Wahgoshig First Nation Signs On With Apollo Gold
Polaris Minerals recognized for outstanding sustainable development
Cumberland clears final environmental hurdle
Wolfden gets land use permits from Kitikmeot Inuit
Clem Durocher encourages youth to look into the electrical trade
Aboriginal participation in mining steadily increasing
Diavik supports Aboriginal business, local charities and the environment
Northwest BC First Nation pleased mining company won’t build road
Wahgoshig First Nation signs on with Apollo Gold
A golden opportunity has been announced with an agreement between Wahgoshig First Nation and Apollo Gold Corporation. Representatives from Wahgoshig and Apollo Gold, a major gold mining and exploration company, signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) to establish the base of a new working relationship. This MOU was signed at the First Nation administration office on Tuesday, January 23, 2007.
Gifts were exchanged in First Nation tradition during the signing of the MOU between Wahgoshig First Nation and Apollo Gold Corporation. (Left to right) Richard F. Nanna, Senior Vice President, Exploration and Development, Apollo Gold; Ryan Lougheed, Project Manager, Apollo Gold; R. David Russell, President and Chief Executive Officer for Apollo Gold; Elder Noel Diamond, Wahgoshig First Nation; Chief Dave Babin, Wahgoshig FN; Maurice Kistabish, Head Negotiator for Wahgoshig FN and Shawn Batise, Wabun Tribal Council.
The agreement will provide a framework for communications and interim benefits for the First Nation concerning the initial development of the Black Fox project. The project is an early stage gold mining initiative by Apollo Gold Corporation located 10 kilometres east of Matheson, Ontario and it is situated within lands on which Wahgoshig First Nation has asserted treaty and Aboriginal rights.
“This is a great day for Wahgoshig First Nation and I congratulate their leadership and the representatives from Apollo Gold for their hard work and effort in making this possible. Other companies need to take note of the developments that are happening here in Wahgoshig First Nation. Our First Nations need a sense of ownership and a share of the benefits that are taken from their lands,” said Shawn Batise, Executive Director, Wabun Tribal Council.
‘Wahgoshig Chief Dave Babin, is hopeful that this initial signing will be the start of a beneficial relationship between his community and Apollo Gold.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Wahgoshig First Nation and Apollo Gold Corporation, Tuesday, January 23, 2007. (Left to right) R. David Russell, President and CEO for Apollo Gold Corporation and Chief Dave Babin, Wahgoshig First Nation.
“It feels good to know that a major corporation such as Apollo Gold is developing a working relationship with our community and taking an interest in the issues that are affecting our people. We have a large youth population in our community and our hope for the Black Fox development is that it will create employment and other opportunities for our young people,” said Chief Babin.
Deputy Grand Chief, Alvin Fiddler, Nishnawbe-Aski Nation congratulated Wahgoshig First Nation leadership and noted that this is a good example of First Nations becoming more involved in what happens on the territories.
“Wahgoshig First Nation leadership worked hard to establish a good relationship with Apollo Gold and now they will be able to negotiate meaningful benefits for their First Nation,” said Deputy Grand Chief Fiddler.
The Black Fox Project is currently in a feasibility study stage with a projected start to actual development scheduled for early 2008. The company is planning on the creation of an open pit mine combined with underground mining and an onsite milling facility. The project is expected to generate a mining facility that will process 1,500 long tonnes per day.
R. David Russell, President and Chief Executive Officer for Apollo Gold Corporation was on hand to sign the agreement and meet with community representatives.
“This Memorandum Of Understand-ing is an important document that will lay out the future development of the Black Fox Project. We believe that it is important that we develop positive relationships with the communities we are working with in relation to our mining projects,” said Russell.
The Apollo Gold delegation also included Richard F. Nanna, Senior Vice President, Exploration and Development. He explained that part of the development of exploration projects includes the participation of local people who will be affected.
“It was a great honour to be here today and meet with everyone we have been communicating with here in Wahgoshig. It is good that we have the local community participate in developments that will affect their future. A good relationship with the community can only mean benefits for both parties in the creation of these projects,” said Nanna.
Part of the process in permitting development of a mine site in Ontario includes conducting meaningful consultations with First Nations. Apollo Gold started communications with Wahgoshig First Nation in August 2004 to negotiate lands issues and benefits. These negotiations culminated in the signing of the Memorandum Of Understanding.
