Canadian mining and exploration in Canada and other lands.Prospector's & Developers Assoc. of Canada/PDAC
Friday, March 25, 2011
INNU Takuaikan UASHAT MAK MANI-SIGNS WITH TATA STEEL
Innu Takuaikan UASHAT MAK MANI-Uténam (ITUM) | INNU Takuaikan UASHAT MAK MANI-SIGNS WITH TATA STEEL Uténam MINERALS CANADA LTD.AN AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE TO THE SIGNING OF AN AGREEMENT ON THE BENEFITS AND IMPACT ON THE DRAFT OF IRON ORE Direct Shipping
Iron Ore shipping from Schefferville
Innu Takuaikan UASHAT MAK MANI-SIGNS WITH TATA STEEL Uténam MINERALS CANADA LTD. AN AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE TO THE SIGNING OF AN AGREEMENT ON THE BENEFITS AND IMPACT ON THE DRAFT OF IRON ORE Direct Shipping
UASHAT, QC, March 25 / CNW Telbec / - Innu Takuaikan Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam (ITUM ") and Tata Steel Minerals Canada Ltd.. ("TSMC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce they have signed an agreement in principle. This agreement in principle (EP) identifies the key steps include a final Agreement for the benefit of Uashaunnuat. The AIP provides for the consent of the proposed TSMC ITUM iron ore direct-shipping ("DSO") located in western Labrador and northeastern Quebec, near Schefferville.
For their consent to the Draft DSO TSMC, the Uashaunnuat benefit from the project by, among other things, training, employment, new business opportunities, creating a fund Aboriginal traditional activities and a financial stake in the project, including an immediate payment of one million dollars. The EP also represents the commitment of the company TSMC to locate the project while ensuring the environment, preservation of sites of spiritual and cultural significance and social and cultural protection of Uashaunnuat.
The EP states that the final Agreement to be signed no later than 15 April 2011 and it is ratified by Uashaunnuat later than May 15, 2011.
The EP was signed in Uashat by Chief Georges-Ernest Gregoire and Mr. Rajesh Sharma, CEO of TSMC.
"ITUM 4000 represents Innu Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam, whose family owners of the territories would be located where the DSO Project" said Chief Georges-Ernest Grégoire "My Council joins me to announce this good news to our community. We have given a mandate to collectively improve the socioeconomic conditions of our community, while remaining true to our values and our cultural identity. Through our participation in this project, we ensure that mineral developers understand that our consent is necessary before the use, development or exploitation of our lands and our natural resources. We also ensure, through these agreements, respect for our political and economic aspirations as well as respect for our collective right to development as an indigenous people occupy this territory. The final agreement will be given to all Innu Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam a ratification vote, more detail measures to mitigate the effects of the DSO project on environmental, social and cultural "concluded Chief Gregory.
"This tentative agreement is the result of intensive and mutually respectful exchanges between representatives and those of TSMC ITUM in recent months," said Rajesh Sharma. "I am confident that we can conclude the final agreement by April 15, 2011.
About Innu Takuaikan Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam
ITUM is the political body representing all the Innu Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam and is charged with upholding and protecting the rights and interests of Uashaunnuat on their traditional territory
Iron Ore shipping from Schefferville
Innu Takuaikan UASHAT MAK MANI-SIGNS WITH TATA STEEL Uténam MINERALS CANADA LTD. AN AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE TO THE SIGNING OF AN AGREEMENT ON THE BENEFITS AND IMPACT ON THE DRAFT OF IRON ORE Direct Shipping
UASHAT, QC, March 25 / CNW Telbec / - Innu Takuaikan Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam (ITUM ") and Tata Steel Minerals Canada Ltd.. ("TSMC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce they have signed an agreement in principle. This agreement in principle (EP) identifies the key steps include a final Agreement for the benefit of Uashaunnuat. The AIP provides for the consent of the proposed TSMC ITUM iron ore direct-shipping ("DSO") located in western Labrador and northeastern Quebec, near Schefferville.
For their consent to the Draft DSO TSMC, the Uashaunnuat benefit from the project by, among other things, training, employment, new business opportunities, creating a fund Aboriginal traditional activities and a financial stake in the project, including an immediate payment of one million dollars. The EP also represents the commitment of the company TSMC to locate the project while ensuring the environment, preservation of sites of spiritual and cultural significance and social and cultural protection of Uashaunnuat.
