Foran Mining and leadership for Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) announced they have reached terms on a collaboration agreement for the company’s McIlvenna Bay mine project.
News of the agreement between PBCN and Foran subsidiary McIlvenna Bay Operating Ltd. was announced by Foran July 17, with company representatives calling the deal “a testament to a profound alignment of interests, encapsulating shared aspirations and deep respect for cultural heritage" in a Foran-issued statement.
"This agreement embeds a commitment to sustainable growth and future prosperity, underpinned by principles of mutual respect and a dedication to fostering longevity across generations."
The McIlvenna Bay project is located on traditional PBCN territory near Hanson Lake, located about 60 kilometres west of Flin Flon, 50 kilometres west of Denare Beach and about 55 kilometres south of Pelican Narrows.
The statement from Foran includes pledges to provide training and education for PBCN members and that both Foran and PBCN will continue with a joint environmental committee and monitoring programs to keep the project from impacting local wildlife and habitat.
“Our Creator granted us the inherent right to determine our own destiny. Part of realising our destiny is restoring prosperity to our people. This agreement ensures that our nation and our members can develop an economic base which provides prosperity and self-reliance while recognizing that we are stewards of our traditional lands,” said PBCN Chief Karen Bird in a Foran-issued news release.
“The financial benefits from the McIlvenna Bay project will make an important contribution to improving the quality of life of our members. The employment and contracting opportunities will provide sustainable and transferable careers and business opportunities for both individual PBCN members and businesses. While it has taken a significant amount of effort by both parties to achieve the partnership we have today, it will endure through the life of the mine.”
“We believe that in order for a company to succeed over the long run, it must build deep and meaningful relationships with local rights holders and stakeholders and prioritise those groups’ needs,” said Foran executive chairman and CEO Dan Myerson.
“This agreement with PBCN is not just about what we can achieve today, but what we can build for tomorrow. It’s more than a partnership; it’s a commitment to shared growth, prosperity, and a legacy of success for generations to come.”
The McIlvenna Bay project, according to a Foran feasibility study released last year, is forecast to have around an 18-year mine life if moved forward into production. The company has also announced intentions to make McIlvenna Bay the world’s first carbon neutral copper mine, purchasing electric vehicles and equipment, recording emissions and purchasing carbon offsets.