Ryan Lougheed, Project Manager, Apollo Gold has been actively involved in developing the agreement.
“The Black Fox Project will provide the community of Wahgoshig First Nation the opportunity for training and employment as well as local community development. Our company will also benefit by being able to tap into a local labour force and additional resources that the First Nation has to offer such as equipment operators and assistance with lands and resources issues,” said Lougheed.
This initial agreement sets the base for a working relationship and will provide interim provisions while the Black Fox Project is still in the advanced exploration stage. Once the Black Fox Project is moved from exploration to production by the Apollo Board of Directors, a new negotiation process will commence for the creation of an Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA). The Memorandum Of Understanding will set the agenda for conducting IBA negotiations which will include such topics as employment, training, business opportunities and financial compensation.
Also attending the event was Maurice Kistabish, Head Negotiator for Wah-goshig First Nation and Doris Odjick, Economic Development Programs Officer, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), Thunder Bay.
By Heather Ednie
Director, Media and Communications, CIM
In business, the contacts you develop can be deciding factors for career success. When you know the right people, you can be on top of information, understand developments in your industry, and help enforce practices to make your employment safer and more productive.
The CIM Conference and Exhibition, in Montreal from April 29 to May 2, is the event to learn of the leading practices and emerging trends of the minerals industry in Canada. But what’s more, it is the single venue where mining executives mingle with operators, suppliers, students, consultants, and other professionals to form lasting ties. It is the premier networking event for all working on career development within the Canadian mining industry.
But networking is only one of many opportunities at the CIM Conference and Exhibition. There’s also an in-depth technical program, and Canada’s premier mining event, the CIM Exhibition.
Knowledge Sharing
This year’s conference will kick-off with a workshop on Sunday, April 29, covering Voisey’s Bay Impact and Benefit Agreements. It will examine the successes, failures, and lessons learned in implementing the impact and benefit agreements between Voisey’s Bay Nickel Company, on the one hand, and the Labrador Inuit Association and Innu Nation on the other hand. In the first half of the workshop, representatives of each of the preceding parties will present their point of view. The second half of the workshop will be devoted to discussions among the parties and with members of the audience.
Aerial view of Voisey's Bay mine.
The development of Voisey’s Bay had a long-lasting effecting on future impact and benefit agreements at mine sites across the country. This workshop will highlight lessons learned, and demonstrate that a compatible relationship can be forged between a company and a community.
Other aspects of the technical program of note include the Challenges of Sustainability stream, which includes an entire day focused on the people of the industry: a morning-long session devoted to progressive human resources practices across the industry, and a Women in Mining forum throughout the afternoon, bringing together a panel of women from throughout industry to share insights into how mine companies are making their sites more palatable for a female workforce.
Energy and Mines
The conference theme, Energy and Mines, highlights the importance of keen energy management for the success of today’s mine operation. Energy costs are among the greatest expenses at a mine or processing plant. New technology and applications to drive down energy costs result in major improvements to the bottom line.
Simultaneously, energy management is quickly becoming a major concern for all Canadians. Growing attention being paid to climate change, emissions reductions, and the air, water, and land around us is demanding that industry be responsible. And the minerals industry is poised to be a leader – at the CIM Conference and Exhibition, best practices, new applications, and alternative sources will be shared to assist the whole industry to lead the way in energy reduction.
CIM Exhibition
The CIM Exhibition attracted approximately 5,000 participants in Vancouver last year. This year promises to be even bigger. With continued growth of 15 per cent over the last three years, participants will visit the show to meet new exhibitors and reconnect with their loyal suppliers, contractors, and consultants. It’s the place to learn about the tools, technologies, services, and other opportunities available to drive industry.
Career Fair
Finally, while at the CIM Conference and Exhibition, take a few minutes to make the contacts that could lead to you career advancement. A Career Fair onsite will feature leading employers from across the country offering information on the opportunities available. The mining industry is facing an unprecedented human resources strain, so these companies want to meet as many people as they can, to ensure they maintain the strength of their workforces.
Come to the CIM Conference and Exhibition, and discover all it has to offer: knowledge sharing, outstanding networking, and the experience of Montreal: a little piece of Europe in Canada.
