For immediate release
October
22, 2002
DE BEERS AND ATTAWAPISKAT FIRST NATION AGREE TO PROCEED WITH WINTER PROGRAM FOR VICTOR PROJECT
Attawapiskat and Toronto, 22 October 2002 — The Attawapiskat First
Nation and De Beers Canada announce jointly that agreement has been
reached to proceed with the winter programme for the Victor diamond project.
Subject to the terms of the Agreement, the Attawapiskat
First Nation has agreed to support the winter programme
on the Victor project. This will allow for completion of
the feasibility study. Both parties have agreed to work
together to address environmental issues and permitting
for the winter programme. The parties have also agreed
to start negotiations on an Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA)
in January 2003.
De Beers Canada has also agreed to make an immediate
investment in the community towards a permanent education
and training facility. Once developed, this facility would
be owned by the Attawapiskat First Nation, regardless of
whether or not a mine is constructed at Victor.
"It is De Beers' desire to direct funding to
education and training as this is both fundamental to the
company's sustainable development objectives, and in line
with the company's corporate social investment policies," said
Richard Molyneux, President and CEO of De Beers Canada.
A decision would be made to construct a mine after the
completion of a positive feasibility study, successfully
negotiating an IBA, issuing of the necessary permits, and
the provision of funding by the De Beers Board.
Community spokesperson Councillor Thomas Tookate said "This
agreement is a win-win solution for both partners. The
Attawapiskat First Nation is excited by the partnership
opportunities with De Beers which would lead to greater
employment and business opportunities. However, the long
term success of the partnership will also depend upon our
Treaty relationship with Government by providing the necessary
resources to negotiate a proper Impact Benefit Agreement,
and to ensure that our community's land rights and environmental
concerns are adequately addressed."
"We are delighted to have reached an agreement with
the Attawapiskat First Nation and that the jobs and opportunities
in the community will continue this winter. We look forward
to an on-going and mutually beneficial relationship with
the community as the Victor project progresses," said
Molyneux.
- Ends -
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further information contact:
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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
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