Iron ore firm signs agreement with Innu

Jun9,2011

ANGLESEY Mining’s Canadian joint venture Labrador Iron Mines Holdings has signed an agreement with the indigenous Innu nation.

Under the life-of-mine agreement, LIM, which is 33%-owned by Anglesey, has agreed to a number of measures for the Nation Innu Matimekush-Lac John of Schefferville, Quebec.

The Innu claim rights to land in Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, including various sites where LIM’s iron ore projects are located.

The measures agreed to include employment, training, contract opportunities and financial benefits, including some community infrastructure projects. LIM has also agreed to take certain social and environmental protection measures to mitigate the impact of its projects on the Innu and their traditional activities.

John Kearney, LIM’s chief executive said: “This agreement is a very significant step for LIM and for the Innu community of Matimekush-Lac John, paving the way for the development of a project that will provide opportunities for the local community at Schefferville, and particularly its youth, and will at the same time protect the environment and Innu traditional and cultural activities.”

“LIM recognises that its iron ore projects may have an impact upon the Innu of Matimekush and their traditional lands, and has agreed to take positive steps towards developing a respectful relationship with MLJ in recognition of these impacts.” (sourced walesonline)