North Bay-based mine builders Cementation Canada and the Cree-owned Eskan Company announced the creation of a joint venture, Nidaamisineh Cementation, to pursue mine projects in northern Quebec.
A Feb. 24 Cementation news release said the joint venture will focus on underground mine development opportunities within the James Bay Territory (Eeyou Istchee) of Quebec.
The joint venture will provide opportunities for Aboriginal entrepreneurs and will be a vehicle to support the development of technical, professional and managerial skills and capacities in the areas of underground mining and safety within the Mistissini community.
“This joint venture is very relevant to the Cree Nation of Mistissini and Eskan’s portfolio,” said Eskan general manager James Lazore in a statement. “Mistissini’s involvement in the mining sector started with the Troilus Mine. Today these past experiences will expand and excel into new endeavors such as this for Eskan within the Mistissini territory.”
The Eskan Company is owned by the Cree Nation of Mistissini and is responsible for economic and sustainable development in the Mistissini region.
Cementation Canada does underground mine contracting and engineering on projects worldwide.
“The establishment of this exciting long term relationship with the Mistissini Cree through Eskan, is based on shared goals and a respect for Northern Quebec and its people, and will benefit Cementation, Eskan and our clients,” said Cementation president Roy Slack.
