Constance Lake First Nation (CLFN) has signed a pair of agreements to allow for graphite exploration in its traditional territory.
The community signed an agreement with Xmet, which permits the company to explore and develop its Blackflake project located north of Hearst.
The agreement outlines the working relationship between Xmet and Constance Lake with respect to exploration activities within the community’s traditional territory and will remain in effect until the two parties enter into an impact benefits agreement. The agreement includes terms outlining the parties’ mutual respect for the land and a responsible and sustainable approach to exploring the land.
“We were very pleased with the EA (exploration agreement) and are appreciative of the support of Constance Lake’s Chief Sackenay and the CLFN council,” Alexander Stewart, Xmet’s chair and CEO, stated in a news release. “Management and I look forward to continuing to work with the CLFN community as the Blackflake project progresses.”
Xmet has also agreed to provide compensation to Constance Lake, including environmental protection, employment, business and training opportunities, and mitigation of mining impacts on the community.
Constance Lake has signed a similar agreement with Caribou King Resources Ltd., which makes way for exploration at its Mulloy graphite project, located 10 km west of Zenyatta Ventures’ Albany graphite project.
The agreement also allows for local work opportunities and business ventures, and for continued consultation on land use issues.
“Council is pleased to move forward with Caribou on developing the Mulloy graphite property,” the community said in a statement. “Caribou has shown a commitment to work with our community while demonstrating respect of our people, lands and way of life.”
Constance Lake First Nation is located along Highway 11 between Greenstone and Kapuskasing.
