For immediate release
August 29, 2002
DE BEERS AND NORTH SLAVE MÉTIS ALLIANCE SIGN MOU
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, August 29, 2002 — De Beers
Canada Mining Inc. and the North Slave Métis Alliance (NSMA) are
pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
to negotiate an Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) regarding development of
a diamond mine at Snap Lake, NT.
"This MOU is a significant step in the development
of the Snap Lake Diamond Project," said John McConnell,
Vice President - NWT Projects. "We are pleased to
have such a productive relationship with the group that
represents Métis people in the North Slave area.
We look forward to working with the NSMA throughout the
life of this project and beyond."
"This agreement demonstrates the good faith that
both the NSMA and De Beers have as we move forward to a
full Impact Benefit Agreement," NSMA President Clem
Paul said. "We believe that Snap Lake will bring many
benefits to Métis people in the North Slave area."
In the MOU, De Beers and the NSMA agree to a framework
and schedule for the negotiation of an IBA. Topics for
negotiation include training and jobs, business opportunities,
and De Beers' responsibilities as the operator of the mine.
Plans are to ratify the IBA early next year.
Snap Lake is De Beers' premier diamond project in Canada
and is currently undergoing the environmental assessment
review necessary for permitting. De Beers Canada proposes
to build an underground diamond mine on the property, which
is located 220 km northeast of Yellowknife. In addition
to Snap Lake, the company is actively exploring properties
in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Ontario,
Manitoba and Quebec.
- Ends -
| For
further information contact:
|
Linda Dorrington
Manager - Public and Corporate Affairs
De Beers Canada
Email: linda.dorrington@ca.debeersgroup.com
Tel: (416) 645-1710 ext 412 / (905) 849-0619
|
Clem Paul
North Slave Métis Alliance
Tel: (867) 873-9176
Email: clem@nmsa.net |
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