Steve Miller, chief of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation, said his community has struck a “first-of-its-kind” advanced exploration agreement with KGHM International regarding the Victoria base metal mine project, west of Sudbury.
The community, also known as Whitefish Lake First Nation, formally signed the agreement on Nov. 7.
Provisions in the agreement outline how the community will benefit from employment, training and business opportunities pertaining to the shaft sinking, bulk sampling and diamond drilling activity.
A Nov. 21 press release from KGHM said the First Nation will also receive “compensation for temporary interferences with the exercise of Aboriginal and treaty rights by the Atikameksheng.”
In a statement, Miller said the agreement is a “step forward” for the community in its relations with industry. “We applaud KGHM’s leadership in working collaboratively with us to ensure our people will benefit from the Victoria Project Advanced Exploration Agreement.”
Adrian McFadden, KGHM’s vice-president of underground operations, said working with the community has been a “positive and educational experience” and demonstrates each group’s commitment to each other.
