Environment news (September 01, 2007)

Xstrata pledges funds to restore old exploration camps

Xstrata Nickel of Toronto has pledged to help clean up and restore mining exploration sites in northern Quebec. Of particular concern are those abandoned by mining companies that are no longer in existence.

Xstrata has promised $250,000 toward the effort in the form of money, transportation and accommodation to support the work of the Fonds Restor-Action Nunavik. The organization operates in co-operation with both the provincial and federal governments. Money is being raised to clean up 25 major sites. Work will include removal of hazardous materials, the burning of non-toxic debris, recovery of scrap metal, and removing remaining garbage to the nearest municipal disposal site. The goal is to restore the environment as closely as possible to its pre-exploration condition.

The restoration is also supported by the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada, and details are available at

www.PDAC.ca/pdac/publications/ na/pdf/070427-fonds-restor.pdf.