Polaris Minerals recognized for outstanding sustainable development
By Shirley Collingridge
As we become ever more aware of the need to protect the environment, some mining companies have begun to make outstanding efforts. In British Columbia, the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and the Mining Association of B.C. (MABC) rewards those efforts with its prestigious Mining and Sustainability Award. Chosen from among 11 nominees, the 2006 winner is Polaris Minerals Corporation.
At a gala dinner, Minister of State for Mining Bill Bennett, along with Michael McPhie, MABC’s president and CEO, presented the award.
Polaris Minerals Corporation representatives and community partners celebrate after receiving the 2006 Mining and Sustainability Award on November 28, 2006. (Front, left to right) Chief Bill Cranmer, Namgis First Nation; Marco Romero, Polaris Minerals President & CEO; Chief Judith Sayers, Hupacasath First Nation; TysonTouchie, Chair of Eagle Rock Aggregates & Director of Eagle Rock Materials (Ucluelet First Nation). (rear, from left to right) Roman Shklanka, Chairman, Polaris Minerals; Michael Beley Director, Orca Sand & Gravel & Eagle Rock Materials; Garry Ullstrom, Senior Financial Officer, Namgis First Nation; Gary Nordin, Director, Polaris Minerals.
“I am pleased to recognize Polaris Minerals and all of the nominees for their commitment to their communities and to the environment,” said Bennett. “Polaris Minerals has created positive, mutually productive relationships with local communities and First Nations, and serves as a model for others in the mining industry to follow.”
To be eligible, nominees must be residents of B.C. or have operations in B.C. They must have some involvement in B.C. mining activities and have demonstrated a commitment to advancing and promoting sustainability.
Applicants must provide evidence of successfully developing, implementing, and communicating actions related to sustainability. Criteria may include:
- Promoting the health and safety of workers and the community
- Building partnerships and relations with First Nations
- Engaging in long-term community partnerships
- Managing social, environmental and economic risks
- Responsible design, use, and disposal of products
- Commitment to research, training and education
- Improved economic and technical efficiency
- Innovative environmental and waste management
- Increased transparency and sustainability reporting
Polaris was nominated for its engagement with local communities and its respect for the traditional rights of First Nations while balancing economic, social and environmental goals.
Together with the Kwakiutl and Namgis First Nations, Polaris is developing the Orca Quarry near Port McNeill. Polaris and its other partners the Hupacasath and Ucluelet First Nations, propose to develop the Eagle Rock Quarry, near Port Alberni.
“The Polaris management team and their community and First Nation project partners deserve tremendous credit for the leadership and commitment that has been demonstrated which has led to such a success,” said McPhie.
“B.C.’s mining and minerals industry continually strives to maximize its economic contribution, engage with communities and provide steward-ship for our natural environment. Polaris has clearly shown how mining and mineral development can provide a significant net benefit to society.”
Launched by MABC in 2005, the Mining and Sustainability Award publicly recognizes the diverse companies, communities, First Nations, non-governmental organizations, government agencies and individuals committed to advancing and promoting sustainable development in the B.C. mining and minerals sector. 2006 was the first year the award was presented jointly by MABC and the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. The 2005 recipient was Highland Valley Copper.
For more information about these awards and other British Columbia mining and minerals initiatives, visit www.mining.bc.ca/news_events/events.htm.
Cumberland clears final environmental hurdle
Road construction to commence at Canada’s largest pure gold open pit reserves
By Shirley Collingridge
Cumberland Resources Ltd. (TSX: CLG; AMEX: CLG) has now received the Project Certificate for its Meadowbank Gold Project, clearing the project for development.
The company’s Board of Directors made a production decision in September 2006, following a positive development recommendation by the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB). Since then, the company secured $254 million for its gold loan facility and raised $100 million in equity financing for development of the project.
In November, the Federal Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development accepted the positive NIRB recommendation. NIRB then followed up by issuing the Project Certificate in late December, enabling Cumberland to commence processing all ancillary permits required for construction. The Project Certificate, which includes terms and conditions to ensure the integrity of the development process, is the final stage of the NIRB review process for Meadowbank’s environmental assessment.
“We are very pleased to say that construction at Meadowbank will soon begin,” stated Kerry Curtis, President and CEO of Cumberland. “The Company and the community of Baker Lake have remained committed to this project as it has grown from a small gold deposit into Canada’s largest pure gold open pit gold reserves. We now have the opportunity to provide training and employment opportunities to the residents of Baker Lake and the surrounding Kivalliq communities as the Company build’s Nunavut’s next large, pure gold open pit mine.”
