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First Nations.
In Canada, mines and potential mines often lie in or close to the traditional lands of First Nations people. When a mine is being considered or developed in such an area, important negotiations with First Nations are part of the process to...
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Tent Mountain green energy plan: triple solution
Montem Resources is developing a triple-tier green energy project at their former Tent Mountain coal mine, combining wind power, pumped hydroelectric energy storage, and hydrogen production. The unique landscape features two water reservoirs separated by 300 metres of elevation, creating ideal conditions for energy storage. The company expects to complete cost estimates by end of June 2024 to compare this renewable project against their original coal mining plans.
Gold miner Mitch Mortensen is the perfect advocate for placer mining in B.C.
Mitch Mortensen, president of Snowshoe Mountain Resources Corp., is advocating for sustainable placer mining in B.C. while developing his family's Yanks Peak gold project. His latest assay results show 800 ppb gold, which he considers exceptional for making a low-grade gold mine feasible in massive river gravel deposits.
PDAC 2020 awards honour industry leaders
The Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada announced its 2020 award recipients across six categories, recognizing outstanding achievement in the Canadian and international mineral exploration and mining industry. Recipients include leading prospectors, geologists, Indigenous community leaders, and mining companies, with awards to be presented at the annual PDAC Convention in Toronto in March.
New solar farm completed by Tŝilhqot’in Nation expected to generate $175,000 in revenue
The Tŝilhqot'in Nation has completed British Columbia's largest solar farm, a 1.25-MW facility located 80 km west of Williams Lake that is expected to generate $175,000 in annual revenue. The two-hectare site contains 3,456 solar panels and will generate 1,500 MWh annually, enough to power 135 homes, representing a significant step toward energy self-sufficiency for the Nation.
British Columbia’s new fossil protocol
British Columbia has implemented a new fossil management framework requiring all natural resource companies to assess paleontological impact before construction and follow standardized protocols when fossils are discovered. The new rules create consistency across sectors and include mandatory reporting to the Heritage Branch, protective buffer zones, and proper specimen handling procedures.
Azincourt Energy JV partner signs exploration agreement With Sagkeeng First Nation
Azincourt Energy's joint venture partner New Age Metals has signed an exploration agreement with Sagkeeng First Nation, clearing the path for drilling programs at their lithium projects in Manitoba. Recent sampling at the Lithium Two project returned high-grade lithium oxide values up to 7.62% Li2O from spodumene, demonstrating the high purity of mineralization across their 14,000-hectare land package in the Winnipeg River Pegmatite Field.
Royal Canadian Mint issues first coin minted of pure Nunavut gold
The Royal Canadian Mint issued its first collectible coin crafted entirely from Nunavut-sourced gold, featuring Arctic wildlife designs by Inuk artist Andrew Qappik. The gold was sourced from TMAC Resources' Hope Bay mine and Agnico Eagle's Meadowbank mine near Baker Lake.
PDAC 2018 Convention exceeds 25,000 attendees
The PDAC 2018 Convention in Toronto exceeded 25,000 attendees, reaching 25,606 participants from over 125 countries, signaling a recovery and renewed confidence in the mineral exploration and mining industry. The event featured sold-out exhibitor space and hosted the International Mines Ministers Summit with 26 mining ministers.
The future of mining: MiHR discusses employment opportunities
The Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) released its 2017 Canadian Mining Labour Market Outlook showing the industry currently employs 190,000 people and will need to recruit 90,000 new workers over the next decade. The majority of new hires will replace retiring workers, with only 12,000 positions driven by industry growth, highlighting significant workforce transition challenges ahead.
Connecting communities at Rainy River and beyond
Running Deer Resources has developed an Indigenous engagement strategy connecting Aboriginal communities with mining employment opportunities, successfully implementing their Working Warriors database and community preparation programs. The company's joint venture with Big Grassy River First Nation at New Gold's Rainy River Project demonstrates their model, with 25% Indigenous representation on the construction team.
Wasaya Spreads Wings West
Wasaya Airlines, a 100% First Nations-owned airline, announced expanded service including twice daily flights from Winnipeg to Sandy Lake and Pikangikum First Nations starting August 14, 2017. The expansion uses a new Beechcraft 1900D aircraft and increases frequency on the Sioux Lookout-Winnipeg route, enhancing connectivity for remote northern Ontario communities.
Rock Star Peter Moses: Fostering First Nations relationships in mining
Peter Moses, a veteran prospector with 50 years in mining, received the PDAC Skookum Jim Award for his work educating Indigenous youth about mining opportunities and building positive relationships between First Nations communities and the mining industry. Moses worked with 123 First Nations communities across Ontario as the First Nations mineral development information officer with the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.
