Kirkland Lake Discoveries (KLDC) has signed a cooperation agreement with Beaverhouse First Nation regarding a winter exploration program in northeastern Ontario.
The Toronto company has launched a 10,000-metre drill program on the Lucky Strike property of its Kirkland Lake Project. At 38,000 hectares, the junior miner – formerly known as Warrior Gold – holds one of the larger land positions in the historic and very productive Kirkland Lake gold camp.
There will be direct and indirect spinoff benefits for Beaverhouse to take part in exploration activity through employment, training and business opportunities, the company said in a news release.
The agreement with Beaverhouse, the company said, represents a commitment to continue consultation and demonstrates their willingness to “establish a mutually beneficial, cooperative and productive relationship” with the Indigenous community, located northeast of Kirkland Lake.
With the Lucky Strike Property, situated north of Larder Lake, the junior mining company maintains the geological structure looks very similar to Agnico Eagle’s Upper Beaver Project, a future mine under development just to the south.
The company’s properties are in the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, one of the world’s best-endowed areas to find gold and in an area that has spawned many gold mines.
“Beaverhouse First Nation and the company have a long-standing relationship built on mutual respect and trust,” said Danièle Spethmann, company founder, president-CEO in a statement.
“This agreement is the first step in formalizing that relationship. We are committed to responsible exploration across our very exciting project and to providing shared value and economic opportunities to BHFN. We are respectful and responsible stewards of the natural environment and acknowledge Beaverhouse First Nation’s Traditional Territories.”
Beaverhouse First Nation Chief Wayne Wabie was “pleased to have come to an initial agreement with KLDC that ensures exploration in our territory is executed with respect for the land and our people. We look forward to working with Kirkland Lake Discoveries and to sharing in its successes.”
