue, led to the jailing of six K.I. community members, and changed the lives of hundreds of others who call K.I. home. How did things go wrong in K.I.?

Look no further [Ring of Fire refinery – Greenstone] – Special to The Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal (September 21, 2011)

September 26, 2011September 21, 2011

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

For the web’s largest database of articles on the Ring of Fire mining camp, please go to: Ontario’s Ring of Fire Mineral Discovery

The Township of Greenstone wants to be chosen as the site of a ferrochrome refinery as part of the Ring of Fire development.

George Smitherman, chairman of G&G Global Solutions, said during a presentation on Tuesday that Exton is the most viable site for the chromite refinery.

“At the heart of Exton’s strength is its proximity to the mine site and its relationship with First Nations,” Smitherman, a former provincial Energy minister, said in an interview following his presentation in Thunder Bay.

“What we were able to do is construct a resolution that is a benefit to so many players and brings more opportunities to First Nation communities and is the most environmentally sustainable.” Exton is located on the CNR mainline between Nakina and the Aroland First Nation, and south of the Ring of Fire development.

Ottawa urged to encourage private-sector projects in remote communities – by Richard Blackwell (Globe and Mail – September 19, 2011)

September 20, 2011

The Globe and Mail is Canada’s national newspaper with the second largest broadsheet circulation in the country. It has enormous influence on Canada’s political and business elite.

Private sector investment will be crucial if Canada’s remote communities are to grow and prosper, but the federal government must set the stage by cutting red tape and improving education and infrastructure in smaller centres, a new study suggests.

The report, to be released Monday by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, says a long-term strategy for remote community development is needed, but there are many things the government can do to encourage investment.

The conclusions stem from a series of cross-country round tables conducted with business leaders over the past year, and an online survey, conducted by the chamber in collaboration with General Electric Canada.

The report concluded that remote communities can make a huge contribution to Canada’s overall wealth, mainly because they form the gateway to key resources. Private companies can unlock that wealth, it says, but only if they are encouraged by supportive government policies that can help draw in business investment.

GREENSTONE MUNICIPALITY MEDIA RELEASE: New report concludes Exton is viable site for Ring of Fire Refinery

September 26, 2011September 20, 2011

Click here for Technical Analysis Report: Energy Supply Related to Exton Ferrochrome Refinery Siting (September 14, 2011)

Click here for: A ‘Made in Greenstone’ Approach: A vision for the successful supply of energy to a ferrochrome refinery in Greenstone (Exton)

For the web’s largest database of articles on the Ring of Fire mining camp, please go to: Ontario’s Ring of Fire Mineral Discovery

THUNDER BAY – September 20, 2011 – A report released today concludes that siting a ferrochrome refinery at Exton for Ring of Fire minerals is technically, environmentally and economically feasible. George Smitherman and Don Huff were contracted by the Municipality of Greenstone to push for establishing a Chromite refinery at Exton. Exton is located adjacent to the railway in the Municipality of Greenstone between Nakina and the Aroland First Nation.

“Our analysis, with specific emphasis on the viability of supplying electricity to service the proposed arc furnaces concludes that Exton is well positioned to serve as the refinery site,” stated former Ontario Deputy Premier George Smitherman. Smitherman observed, “The Exton site has the significant advantage of fitting with the territorial expectations of First Nations and is economically feasible.”

The Municipality of Greenstone asked that three major themes be addressed:
1. The Exton site must mesh with First Nation aspirations;
2. The viability of supplying adequate power; and
3. Sustainability considerations.

NEWS RELEASE: Remote. Resource Rich. And Ready. GE Canada releases findings of its “Shaping Economic Growth in Canada’s Remote Communities” Initiative

September 20, 2011

GE is a global infrastructure, ﬁnance and media company taking on the world’s toughest challenges.

For GE’s full report, click here: Towards a Remote Communities Investment Strategy for Canada

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 19, 2011

St. John’s, Newfoundland – Elyse Allan, President and Chief Executive Officer of GE Canada, today released the findings of its “Shaping Economic Growth in Canada’s Remote Communities” initiative, launched in January 2011.

Responses from over 500 business stakeholders who participated in 11 cross-country roundtables and an online survey point to the fact that Canada is at a “tipping point” with respect to the development of its resources, largely located in remote communities, and how they will shape the Canadian economy. The report found that 93 percent of respondents believe that remote communities will play an important role in the future of Canada’s economy.

“Canada’s remote communities can pack a powerful economic punch. There is great optimism.
Business investment combined with progressive public policy will unleash significant opportunities for remote communities and for Canada as a nation.” said Elyse Allan.

GE’s initiative formed the basis of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce report: The Business Case for Investing in Canada’s Remote Communities, released earlier today.

NEWS RELEASE: The business case for investing in Canada’s remote communities

September 19, 2011

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is Canada’s largest and most influential business association.

