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Firms partner with First Nations on mining corp

A trio of mining engineering firms is teaming up with northern First Nations to form the First Nations Mining Corporation (FNMC).

A trio of mining engineering firms is teaming up with northern First Nations to form the First Nations Mining Corporation (FNMC).

SNC-Lavalin has partnered with Cementation Canada and the Morris Group, along with Flying Post First Nation, Lac Seul First Nation, Mattagami First Nation and Wahgoshig First Nation on a memorandum of understanding indicating its intent to form the corporation.

The group’s aim is to form joint venture partnerships with local Aboriginal communities to promote, develop and carry out engineering, construction, environmental and other services for mining companies in Ontario throughout the project lifecycle. It will work to strengthen ties between Aboriginal communities and mining companies in order to facilitate the training and hiring of Aboriginals and the procurement of goods and services from Aboriginal suppliers.

“We are very pleased with this new partnership, which is a solid model for sustainable development in First Nations communities,” said Stephen Lindley, SNC-Lavalin’s vice-president of Aboriginal and northern affairs, in a news release.

“Our partners have worked diligently with Aboriginal leadership, companies and organizations across Canada to create business opportunities which contribute to sustainable social and economic development throughout Ontario’s Aboriginal communities. Through strategic alliances and partnering, we will ensure we meet these goals while also providing top-tier services to the mining industry.”

FNMC will be focused on helping First Nations communities enhance their understanding of the mining industry, identify opportunities, build capacity and develop their own First Nations companies to support mining projects. FNMC will also facilitate Aboriginal employment by developing programs to provide training, certification and upgrade skills.

With this agreement, FNMC will offer a competitive Aboriginal-owned alternative for the design, construction and operation of mining projects, while helping mining companies obtain social licenses to operate throughout the province.