A Dryden mine developer, NexGold Mining, has signed a “relationship agreement” with Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, the Indigenous community closest to the Goliath gold project.
In an Aug. 6 news release, the Toronto company framed the agreement as a “significant step toward reconciliation” that sets up a “framework for collaboration.”
The Goliath gold project is 20 kilometres east of Dryden.
NexGold Mining is the former Treasury Metals. The company recently changed its name following its merger with Blackwolf Copper and Gold in May.
This agreement replaces a 2011 memorandum of understanding signed with the community back when Tamaka Gold was exploring in the area. Sometime in the future, NexGold expects a “life-of-mine agreement” will be signed with Wabigoon Lake.
The release said the agreement “compensates for historical exploration activities in the traditional territories” of Wabigoon Lake.
Among the commitments by NexGold includes “capacity funding” for consultation and engagement. There's an established method in place for sharing information and reviewing permit applications. There will be “interim benefits” from exploration and other project-related activities, the company said, and opportunities for the First Nation to participate in Goliath through “education, training and mentorship.”
When Northern Ontario Business inquired by email through NexGold’s investor relations if a dollar figure can be applied to “compensation” for historical activities on the community’s traditional lands, and asked for specifics on capacity funding, details on how the consultation and engagement process is carried out, and what are “interim benefits” from exploration, an unidentified company spokesperson replied the contents of the agreement, and the funding provided therein, is strictly hush-hush.
“As our agreement is confidential, we are not able to provide amounts and figures or provide specifics as to the reconciliation measures in the agreement. The agreement was designed to recognize the past and move forward collaboratively around the planning and permitting of the Goliath Gold Complex. NexGold is excited to work with the Nations in the vicinity of the Goliath Gold Complex.”
In the release, CEO Jeremy Wyeth said the company “couldn’t be prouder to be embarking on this renewed relationship."
“As a company, we’re honoured to operate on the traditional lands of the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, and we are committed to working together meaningfully and respectfully throughout the life of the project and beyond. This agreement reaffirms the importance of strong and progressive collaborations with First Nations in the mining industry.”
Working with a revamped and rebranded company meant a new deal was in order, according to Wabigoon Chief Clayton Wetelainen.
“We are a modern First Nation focused on sustainability and economic opportunity. As we create new business relationships, we require new arrangements for all activities on our lands. We must protect our rights and interests, inherent in our original use and occupation of our traditional territory since time immemorial.”