The EP states that the final Agreement to be signed no later than 15 April 2011 and it is ratified by Uashaunnuat later than May 15, 2011.
The EP was signed in Uashat by Chief Georges-Ernest Gregoire and Mr. Rajesh Sharma, CEO of TSMC.
"ITUM 4000 represents Innu Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam, whose family owners of the territories would be located where the DSO Project" said Chief Georges-Ernest Grégoire "My Council joins me to announce this good news to our community. We have given a mandate to collectively improve the socioeconomic conditions of our community, while remaining true to our values and our cultural identity. Through our participation in this project, we ensure that mineral developers understand that our consent is necessary before the use, development or exploitation of our lands and our natural resources. We also ensure, through these agreements, respect for our political and economic aspirations as well as respect for our collective right to development as an indigenous people occupy this territory. The final agreement will be given to all Innu Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam a ratification vote, more detail measures to mitigate the effects of the DSO project on environmental, social and cultural "concluded Chief Gregory.
"This tentative agreement is the result of intensive and mutually respectful exchanges between representatives and those of TSMC ITUM in recent months," said Rajesh Sharma. "I am confident that we can conclude the final agreement by April 15, 2011.
About Innu Takuaikan Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam
ITUM is the political body representing all the Innu Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam and is charged with upholding and protecting the rights and interests of Uashaunnuat on their traditional territory
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Mineral Exploration in the Laurentians: Mayors outraged
Mineral Exploration in the Laurentians: Mayors outraged Hugo Fontaine Energy and Resources
But municipalities can do nothing. The Mining Act takes precedence over municipal law. As part of the reform of the Mining Law, the municipalities did try to push the government to give some control to local governments, but much needed reform of the Canadian Mining Act has been slow and put on the back burner by the Canadian Federal Government.
Pacific Arc Resources is looking for iron and titanium in an area covering the northern municipality of Saint-Hippolyte, eastern territory of Sainte-Adele, and south of the town of Sainte-Marguerite-du-Lac-Masson . The mining company has hired another firm in British Colombia, OnTrack Exploration for the work.
Since 2008, explorers have carried out a geophysical survey by helicopter and gathered samples from the roadside. But to proceed to drilling, OnTrack needed approval of the owners of the lands affected. That's where the news was made known to the mayors of the affected municipalities-whose income is derived from tourism from the beauty of the area.
The mayor of Saint-Hippolyte, Bruno Laroche, was made aware in late February by a counselor, himself informed by a citizen. The weekly journal "The Northern Echo" was informed by two other mayors earlier this month.
"I find it unfortunate when companies start to do work or arrest citizens of a city without notifying the administration of this city," told to La Presse Affaires , Mayor of Sainte-Marguerite, Linda Fortier. It is disrespectful to municipal governments. "
But municipalities can do nothing. The Mining Act takes precedence over municipal law. As part of the reform of the Mining Law, the municipalities did try to push the government to give some control to local governments, but much needed reform of the Canadian Mining Act has been slow and put on the back burner by the Canadian Federal Government.
Pacific Arc Resources is looking for iron and titanium in an area covering the northern municipality of Saint-Hippolyte, eastern territory of Sainte-Adele, and south of the town of Sainte-Marguerite-du-Lac-Masson . The mining company has hired another firm in British Colombia, OnTrack Exploration for the work.
Since 2008, explorers have carried out a geophysical survey by helicopter and gathered samples from the roadside. But to proceed to drilling, OnTrack needed approval of the owners of the lands affected. That's where the news was made known to the mayors of the affected municipalities-whose income is derived from tourism from the beauty of the area.
The mayor of Saint-Hippolyte, Bruno Laroche, was made aware in late February by a counselor, himself informed by a citizen. The weekly journal "The Northern Echo" was informed by two other mayors earlier this month.
"I find it unfortunate when companies start to do work or arrest citizens of a city without notifying the administration of this city," told to La Presse Affaires , Mayor of Sainte-Marguerite, Linda Fortier. It is disrespectful to municipal governments. "
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Congo lifts mining ban
Congo lifts mining ban - CSMonitor.com
Gold miners form a human chain while digging an open pit at the Chudja mine in the Kilomoto concession near the village of Kobu, 100 km (62 miles) from Bunia in northeastern Congo, Feb. 23, 2009. Civil conflict in Congo has been driven for more than a decade by the violent struggle for control over the country's vast natural resources, including gold, diamonds and timber, most of which is exploited using hard manual labour.