Cumberland has staged the necessary equipment and supplies at nearby Baker Lake, Nunavut for its next milestone: construction of a four-season access road to Meadowbank. Nuna Logistics Limited (Nuna) will construct the road. Road construction is expected to commence in the next several weeks upon issuance of initial permits and licences from the Government of Nunavut.
Nuna’s recent recruiting drive yielded more than 200 applications; approximately 40 persons from Baker Lake and the Kivalliq region have been short-listed for various road construction related positions.
The company’s 2006 drill program at Meadowbank successfully readied gold resources for reserve definition at the Cannu zone. Located immediately north of the proposed Portage open pit, Cannu’s potentially open pittable high-grade zone of mineralization was discovered in 2005. Highlights of January’s updated mineral resource estimate are:
- Inferred mineral resources upgraded to the indicated resource category
- Indicated resource grade approximately 40% higher than Meadowbank reserve grade
- Near surface mineralization should contribute to future open pit expansion
- Majority of indicated resources expected to be converted into open pit reserves
- Potential for Cannu zone to be brought forward in mine plan
“We are very pleased with the quick progress made in discovering, defining and upgrading the gold resources at Cannu,” stated Kerry Curtis, President and CEO. “We will now focus on estimating a Cannu reserve in the first quarter of 2007 and incorporating Cannu into the Meadowbank mine plan. We are also planning an extensive 2007 drill program at the recently-discovered Goose South zone for continued resource and reserve growth at Meadowbank.”
Cumberland owns Meadowbank 100%. The project is located 70 kilometres north of the hamlet of Baker Lake and is designed to produce an average of 330,000 ounces gold per year over an eight-year mine life, making it one of Canada’s future highest output gold producers. Subject to the timely receipt of all ancillary permits and requisite financing, production is expected to commence in late 2008 or early 2009.
For more information, visit www.cumberlandresources.com.
Wolfden gets land use permits from Kitikmeot Inuit
Wolfden Resources Inc. (TSX:WLF), in conjunction with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, is pleased to announce the signing of an Inuit Owned Lands Access Agreement with the Kitikmeot Inuit Association ("KIA") with respect to the Company's planned High Lake Re-licensing Project in Nunavut, Canada.
The KIA has issued the required Land Use Licenses to Wolfden, which provide access to and use of InuitOwned Land. This is a significant milestone for Wolfden because issuance of these licenses will allow for the construction of camp facilities at Wolfden's High Lake project, an airstrip at Sand Lake, and an all weather access road between the High Lake Project site and the airstrip located approximately 13 kilometers north of High Lake. The High Lake Re-licensing Project constitutes Phase One of construction and provides for the initiation of Wolfden's advanced exploration activities. Additionally, the KIA has granted the licenses for the winter trail route on Inuit-owned lands between High Lake and Ulu, and High Lake and Grays Bay. These permits will allow Wolfden to move equipment between project sites. Construction of the camp, road and airstrip will enable the company to operate year-round at High Lake with the ability to land Hercules-sized cargo aircraft to supply the site.
"These permits represent a significant advance for Wolfden in that they allow us to expand and accelerate our activities at High Lake, our most advanced project," said Ewan Downie, Wolfden's President and CEO. "We look forward to continuing to work closely with the KIA and other Inuit organizations in developing Canada's north and ensuring that our projects reach their milestones."
The Kitikmeot Inuit Association President Donald Havioyak states that "KIA supports development such as at the High Lake project so long as there is a balance between environment protection and benefits for both KIA and Wolfden". WOLFDEN is a Canadian-based mineral exploration and development company with a diversified portfolio of advanced stage properties and several ongoing exploration programs in Canada.
Clem Durocher encourages youth to look into the electrical trade
When Clem Durocher joined Cameco Corporation in 1993, the status Indian from Ile a la Croix had already been a journeyman electrician for more almost a decade. How does an electrician end up at a minesite?
Like so many boys fresh out of high school, Durocher first did seasonal work near his home but the mines were beckoning. “Cluff Lake was happening back in the early ’80s. I had to find a job so I applied for a position up in Cluff. When the apprenticeship came open, that’s where I did my electrical apprenticeship.”
Clem Durocher
Durocher completed the four-year journeyman electrician program and stayed on for another five years. At first, separation from his family was a struggle for the young man.
