First Nation, junior miner strike gold exploration deal

 
A northwestern Ontario First Nation and an Ottawa-based junior miner are solidifying their relationship to conduct exploration near Red Lake.

The Mishkeegogamang First Nation and PC Gold have signed an exploration memorandum of understanding (MOU) for activities on the company's Pickle Crow property.

The company said the MOU includes provisions for a number of benefits including local training and employment, and financial contributions to the community. Should the project go from exploration to development, an impact benefit agreement will be negotiated.

“We appreciate the respectful approach the company has taken to ensuring that our First Nation will benefit from the project,” said Chief Connie Gray-McKay in a statement.

The property contains the former Pickle Crow gold mine which operated from 1935 to 1966, producing 1.45-million Troy ounces of gold. The mine closed in the 1960s because of the increasing costs of mining at deeper levels. There remained high-grade veins open at depth and largely untouched zones of gold in iron formations close to the mine workings.

“The Pickle Crow gold mine operated for years in the heart of our traditional lands without providing any meaningful benefits to our community," Chief Gray-McKay said. "We will not allow that to happen again.”

PC Gold president Kevin Keough said he is pleased with the open dialogue with the Mishkeegogamang Ojibway since exploration began last summer.

“They have a history to be proud of, and we're proud to be associated with them,” said Keough.