DE BEERS CANADA and the ATTAWAPISKAT FIRST NATION formally signed the Feasibility Partnering Agreement for the development of the Victor diamond project in the James Bay Lowlands of Quebec. It provides a framework for addressing environmental monitoring, health and safety issues on site, permitting, and business opportunities for the community.
De Beers has agreed to provide financial support for education and training and the building in which classes will be held. Money will also be provided to promote economic and social development. In return, the Attawapiskat First Nation will support De Beers' current winter program at Victor (by building and maintaining a winter road) and the feasibility study. The study is to begin next month and be completed at the end of 2003.
The agreement was signed on Dec. 12 at a community event in Attawapiskat.
At the Snap Lake project, 220 km northeast of Yellowknife, NWT, De Beers has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the LUTSEL K'E DENE FIRST NATION to negotiate an Impact Benefit Agreement regarding development of a mine there. Snap Lake is currently the subject of an environmental assessment review, which must be completed before permitting. De Beers hopes to open the mine in the fourth quarter of 2005.
Details of De Beers' plans for Snap Lake are available on the web site www.debeerscanada.com
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