“I’ve adjusted because of all the years but you do see young individuals who do struggle with it,” he said. “It’s not easy to take up a job like this. I had my share back in the early ’80s when I started up in Cluff on the schedule – because it is tough to be away from home for a week at a time,” he said.
“It takes a long time but once you adjust, it’s all part of life,” he added philosophically.
With nine years experience under his belt, Durocher was ready to try his hand at contracting. When business slowed down after three years, he found himself at the unemployment office where an outreach program got him back on track.
“They told me about the position that was available [at McArthur River,]” he said.
They said, ‘well do you want us to send the resume in?’ and they did. It wasn’t long after that I got a call saying I was to come up here.”
Now others are asking Durocher to hand in their resumes. “Here at home a lot of times you run into an individual. They say, ‘well can you take my resume up?’ I will give it to HR up here, but the way I look at it, if you want a job bad enough, you will really work at it to get it and not rely on somebody else to do it for you.”
Durocher had always been interested in electrical work but his career easily might have taken another path.
“It did spark an interest when I was younger and when I had a chance to pursue it, I did. I have never really looked at anything else – but I should not really say that because at one time I did consider joining the RCMP. I have a twin brother who is with the RCMP,” he explained.
He is not sorry for his choice despite 12-hour shifts and weeks spent away from home. Once describing those weeks as a glass half empty, Durocher now describes them as half full. “I am quite content with my job because of the work schedule I am in – week in, week out. It gives me a whole week to be at home,” he said.
At home, Durocher has time to enjoy the outdoors. “Whatever is in season,” he said, “I go out and do my duck hunting. Then come spring, I do my fishing, but that’s with a rod and reel – none of this with-a-net!”
Despite growing up in a predominantly Métis community, Durocher was not exposed to what he calls, “this whole traditional Native stuff. I have never seen anything like Native dance growing up. To be honest, I’ve never been to a powwow,” he said.
“I had never seen a teepee until now,” he added. “Everybody is kind of going back to the traditional way and you see teepees set up in a la Croix.”
In fact, Durocher would prefer not to see racial distinctions as discrimination frustrates him. “I really believe in equality for everybody,” he said. “I wish people wouldn’t look at skin colour or where you originate from. And accept your capabilities. If you are an electrician, you should be an electrician – it doesn’t matter where you come from.”
“It’ll never end. I don’t think so,” he said. “As long as non-Natives have the mentality they are superior, it is going to take a lot to change it… People do try to change for a week or two and then they’re back to their old selves. You can’t change a person overnight.”
Durocher’s own team works very well together and there is no sign of discrimination. In fact, he says, the most fulfilling aspect of his career is “the camaraderie among the crew I am with. We all get along. There’s a couple of us over 40 and the rest are 30s. It’s a good crew. I’ve been here since March of 1993. As the years went by, the crew grew.”
Durocher could soon have new team-mates through Cameco’s apprenticeship program. “We have a couple of female apprentices right now,” he said. “They are in school doing their third year as of January 2. One is from La Ronge and one is from Buffalo originally.”
For others – Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal – considering the electrical trade, Durocher says, “I would really encourage them. There are jobs – I have had no problem getting jobs. Once you get the ticket, you can travel the country because you do get your interprovincial seal – you can get a job anywhere. And right now the jobs are at Fort McMurray and a lot of people are going that route.”
“A trade of any kind is really a good choice in life,” he concluded.
Aboriginal participation in mining steadily increasing
By Philip Bousquet, PDAC Director, Sustainability
Direct involvement in the mineral industry by Aboriginal peoples is steadily increasing across Canada. Through ownership, direct employment and community agreements, the number and variety of opportunities continue to grow.
As the national voice of the mineral exploration sector, the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) can serve a role in improving our members’ understanding of Aboriginal issues, and helping communities work with the exploration industry.
Two current initiatives are the PDAC Convention, to be held March 4 - 7 in Toronto – the world’s largest annual mineral industry conference – and The Mining Information Kit for Aboriginal Communities, a guide that is attracting attention across Canada and around the world.
The session Aboriginal Participation in the Mineral Industry, Canada and International, will be held during the Convention on March 6 from 9am to noon. Following up on the session held in 2006, the 2007 session will offer examples of successful Aboriginal participation in the mineral industry, domestically and internationally, and provide an opportunity for delegates to discuss ways of improving relations, reducing uncertainty and broadening economic benefits. The session will conclude with a panel discussion and audience questions.