Finbarr O'Reilly/Reuters
Gold miners form a human chain while digging an open pit at the Chudja mine in the Kilomoto concession near the village of Kobu, 100 km (62 miles) from Bunia in northeastern Congo, Feb. 23, 2009. Civil conflict in Congo has been driven for more than a decade by the violent struggle for control over the country's vast natural resources, including gold, diamonds and timber, most of which is exploited using hard manual labour.
Finbarr O'Reilly/Reuters
Friday, March 4, 2011
Matawa First Nations appoints Ring of Fire Coordinator
Matawa First Nations appoints Ring of Fire Coordinator
He had barely settled into his chair as the new Matawa First Nations Ring of Fire Coordinator in late January when Marten Falls First Nation threatened to block all mineral exploration in the Ring of Fire until the mining companies signed memorandums of understanding and exploration agreements.
Within days, Cleveland-based mining giant Cliffs Natural Resources released the project description of its Black Thor chromite deposit in the James Bay Lowlands and its ambitious plans to start production by 2015.
But it’s nothing new for the 54-year-old Ferris, who is well-versed in Aboriginal and treaty rights as a former deputy grand chief for Nishnawbe Aski Nation, where he handled the mining and natural resources file.
As a former chief of Constance Lake First Nation, Ferris participated in a few blockades in his home community against mining and forestry companies. The concessations that were gained helped secure Aboriginal roadbuilding jobs and lead to the creation of a band-owned logging company.
Ferris knows what an effective bargaining tool blockades can be.
“Once people know they’ve been had, that’s the only thing that can resort to.”
In the months ahead, he’ll meeting with the three Matawa communities in the Ring of Fire to come up with a development strategy to secure exploration and impact benefit agreements with the mining companies.
Ferris sees his role as assessing what regional economic spinoffs and job creation opportunities are out there in mining, roadbuilding and infrastructure development. There is the potential to harness the Albany and Attawapiskat Rivers as hydroelectric sites to supply power to the mining companies.
“They’re saying there’s a lack of energy, we need to look at all that. Once (the North) opens up, there can be hydro projects, tourism and other things happening other just mining. We need to be prepared.”
Ferris works on behalf of the nine communities in the tribal council, especially those directly impacted by upcoming mine developments: Marten Falls, Neskantaga and Webequie First Nations.
He takes direction straight from the community level, extending up through the chief and council. “They put it on the table and we try to sort out how best to serve the common interest of the nine communities.”
Though headquartered in Thunder Bay, the Ring of Fire coordinator office is expected to grow into a network of community monitors to observe and scrutinize environmental baseline studies as advanced exploration proceeds in the Far North.
“We’re looking to build capacity from the ground up,” said Ferris.
Ferris stresses the importance of securing deals for the long-term. That only comes with “building capacity” and education in understanding the stages of the mining sequence.
Ferris said the pressure is always there to jump at the first job opportunity before any partnerships, labour service and benefit agreements are in place.
“Companies are offering jobs to the First Nations – and we’re appreciative of that – but we start to realize we should have gotten an agreement before we entered into this so we know where we are.
“Once the jobs are on the plate, it’s pretty hard to get your community members to go back and say we’ve got to start this (process) all over again.”
Ferris said it’s important that mining companies follow proper protocols for consulting with First Nations at every stage of the mining sequence. He accuses the Ontario government of “sitting on the sidelines” and not forcing the issue for all parties to come together and hammer out protocols and agreements.
Ferris admits he’s not comfortable with Cliffs’ 2015 start date for production.
“We want to conduct our own due diligence. We want to know what this mine is all about? What’s chromite and how can we be involved? Is ownership good or bad?”
“Our chiefs objected to the project description because we never had any input into it,” said Ferris. “We realize it’s a base case, but we’d like to be involved every step of the way in a true partnership.”
www.matawa.on.ca
He had barely settled into his chair as the new Matawa First Nations Ring of Fire Coordinator in late January when Marten Falls First Nation threatened to block all mineral exploration in the Ring of Fire until the mining companies signed memorandums of understanding and exploration agreements.
