Matawa releases guidelines for mineral exploration
posted on
Feb 18, 2010 04:35PM
NI 43-101 Update (September 2012): 11.1 Mt @ 1.68% Ni, 0.87% Cu, 0.89 gpt Pt and 3.09 gpt Pd and 0.18 gpt Au (Proven & Probable Reserves) / 8.9 Mt @ 1.10% Ni, 1.14% Cu, 1.16 gpt Pt and 3.49 gpt Pd and 0.30 gpt Au (Inferred Resource)
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Chris Bentley said the potential of the Ring of Fire will only be realized if there is consultation and collaboration that benefits all.
February 18, 2010: Volume 37 #4, Page A3
“It is a potential that can be realized but will only be realized if there is a consultative, collaborative approach that will benefit all – First Nations, those of the land and those who will work on the land, industry and the communities beyond,” Bentley said during the Mineral Exploration Mining Symposium, held Feb. 9-10 by Matawa First Nations in Thunder Bay.
“There is here an opportunity, an opportunity for all.”
![]() Nibinamik Chief Roger Oskineegish and a group of Mineral Exploration Mining Symposium participants talk about issues related to the Ring of Fire mineral exploration area. -Rick Garrick - Wawatay News |
Bentley said he has been visiting First Nation communities across the province since he was appointed Aboriginal Affairs minister about a month ago.
“You will see me in as many places as I can possibly get to,” Bentley said. “I have always believed it is stronger if I can meet people where they live, not simply have them meet me where I work.”
Bentley said he wants to continue on where former Aboriginal Affairs minister Brad Duguid left off.
“On issues like resource benefit sharing, we share a mutual goal and intention of moving that forward,” Bentley said.
“Premier Dalton McGuinty has made it clear that this is a priority. I want to work with you to move that forward in a constructive and consultative way as quickly as we can.”
First Nation leaders called for more dialogue with mineral exploration companies and government officials at the conclusion of the Mineral Exploration Mining Symposium.
“Obviously, this dialogue is needed to try to overcome certain obstacles when we deal with these industries,” said Constance Lake Chief Arthur Moore. “As with any symposium, it gets better. More people will be involved and I look forward to another symposium like this.”
Moore and many of the other leaders were pleased with the number of mineral exploration companies and government officials who attended the Mineral Exploration Mining Symposium.
“It is an important symposium because of the networking with the industry and the government agencies,” Moore said.
“We discussed about dialogue, consultation and what our expectations are. So that is very critical at this stage. This is a necessary symposium – we need that for communication purposes.”
Webequie Chief Cornelius Wabasse is looking forward to working with the mining companies and government.
“It’s good for them to participate in the mining symposium and trying to learn from us what we want and what we request from the mining industry,” Wabasse said. “I’m just looking forward to working with the mining companies and the government in the mining industry.”
Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund’s Alvin Fiddler called for more dialogue about the mining industry.
“There has to be more dialogue like this between communities, government and industry,” Fiddler said.
“There tends to be miscommunication or misunderstandings when people don’t talk to each other, so a symposium like this is a really good idea and there has to be more of these types of gatherings in the future.”
Fiddler was pleased to see industry CEOs at the Mineral Exploration Mining Symposium.
“You don’t want to just talk to junior mining officials,” Fiddler said. “It is important CEOs of these companies make an effort to be here and talk to leadership and hear from the leadership directly.”
Noront Resources president and CEO Wes Hanson said it was good to hear the views of the Matawa First Nations during the symposium.
“What I think it is important for development in the future of the Ring of Fire is that the communities work as one and they have a common vision and common goals and common objectives and I think that will make things easier,” Hanson said.
“Industry has to do the same thing. The individual mining companies will have to come together and start to negotiate as one group.”
Matawa First Nations presented the Interim Mineral Measures Process guidelines during the Mineral Exploration Mining Symposium.
“The Interim Mineral Measures Process will help establish effective, positive working relationships, which will in turn provide benefits for our communities,” said Matawa CEO David Paul Achneepineskum. “Matawa is sharing this guide in the spirit of cooperation, with the intention of removing any uncertainty that may impact the mineral exploration business and the communities in a negative manner.”
