Canada Nickel signs agreement with three northern Ont. First Nations

There was ample northern representation at the 93rd Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference on Monday.

Canada Nickel says a new agreement signed with three northern Ontario First Nations “represents a significant step forward.”

The agreement on the Crawford Nickel Sulphide Project was signed on Monday by three members of the Wabun Tribal Council: Mattagami, Matachewan and Flying Post First Nations.

The project, located 42 kilometres north of Timmins, will provide nickel for the electric vehicle and stainless-steel markets.

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“The agreement sets the framework for early business and employment opportunities, while the parties continue to work towards a comprehensive impact benefits agreement (IBA),” the mining company said in a news release.

“The agreement includes commitments for open-book negotiations on key contracting opportunities, including the construction of a 25.2-kilometre railway line, the relocation of Highway 655 and the construction of a temporary overpass on Highway 655.”

The projects are expected to be completed by 2029.

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The agreement gives First Nation-owned businesses priority when it comes to contracts and specialized training for local skills development.

“While there is still much work to be done, it is a step in the right direction as we continue to work towards an IBA that fully respects the rights and maximizes the benefits for our members,” Jason Batise, Wabun Tribal Council’s executive director and lead negotiator, is quoted as saying in the news release.

All parties echoed the sentiment that the agreement is just a starting point.

The Crawford nickel sulphide deposit is the world’s second largest nickel resource and reserve, Canada Nickel said, with six million tonnes of contained nickel and 3.7 million tonnes inferred.