The PDAC convention attracts delegates from around the world, providing community leaders with an outstanding opportunity to meet individuals and organizations involved in all aspects of the mineral industry, from field geologists through to mining engineers, environmental consultants and government regulators.
New materials for Aboriginal Communities
Communities and companies can face many challenges when they first meet. Understanding one another is critical for a successful relationship to develop, and a key element is a sound basis of knowledge about expectations and practices.
As a trade association for the industry, we often receive requests for information on exploration and mining. In response, and in cooperation with other organizations such as the Mining Association of Canada, the Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association, and the Canadian government, the PDAC and our partners have developed The Mining Information Kit for Aboriginal Communities.
The kit is designed to inform Aboriginal communities across Canada about the mining cycle, from early exploration to mine closure. This is one of several new initiatives in Canada that are helping communities and companies to understand one another.
For example, videos such as the Ontario Mining Association’s First Nation Video (available in Cree, Oji-Cree, Ojibway, French and English), and Our community, our future (Ontario and Canadian governments) as well as the Association for Mineral Exploration BC’s Guidebook on Mineral Exploration, Mining and Aboriginal Community Engagement, each contribute to the sharing of knowledge. Visit www.pdac.ca for links to these materials.
The Mining Information Kit for Aboriginal Communities
Since its release in Summer 2006, The Mining Information Kit for Aboriginal Communities has been distributed to a wide variety of organizations and individuals. Demand is high and several thousand bound copies of the kit have been produced; it is now in its second printing.
Aboriginal communities and businesses, exploration and mining companies, colleges, public policy institutes, government agencies and trade associations, have all shown an interest in the kit and are making use of it in their work.
The project partners (PDAC, Mining Association of Canada, Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association, and the Canadian government) welcome comments on the kit as we want to ensure that it offers a useful information resource for Aboriginal peoples, and for all those who are involved in the minerals industry. Basic information is included in the main text and additional resources and links are offered towards the back of the document.
Copies and comments: electronic copies can be downloaded from the PDAC website at www.pdac.ca (see Issues & Advocacy / Aboriginal Affairs) To request a bound copy of the kit or to submit your comments, please contact Philip Bousquet, PDAC Director, Sustainability at pbousquet@pdac.ca
Diavik supports Aboriginal business, local charities and the environment
By Shirley Collingridge
Thanks to stringent regulations and corporate sustainability measures, mining companies today actively seek to support stakeholder communities, while working harder to protect the environment. Some companies, like Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. (DDMI) often exceed those commitments.
Diavik’s 2006 half-year report reveals some of those efforts. The report is required by the Diavik Socio-Economic Monitoring Agreement (SEMA), monitored by the Diavik Communities Advisory Board comprised of members from the Tlicho communities of Behchoko, Wha Ti, Gameti, and Wekweti; the Akaitcho Dene communities of Dettah, N’dilo and Lutsel K’e; the Inuit community of Kugluktuk; the North Slave Metis Alliance; and the Government of the Northwest Territories.
Highlights of the 24-page SEMA report include initiatives in training, employment, and business spending from January through June 2006:
- Training: Seven participants began Diavik’s second Aboriginal Leadership Development Program, and 11 Aboriginal underground miner trainees began their work rotations at Diavik. Diavik and its contractors employed 18 apprentices, all northern and two-thirds Aboriginal.
- Employment: Diavik’s operations workforce averaged 724 employees during the first half of the year. Of these, 496 were northern resident workers, and of these approximately half were Aboriginal.
- Business: Diavik spent $119 million on operations during the first half of the year, of which $79 million was with northern firms. Of note, the total cumulative spending with northern Aboriginal businesses since year 2000 surpassed $1 billion.
Full details of the SEMA report are available on the DDMI website at: www.diavik.ca.
Meanwhile, the minesites’ workers have been busy helping to raise funds for charity. Through several initiatives organized by the workers, Diavik donated just over $16,000 to three local community groups. Workers organized raffles and draws at the minesite and a percentage of proceeds from the mine’s commissary were included. The Salvation Army, the Side Door Youth Centre, and the Yellowknife Women’s Society which operates the women’s shelter and the centre for northern families, will share the funds.