The Interim Mineral Measures Process was created by the Matawa technical committee and passed by the Matawa chiefs in Sept. 2009 to provide guidelines on how communities interact with the mineral exploration and mining industry and bring new ideas to terms like consultation and accommodation.
“Although the mining act is being revised, development and consultation must continue,” said Brian Davey Matawa’s economic development manager. “As a result, a technical committee of First Nations representatives and the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines was formed to work on an Interim Mineral Measures Process.”
The Ring of Fire is considered one of the largest potential mineral reserves in Ontario, covering more than 1.5 million hectares by some estimates. More than 35 junior and intermediate mining and exploration companies are now active in the Ring of Fire, making it the recent hotbed of mining activity in the Far North.
Aroland Chief Sonny Gagnon said the guidelines are meant as a starting point for dialogue between First Nations and mineral companies, and will serve as a guide to help avoid potential conflicts in the north.
“Matawa communities continue to voice that we are willing to work together to build productive and positive relationships with the mining industry, provided that we are consulted and are included in any potential benefits from projects occurring within our traditional territory,” Gagnon said.
A group of about 80 exploration industry leaders from the Ring of Fire exploration area, government officials and First Nation chiefs and representatives attended the Mineral Exploration Mining Symposium.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy congratulated Matawa for taking a lead role in educating the public about the challenges and opportunities in the Ring of Fire.
“In order to move forward, we must do it together,” Beardy said. “It is becoming clear to everyone that the legal duty to consult is a major issue when we are talking about exploration.”
Beardy said the Mineral Exploration Mining Symposium is only a first step and that much more work needs to be done.
“It is important that we realize early that two things need to be in place in order to move ahead with successful exploration and mining related priorities,” Beardy said. “First, First Nations need to be able to provide their free, prior and informed consent. And two, strategies need to developed early on in order to ensure the effective participation of First Nations people that live in that area.”
Beardy said free, prior and informed consent is an international standard that is used by indigenous people throughout the world and recognized by international law, even though Canada has not yet recognized the standard.
“Being able to have free, prior and informed consent is not only about human and treaty rights, it is also about our survival as a people. Our participation in the mining industry takes a toll on that, it also takes a toll on our responsibility to the environment and all living things.
“That is why First Nations feel they must have the option of providing their free, prior and informed consent because we have to live with the consequences of mining activities. First Nations are looking for longer sustainable benefits and full meaningful partnerships.”
Northern Development, Mines, and Forestry Minister Michael Gravelle was impressed with the range of delegates at the Mineral Exploration Mining Symposium.
“A strong industry presence is vital and very important and makes a great difference,” Gravelle said. “There is no question that your interest, your participation in these meetings does demonstrate … a true spirit of desire for collaboration and unusual commitment to build relationships and to foster partnerships. When it comes to strengthening the north’s economy, we all look forward to seeing progress – we know how important that is.”
Gravelle said northerners must embrace the enormous potential of the resources within the Ring of Fire, and work together to eliminate the challenges that have caused so much heartache to many First Nations and their families.
“I do want to ensure you that our ministry and myself personally plan to remain closely involved as discussions progress,” Gravelle said, explaining he is planning visits to the Matawa communities and wants to make sure any mining projects in the Ring of Fire are done correctly. “It needs to be done right. It needs to be done in a way that addresses your environmental concerns and provides good economic jobs and opportunities for your communities.”
The symposium featured breakout sessions focusing on specific sections of the Interim Mineral Measures Process where industry representatives were given the opportunity to provide input and feedback on the document.
“We recognize that partnerships will provide incentives in the development of sustainable and prosperous communities that will help us overcome current challenges like high unemployment and lack of infrastructure,” said Neskantaga Chief Roy Moonias. “Matawa is sharing this guide, with the intention of removing any uncertainty that may impact the mineral exploration business and the communities in a negative manner.”
The final Interim Mineral Measures Process is expected to be officially rolled out in March of 2010.