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  • A typical electronic circuit board contains gold, copper, cadmium, iron, tantalum, molybdenum, palladium, lead, beryllium, tin, cobalt, nickel, cerium, antimony, platinum, zinc, lanthanum, silver and mercury. All of these metals potentially could be recovered from mineral deposits in Ontario.

News Release

Matawa First Nations And Ontario Work Toward Consultation Process For Mineral Development

October 24, 2008

PDF: Ojibway | Ojicree 

Collaboration Supports Efforts To Modernize Mining Act

NEWS 

The Ontario government and the Matawa First Nations today signed a letter of intent to develop a consultation protocol for mineral exploration and development on traditional lands. Any agreement reached will ultimately provide greater certainty and direction for mineral exploration and development in a large area of North-central Ontario.  It would also be intended to provide First Nations with opportunities to more actively participate in mineral resource development. 

This important collaboration also supports the province’s current efforts to modernize Ontario’s Mining Act.  The Ministry of Northern Development and Mines began working with the Matawa First Nations on this initiative before work began on modernizing the Mining Act. Work toward developing a protocol will also provide the ministry with additional direction and insight into the concerns of the Matawa First Nations and ways those concerns might be addressed as the Mining Act is reformed.


QUOTES

“I am very gratified that the Matawa First Nations have set into motion discussions that will promote mineral development and benefit communities throughout the region,” said Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle.

“Having a Consultation and Accommodation Protocol will mean that the rights of First Nations people and their traditional lands and water are protected. We want fairness, equality and a sustainable future for our people. Today marks a positive step towards building economic prosperity and self-sufficiency for Matawa First Nations,” said Scott Jacob, Chief of Webequie First Nation and representative for Matawa First Nations’ Chiefs.

 
QUICK FACTS

  • Matawa First Nations is a Tribal Council with a membership of nine Ojibway and Cree First Nations communities in the James Bay Treaty Number Nine and Robinson Superior 1850 Treaty territories.
  • The First Nations represented in this agreement today include:  Webequie, Eabametoong, Constance Lake, Long Lake #58, Neskantaga, Marten Falls, Nibinamik, Aroland, and Ginoogaming First Nations.
  • There are a number of areas of interest to mineral developers in the region including the McFaulds Lake area, in which over 40 companies are investigating significant nickel-copper, copper-zinc and chromium deposits.

LEARN MORE

Anne-Marie Flanagan, Minister’s Office, 416-327-0655
Lori Churchill, MNDM, 705-670-5920
Kristina Baraskewich, Firedog Communications, 807-767-4443

ontario.ca/north

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