New Age Metals, Nipissing First Nation agree to MOU for Sudbury mine project
A company that is planning to develop a palladium mine east of Sudbury has signed an exploration agreement with a local First Nations community.
New Age Metals announced recently that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Nipissing First Nation in an effort to ensure the community’s rights are observed and respected as the company develops mining leases and claims relating to its proposed River Valley Palladium project.
The agreement was signed on January 6. Its objective, say the parties, is to promote a cooperative and mutually respectful relationship around the mining company’s exploration and development programs on its mine project.
“New Age Metals is very pleased to sign this memorandum of understanding and to be an active participant with Nipissing First Nation,” said Chairman & CEO Harry Barr. “New Age Metals acknowledges that the River Valley Project is subject to Aboriginal traditional and treaty rights which are protected under the Constitution. By signing this agreement, the Company believes that there is a structured method to work constructively with the Nipissing First Nation in regards to the exploration and development of any of the company’s claims that are located on traditional territories.”
The River Valley Palladium Project is a multi-million-ounce mine that is located 100 kilometre east of Sudbury. The developer says the project is still at the pre-feasibility stage.
New Age Metals is undertaking mineral exploration activities on mining leases and mining claims relating to the River Valley Project. Its exploration activities are located on lands which are part of the Nipissing First Nation traditional territory.
The MOU establishes a foundation for collaborative and respectful communications between the parties, and ensure that any exploration activities, including the initial work within the NFN traditional territory, are conducted for mutual benefit.
“Through this agreement, NFN’s leadership commits to participating meaningfully in discussions with New Age Metals related to ongoing exploration activities on our traditional territory in River Valley,” said Nipissing First Nation Chief Scott McLeod. “Ongoing engagement and consultations with our nation members will ensure any potential mine developments respect our rights and the importance of the environment while creating direct benefits for our Nation.”
New Age’s goal is to turn the River Valley Project into a pit operation that would extract 119,000 ounces of palladium per year over 14 years.
Featured image: Exploration drilling at the River Valley palladium project near Sudbury. (New Age Metals)