The Windigo and Shibogama tribal councils will receive a $60,000 provincial grant toward the cost of negotiations with Placer Dome Inc. (TSE) regarding the proposed Musselwhite mining development in northern Ontario.
Announcement of the grant was made this month by Northern Development and Mines Minister Rene Fontaine.
The talks with Placer Dome are aimed at ensuring high environmental standards and protection of traditional economic activities near the proposed gold mine. Residents of reserves in the area also wish to secure economic and social benefits from the project, located 140 km north of Pickle Lake, Ont.
“We are pleased to see that both the tribal councils and Placer Dome have agreed to negotiate,” said Fontaine. “When an agreement is reached, this project will be a great boost for the economy of the whole region.”
The proposed gold mine, near Opapimiskan Lake, would process 1,500 tonnes of ore per day. It would run as a fly-in operation, employing 279 people. The Musselwhite project is managed by Placer Dome Inc. on behalf of a consortium which includes Esso Minerals, Corona Corp., and Inco Ltd.
The federal government and the consortium will also be contributing $60,000 each to assist the tribal councils.
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