TORONTO – On March 6, Chief Eli Moonias of Marten Falls First Nation and Chief Sonny Gagnon of Aroland First Nation told the Ontario government that they do not oppose mine development in the Ring of Fire region in the James Bay Lowlands, but they will insist on being fully involved in the decision making process.
The two communities have created an alliance to ensure their concerns are addressed. They want a negotiated joint panel environmental review for both the McFaulds Lake project belonging to Noront Resources and the Big Daddy and Black Thor projects belonging to Cliffs Natural Resources. The First Nations want the environmental assessment to be thorough, not fast-tracked. They believe the consultation process being advanced by the two mining companies is inadequate to address all the changes development will bring.
Marten Falls and Aroland First Nations want the environment protected in their territory, and that any ore mined within their territory must be processed and refined there. For that they expect the support of the federal and provincial governments. They would like to see any smelter built at Exton Siding. The road corridor to the Ring of Fire should be the one previously advanced by Marten Falls as it would offer the most community benefits.
The two First Nations and other communities want support for building a north-south power line along the east side of Lake Nipigon to supply power to the refinery and ensure the connection of remote communities to the grid.
Contact either Chief Eli Moonias as 807-602-3279 or Chief Sonny Gagnon at 807-620-7195 for more information.
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