Reopening copper mine given green light

A mineral company that wants to look into reopening an old Eeyou Istchee copper mine has received a green light from both the Grand Council of the Crees and a neighbouring Cree community.

The Grand Council and the Cree Nation of Mistissini say that the partnership agreement signed with Copper One lays out a fair plan. And that should the mine be reopened, Crees will benefit through both jobs and financial compensation.

“The Cree Nation of Mistissini welcomes the approach taken by Copper One regarding the Troilus Project,” said Mistissini Chief Richard Shecapio. “This approach, based on building a respectful and mutually beneficial relationship, takes into consideration our interests, our values, our culture and our way-of-life. This is how long-lasting partnerships are built.”

The exploration agreement grants Copper One permission to undertake a feasibility study. In the event that the company wishes to reopen the mine, it will then pay for a business and employment capacity study, which will determine how Mistissini will benefit. The company will also follow guidelines laid out in the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement.

Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come said the deal demonstrates how “resources development and the respect for Aboriginal rights can go hand-in-hand.”

G. Scott Moore, President and CEO of Copper One, has expressed his appreciation of the cooperation he has received from the GCC and Mistissini on the project.

“We are extremely pleased to have signed our pre-development agreement with the Cree Nation of Mistissini, The Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) and the Cree Nation Government. We look to continue the excellent rapport of our predecessors Inmet Mining and First Quantum with a renewal of the Troilus gold project.”