For the full report, click here: The Business Case for Investing in Canada’s Remote Communities

ST. JOHN’S, Sept. 19, 2011 /CNW/ – Perrin Beatty, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and Elyse Allan, President and Chief Executive Officer, GE Canada, and Chair of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, released this morning a report entitled :The Business Case for Investing in Canada’s Remote Communities at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Annual General Meeting in St-john’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

As Canada seeks to strengthen its position as a competitive nation in an increasingly global economy, GE Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, undertook the initiative to place a business lens on the economic opportunities, challenges, best practices and business investment intentions in remote communities. During the first half of 2011, GE Canada sought the perspectives of businesspeople through roundtables in communities across Canada and an on online survey. At the same time, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce consulted with several of its members and other stakeholders.

“Canadians have to start looking at our remote communities differently”, stated Perrin Beatty, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “Our collective economic wellbeing and our international competitiveness could well depend upon the public policies adopted today that leverage the economic possibilities of many of these communities and their potential to contribute to our nation’s wealth”.

Investing in Remote [Canadian] Regions: Building the Business Case – by Livio Di Matteo (September 19, 2011)

September 19, 2011

Livio Di Matteo is Professor of Economics at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Visit his new Economics Blog “Northern Economist” at http://ldimatte.shawwebspace.ca/

Out of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce comes a new report titled” The Business Case for Investing in Canada’s Remote Communities,” which argues that Canadians need to start looking at remote communities somewhat differently.

Despite the perception (and often the reality) that remote communities are dependent on government assistance for their survival, the new reality is that as the demand for resources rises and the international community flocks to Canadian resources in remote areas, these remote communities are wealth generators that will enhance the living standards of all Canadians. Moreover, the aboriginal population is concentrated in these areas and resource development is an important tool to improve their economic welfare.

There are of course challenges. As the report notes:

“There is no doubt that many remote communities-which are often difficult to reach, have challenging geographies, harsh climates, limited infrastructure and sparse populations – face significant challenges to their long-term social and economic sustainability.”

OMA member Osisko builds First Nation knowledge into environmental approval process

September 16, 2011

This article was provided by the Ontario Mining Association (OMA), an organization that was established in 1920 to represent the mining industry of the province

Ontario Mining Association member Osisko Mining Corporation is reaching out to incorporate Traditional Knowledge into the Environmental Assessment of its Hammond Reef gold property in Northwestern Ontario. The company recently held an Elders Forum on site. More than 65 Elders from neighbouring First Nations, company staff and government officials participated. Nine First Nations communities were represented at the Forum.

Chiefs and councils of these First Nations made hearing from the Elders about this project a main concern. Elders, while not always the most senior residents of First Nations communities, are generally respected for their wisdom, patience and understanding. They value traditional teachings and passing them along to younger generations.

“The Elders Forum provided us with a unique opportunity to approach the Environmental Assessment process from a Traditional Knowledge perspective,” said Peter Hinz, Mineral Development Consultant with the Ministry of Northern Development Mines and Forestry. “This was an excellent opportunity to facilitate an open exchange of information and perspectives between First Nations, industry and government.”

NEWS RELEASE: International Indigenous Summit on Energy and Mining (June 29, 2011)

September 14, 2011

Joint Statement: Assembly of First Nations and the National Congress of American Indians

Today, across North America, unprecedented opportunities exist to develop the energy and mining resources on Indigenous lands in ways determined by the First Peoples of these lands. The work and collaboration of Indigenous peoples must grow to ensure responsible development, as driven by Indigenous peoples and governments, meets the growing global demand for natural resources and energy.

This week, over 800 Indigenous leaders and citizens, representatives from government and industry from across North America and around the world, gathered in Niagara Falls, Ontario for the first-ever International Indigenous Summit on Energy and Mining.

Hosted by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the three-day Summit, which closed today, featured presentations, dialogue and discussions on key topics in resource development such as international partnerships and trade opportunities, sustainable and responsible resource development, free prior and informed consent, green energy, education and labour force development and the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“This is truly an exciting time for Indigenous peoples in Canada and around the world,” said AFN National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo.

Resource Development and Indigenous Peoples: Finding the path to co-operation – by Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo

September 14, 2011

This speech by Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo was given at the Joint Law Society of Upper Canada and Indigenous Bar Association Luncheon on September 9, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario.

“Environmental groups and industry have far too often
rushed to impose their values and their views on our
interests…. Permit me to lay out a new path for you:
a path that guards Indigenous economic interests, our
rights, and our sacred commitment to the health of the
planet. A plan that is confident in our ability to be
major players, and one that is optimistic about creating
hope and opportunity for our children and their children.”
(AFN National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo)

Resource Development and Indigenous Peoples: Finding the path to co-operation (September 9, 2011)

First of all, I want to thank the Law Society of Upper Canada and the Indigenous Bar Association – President Margaret Froh for the kind invitation to speak to you today.

Today, I want to challenge all of us to set aside some misconceptions and false choices.

I’d like to set out for you a path of cooperation as opposed to conflict, and to envision a future of mutually supportive commitments to economic development and governance.