Vancouver-based Trevali Mining Corp. (TSX:TV) has finalized an impact benefits agreement (IBA) with nine Mi’gmag First Nations of New Brunswick, the company announced today.
“Moving forward with our planned mine at the Halfmile project in New Brunswick, obviously it’s vital to have First Nations on side,” said Steve Stakiw, Trevali’s manager of corporate communications.
“We’ve been working with them for quite some time and we’re thrilled to be able to announce all nine bands of Mi’gmag First Nations in this region of New Brunswick are on side and obviously we’re anxious to have them involved moving forward as well.”
Trevali is developing the Halfmile mile project near Bathurst, New Brunswick. Stakiw said the company hopes to be in production by September or October.
According to the company, the finalized IBA builds on and formalizes “the excellent working relationships” between Trevali and the Mi’gmag First Nations, and the company’s planned development of the Halfmile project.
The IBA will facilitate ongoing consultation and mutual opportunities throughout the construction, production and decommissioning process, the company said.
Stakiw noted that this is the first IBA that Trevali has signed with Canadian First Nations, but he noted that the company has signed community development agreements near its Santander project in Peru.
“We’ve signed community development agreements with all of the communities within the district there in the Central Peruvian pollymetallic belt so all of those agreements are in place and we have full community sign-offs on everything in that project area.”
Jenny Wagler
Twitter: JennyWagler_BIV