First Nation community plans to stop Ring of Fire exploration

Marten Falls First Nation said it plans to blockade mineral exploration in the Ring of Fire.

The Far North community wants mining companies to sign memorandums of understanding and exploration agreements before any developments proceed in the James Bay Lowlands and on their traditional territory. In a release to media, Marten Falls said it plans to block access to exploration camps in the McFaulds and Koper Lakes. The First Nation said the camps are being built without proper consultation.

In January 2010, Marten Falls briefly blockaded ice landing strips over the lack of consultation with the communities concerning development in the Ring of Fire and what they claimed as disregard for the environment. The blockade disrupted and delayed exploration of chromite, nickel and base metal deposits in the Ring of Fire by as much as year.

Noront Resources, which supported the blockade in early 2010, stated it had the Jan. 25 notice from the Marten Falls First Nation seeking an immediate stop of all exploration activity. But the miner said it had seen no sign of protests and plans to continue with its activities on its high-grade nickel, chromite and base metal discoveries.

The requested work stoppage apparently results from a dispute between Marten Falls and KWG/Fancamp on the consultation process required prior to the construction of their new exploration camp located on Koper Lake. Noront has no relationship with KWG/Fancamp or the new camp. Noronto employs 50 people in its Esker Camp, including 20 First Nations workers. The company said it has offered to participate in negotiations with Marten Falls, government and industry.