For immediate release
December 12, 2002DE BEERS AND LUTSEL K’E SIGN MOU
Lutsel
K’e, Northwest Territories, Dec. 12, 2002 — De
Beers Canada Mining Inc. and the Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation
are pleased to announce they have signed a Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU) to negotiate an Impact Benefit
Agreement (IBA) regarding development
of a diamond mine at Snap Lake, NT.
“This
agreement affirms our commitment to work together to
build a lasting relationship with the people of Lutsel
K’e and we look forward to our forthcoming IBA
negotiations with the First Nation,” said John
McConnell, Vice President – NWT Projects. “This
MOU recognizes the unique situation of the community
of Lutsel K’e and will help to enhance the benefits
we gain from the Snap Lake Diamond Project,” Chief
Archie Catholique said.”
The
MOU was signed at a community feast in Lutsel K’e.
The agreement sets out a framework and schedule for the
negotiation of an IBA. It is expected that IBA negotiations
will continue through the early part of 2003, with a
final agreement being ratified in June.
Snap
Lake is De Beers’ most advanced diamond project
in Canada and is currently undergoing the environmental
assessment review necessary for permitting. De Beers
Canada plans to build an underground diamond mine on
the property, which is located 220 km northeast of Yellowknife.
In
addition to its Snap Lake project, the company is actively
exploring properties in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut,
Saskatchewan, Ontario, Manitoba and Quebec and the company
will begin a full feasibility study at its Victor Project
in northern Ontario in January 2003.
- 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
|
Chief
Archie Catholique
Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation
Tel: (867) 370-3151
Fax: (867) 370-3010 |
|