Within days, Cleveland-based mining giant Cliffs Natural Resources released the project description of its Black Thor chromite deposit in the James Bay Lowlands and its ambitious plans to start production by 2015.
But it’s nothing new for the 54-year-old Ferris, who is well-versed in Aboriginal and treaty rights as a former deputy grand chief for Nishnawbe Aski Nation, where he handled the mining and natural resources file.
As a former chief of Constance Lake First Nation, Ferris participated in a few blockades in his home community against mining and forestry companies. The concessations that were gained helped secure Aboriginal roadbuilding jobs and lead to the creation of a band-owned logging company.
Ferris knows what an effective bargaining tool blockades can be.
“Once people know they’ve been had, that’s the only thing that can resort to.”
In the months ahead, he’ll meeting with the three Matawa communities in the Ring of Fire to come up with a development strategy to secure exploration and impact benefit agreements with the mining companies.
Ferris sees his role as assessing what regional economic spinoffs and job creation opportunities are out there in mining, roadbuilding and infrastructure development. There is the potential to harness the Albany and Attawapiskat Rivers as hydroelectric sites to supply power to the mining companies.
“They’re saying there’s a lack of energy, we need to look at all that. Once (the North) opens up, there can be hydro projects, tourism and other things happening other just mining. We need to be prepared.”
Ferris works on behalf of the nine communities in the tribal council, especially those directly impacted by upcoming mine developments: Marten Falls, Neskantaga and Webequie First Nations.
He takes direction straight from the community level, extending up through the chief and council. “They put it on the table and we try to sort out how best to serve the common interest of the nine communities.”
Though headquartered in Thunder Bay, the Ring of Fire coordinator office is expected to grow into a network of community monitors to observe and scrutinize environmental baseline studies as advanced exploration proceeds in the Far North.
“We’re looking to build capacity from the ground up,” said Ferris.
Ferris stresses the importance of securing deals for the long-term. That only comes with “building capacity” and education in understanding the stages of the mining sequence.
Ferris said the pressure is always there to jump at the first job opportunity before any partnerships, labour service and benefit agreements are in place.
“Companies are offering jobs to the First Nations – and we’re appreciative of that – but we start to realize we should have gotten an agreement before we entered into this so we know where we are.
“Once the jobs are on the plate, it’s pretty hard to get your community members to go back and say we’ve got to start this (process) all over again.”
Ferris said it’s important that mining companies follow proper protocols for consulting with First Nations at every stage of the mining sequence. He accuses the Ontario government of “sitting on the sidelines” and not forcing the issue for all parties to come together and hammer out protocols and agreements.
Ferris admits he’s not comfortable with Cliffs’ 2015 start date for production.
“We want to conduct our own due diligence. We want to know what this mine is all about? What’s chromite and how can we be involved? Is ownership good or bad?”
“Our chiefs objected to the project description because we never had any input into it,” said Ferris. “We realize it’s a base case, but we’d like to be involved every step of the way in a true partnership.”
www.matawa.on.ca
Mining: Ring of Fire: Aboriginal Marten Falls want their share of the pie | Ontario | Radio-Canada.ca
Mining: Ring of Fire: Aboriginal Marten Falls want their share of the pie Ontario Radio-Canada.ca
The KWG Mining is ready to integrate Aboriginal people throughout the stages of its chromite mine project. She has recently proposed several leaders to integrate its management team. She is still awaiting a response.
The Ring of Fire
It covers a territory of more than 5000 km2. It is 500 kilometers north of Thunder Bay. The focus of this circle is the McFauld Lake, located halfway between Attawapiskat on the west coast of James Bay and Webequie First Nation, located at the height of Greenstone. The mineral was found in the copper, nickel, but also what appears to be the largest deposits of chromite world, a metal used to produce stainless steel.
The KWG Mining is ready to integrate Aboriginal people throughout the stages of its chromite mine project. She has recently proposed several leaders to integrate its management team. She is still awaiting a response.
The Ring of Fire
It covers a territory of more than 5000 km2. It is 500 kilometers north of Thunder Bay. The focus of this circle is the McFauld Lake, located halfway between Attawapiskat on the west coast of James Bay and Webequie First Nation, located at the height of Greenstone. The mineral was found in the copper, nickel, but also what appears to be the largest deposits of chromite world, a metal used to produce stainless steel.
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