RING OF FIRE
Metis group, miner discuss benefits

Marathon, Ont. — The company behind a proposed palladium and copper mine on Marathon’s outskirts continued this week to reach agreements with Indigenous parties and attract new investment, while the price for the project’s main commodity continued its market rebound.

Toronto-based Generation Mining announced it has reached an agreement with the Metis Nation of Ontario (MNO) to works towards a potential community benefit agreement for MNO members.

“The agreement focuses on establishing a mutually-beneficial relationship, engagement, participation, and social and economic opportunities throughout the life of the Marathon project,” said a Generation Mining news release.

“It’s another important step for the project as it continues to move forward in the environmental assessment process,” the release added.

In the same release, Metis Nation of Ontario Regional Coun. Tim Sinclair said he looked forward to seeing the proposed mine “benefiting all of the region and the company long into the future.”

Generation Mining earlier announced it had reached a similar agreement with the nearby Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation. The company has held discussions about its project with eight Indigenous groups.

If the proposed mine is approved following a review by a provincial-federal panel, it is slated to create about 400 jobs north of Marathon’s airport and operate for 13 years.

A 30-day environmental hearing into the project will start on March 14. The panel will make a recommendation on whether the project should be supported or declined, but it is up to the provincial and federal governments to decide if it can proceed.

Also this week, Generation Mining announced it had raised $7.4 million through the sale of warrant shares, and received an additional $3.6 million by an investment from Canadian billionaire businessman Eric Sprott.

Sprott “now beneficially owns and controls 16,423,079 shares representing approximately 9.1 per cent of the company’s outstanding shares,” the company said in its news release.

“We are extremely excited to have (Sprott) increase his equity ownership in the company,” Generation Mining president Jamie Levy said.

Meanwhile, palladium continued its rebound on Wednesday, selling for about US$2,300 per ounce.

Mining commodity analysts attributed last year’s price plunge to a slump in automotive sales due to a shortage of computer chips.

Palladium is a main ingredient in the manufacture of catalytic converters in gasoline-fuelled cars and pickup trucks.

Carl Clutchey, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Chronicle-Journal

Tahltan Nation becomes distributor for Swedish mining equipment company

Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC), the business arm of the northwest B.C. First Nation, is set to become a distributor for the Swedish mining equipment company Sandvik.

TNDC will resell mining equipment, parts, tools and digital solutions for Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions and Sandvik Rock Processing solutions in B.C. and Yukon.

Tahltan Nation has well-established business relations with most mining and exploration companies on their territory, including Newcrest Mining Ltd., Seabridge Gold Inc. and Skeena Resources. Tahltan traditional territory covers roughly 70 per cent of B.C.’s mineral rich Golden Triangle.

With more economic growth expected to take place in these mining jurisdictions in northwest B.C. and Yukon, TNDC is the “perfect partner” for Sandvik in this rapidly developing region, Sandvik Canada’s managing director Peter Corcoran said.

“Sandvik is committed to continuous improvement in the area of sustainability, which includes economic sustainability for the communities surrounding mining operations that Sandvik is involved in, and TNDC has demonstrated that they are highly capable of bringing this value back to the communities,” Corcoran said in a statement.

TNDC’s chief executive officer, Paul Kruger, said they look forward to working together to support the growing industry and create innovative opportunities for Tahltans, local Indigenous communities and all residents in the region.

“The future of mining lies in technology and sustainability. Coupled with the outlook for the sector and our pending expansion of fibre optics in the region, TNDC is keen to be at the forefront through this partnership with Sandvik,” Kruger said.

Sandvik’s full suite of mining products including surface and underground drills, underground loaders and trucks, stationary crushers and screens, automation and digital solutions, rock tools, and parts are available through TNDC.

Binny Paul, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Terrace Standard