Staff also participated in the Salvation Army’s adopt-a family program, donating 37 boxes of food and gifts to four families. A bake sale, hockey ticket raffle, and northern art raffle raised another $1,000 for the Christmas Hamper program.
The company also continues its efforts to protect the environment. In January, Diavik announced recertification of the Environmental Management System (EMS). Certification occurs via external auditors SGS Canada to the ISO 14001:2004 standard. Diavik’s EMS was first certified to the ISO 14001:1996 standard in 2005. The International Organization for Standardization, or ISO, is a network of national standards institutes of 148 countries with a Central Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerlan coordinating the system. Diavik’s certification demonstrates that it has a comprehensive system in place that passes the test established by a panel of experts.
The company’s certification to the ISO 14001:2004 standard for the company-wide EMS reflects Diavik’s existing commitments, plans, programs, and objectives for protecting the environment. Diavik’s pledge to protect the environment is embodied in the company’s sustainable development policy and further enunciated through the EMS.
As part of Diavik’s overall management system, the EMS enables Diavik to more effectively control environmental aspects and impacts of its mining operation at Lac de Gras. While voluntary, Diavik certified its environmental management system to the ISO 14001:2004 standard to demonstrate its continued commitment to environmental protection.
For further information about ISO standards, visit www.iso.org.
In January, Diavik’s Product Splitting Facility (PSF) in Yellowknife was also recertified to the ISO 9001:2000, standard. Diavik’s PSF was first certified to the ISO 9001: 2000 standard in 2005.
The ISO 9001:2000 certification reflects the company’s commitment to providing its customers with assurance of product and process quality. The certification was received after the implementation of a quality management system, and after external auditor SGS Canada reviewed Diavik’s PSF systems.
For further ISO information, visit www.iso.org.
The Diavik Diamond Mine, located 300 kilometres northeast of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, is an unincorporated joint venture between DDMI (60%) and Aber Diamond Limited Partnership (40%). Both companies are headquartered in Yellowknife, Canada. DDMI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto plc of London, England, and Aber Diamond Limited Partnership is wholly owned by Aber Diamond Corporation of Toronto, Ontario. DDMI is manager of the mine, and continues to operate the Diavik Mine in full compliance with all permits, licences, and authorizations.
Northwest BC First Nation pleased mining company won’t build road
The Taku River Tlingits First Nation of Atlin, BC, is delighted that Redfern Resources has cancelled its plan to build a 160-kilometre haul road through wilderness, says the First Nation's spokeswoman.
Sandra Jack said the decision by Redfern to cancel road construction in favour of barging ore concentrates down the Taku River to Juneau is a much better option.
Atlin, BC
``We are actually quite delighted to understand they are exploring another method of transportation,'' Jack said.
``It is a much better option… than a 160-kilometre road through our traditional territory."
Jack said while the First Nation is happy with the decision, there are still issues and concerns to be addressed with the proposed barging system.
There are six to eight commercial fisherman on the river – four of whom are First Nation members – and any impact on their business and livelihood will have to be provided for through mitigation measures.
The First Nation and Redfern have been at odds for years over the proposed road development.
Redfern Resources, which is owned by Redcorp Ventures Ltd. (TSX:RDV), announced recently it has shelved its plan for the road from Atlin into the Tulsequah Chief mine site inside the Taku River watershed, recognized as internationally significant salmon-bearing habitat.
Instead, the company is proposing to move its concentrates to Juneau on two air cushion barges capable of hauling 450 tonnes, with one trip a day.
The barge would be towed by an all-year-round amphibious tractor, good in water and on ice.
In its statement announcing its updated feasibility study to be filed with the Toronto Venture Exchange within the next 45 days, the company is planning to be in production by the end of 2008.
It is looking for the $201 million required for financing.
Company president Terry Chandler said he is optimistic he'll be able to raise the financing in this environment of high demand for mineral resources across the globe.
He expects the necessary financing for production at the zinc-copper-gold-silver volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit could be well in hand in six months.
David MacKinnon of the Transboundary Watershed Alliance, an international group that has steadfastly opposed the Tulsequah Chief project, and particularly the road, gave tentative support for Redfern's decision.
He said the new proposal needs careful scrutiny.
He also pointed out the transboundary alliance has always questioned the wisdom of permitting an industrial mine development beside internationally significant salmon habitat.