Paving the way with potash
Muskowekwan First Nation has established agreements with Encanto Potash Corp. and signed an MOU with Amec Foster Wheeler to create Saskatchewan's first mining development on First Nations land. The project aims to provide economic independence and job opportunities for the community, with 80% of community members voting in favor of the venture.
Tahltan Nation Development Corporation and Geotech—a partnership based on shared values
Tahltan Nation Development Corporation has partnered with Geotech Drilling Services to create Tahltech Drilling Services, providing comprehensive drilling services in Tahltan territory covering 11% of British Columbia. The partnership leverages Geotech's technical capabilities and the Tahltan Nation's 30 years of business experience to serve the resource-rich Golden Triangle region.
Rock Star: Nalaine Morin, EP
Nalaine Morin, principal at ArrowBlade Consulting Services and member of the Tahltan Nation, works to bridge First Nations traditional knowledge with western science in mining and resource development projects. She has been instrumental in developing innovative processes for cross-cultural resource project management that have been adopted at the provincial level in British Columbia.
Barkerville Gold Mines enters into relationship agreement with Lhtako Dene First Nation
Barkerville Gold Mines has entered into a Relationship Agreement with Lhtako Dene First Nation for its Cariboo Gold Project in British Columbia. The agreement establishes the framework for cooperation on exploration and mining activities, with Barkerville issuing 400,000 common shares to the First Nation and both parties planning to negotiate a future Impact Benefit Agreement.
Revenue-sharing agreement: Teck & Lower Nicola Indian Band
Teck Resources and the Lower Nicola Indian Band signed revenue-sharing and partnership agreements for the Highland Valley Copper Operations. The band will receive $557,000 initially plus ongoing annual mineral tax payments, while also gaining collaborative input on mine decisions and business opportunities.
Ktunaxa and Teck sign historic Impact Management and Benefits Agreement
Teck Resources and the Ktunaxa Nation Council signed a comprehensive 40-year Impact Management and Benefits Agreement covering Teck's five steelmaking coal operations in BC's Elk Valley region. The agreement addresses consultation, environmental stewardship, employment opportunities for Ktunaxa citizens, and cultural resources management.
Huckleberry Mines wins award for mine reclamation
Huckleberry Mines Limited won a British Columbia Technical and Research Committee on Reclamation award for successful fishway restoration at its copper mine near Houston, BC. The company restored fish ladders in a local creek and engaged First Nations communities in reclamation planning, marking a significant improvement in community relations.
Bob Joseph on resources, respect and relationships with Aboriginal Peoples
Bob Joseph, founder of Indigenous Corporate Training Inc., discusses best practices for mining and energy companies working with Aboriginal Peoples in Canada. He emphasizes the importance of early engagement, proper research, and understanding that Indigenous communities balance long-term cultural survival with short-term socio-economic needs when considering resource development.
Land claims largest deterrent to mining investment in B.C.
A Fraser Institute survey reveals that uncertainty over disputed land claims is the biggest deterrent to mining investment in British Columbia, with 77% of respondents citing it as a concern compared to much lower rates in other provinces. Recent Supreme Court decisions have worsened the situation by opening private companies to aboriginal title litigation, putting both existing and future mining projects at risk.
Mining still strong
Pierre Gratton, CEO of the Mining Association of Canada, addressed a chamber of commerce luncheon in Cranbrook, B.C., acknowledging current economic challenges while expressing optimism about the medium and long-term prospects for Canadian mining. He highlighted that mining accounts for 20% of Canadian exports and directly employs over 375,000 people, emphasizing the need for Canada to prepare for the next upswing through infrastructure improvements and streamlined processes.
Thunder Bay joint venture with First Nation builds housing subdivision
Oshki-Aki Limited Partnership, a joint venture between True Grit Consulting and Fort William First Nation, is nearing completion of a 21-lot housing subdivision in Thunder Bay, Ontario, with infrastructure expected to be finished by November 2015. The project demonstrates successful Indigenous partnership in development while creating employment opportunities for 10-15 First Nations members and building local capacity in consulting and engineering.
Murray River Coal project granted environmental assessment approval
HD Mining International Ltd. received environmental assessment approval for its Murray River Coal project near Tumbler Ridge, BC, subject to 24 legally-binding conditions. The $668 million underground coal mine will produce 4.8 million tonnes annually over 25 years and create 780 jobs during operations.