Impala Canada, operators of the Lac Des Iles Mine (LDI), near Thunder Bay, signed a community benefits agreement with Fort William First Nation earlier this month.
The mining company and the community posted notice of the agreement and the Aug. 11 signing ceremony to Facebook on Aug. 19.
The event, held at the Fort William First Nation band office, involved Chief Peter Collins and Impala Canada CEO Tim Hill.
According to Impala, the agreement provides a framework for ongoing consultation, communication and support for ongoing operations at the mine.
The company said the agreement is “rooted in fundamental respect for the Fort William First Nation heritage and culture, and recognizes the past, current and future socio-economic benefits of LDI for the community, such us employment, education and training, and business and contracting opportunities.
“We now have a formal agreement that articulates how we can create new opportunities for shared prosperity and a positive future for our communities, together.”
LDI employs more than 700 at its underground palladium operation, 90 kilometres northwest of the city. The company is a major contributor to Thunder Bay’s economy in terms of procurement of local supplies, services and labour.
