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Process to end conflicts unveiled
KRIS KETONEN
02/10/2010

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A new document aims to stave off conflicts between First Nations and mining companies looking to start operations on band territories.

The Interim Minerals Measures Process (IMMP) was unveiled Tuesday during the Matawa First Nations Mineral Exploration Mining Symposium.

The IMMP is a guide, developed by First Nations and mining companies, which outlines the process that should be followed as mining developments move along – initial notification, initial contact, the first meeting, and even suspension of negotiations.

“It is very important,” Webequie First Nation Chief Cornelius Wabasse said at the symposium, being held at the Italian Cultural Centre in Thunder Bay. “Previously, we didn‘t have that document, so we didn‘t know what processes to look at, or even to use, to deal with the mining companies.

“It‘s a really good document. It‘s a guideline that sets our way towards working with the mining companies,” Wabasse said.

However, since the IMMP is a guide to how consultations between mining companies and First Nations should work, he cautioned that it might not always keep conflict in check, since other issues outside of the process itself could arise.

“It‘s a way of putting a process around it, so it‘s a similar way with each First Nation, so a company doesn‘t go in and do something with Marten Falls and another thing with Aroland,” said Richard Fink, general manager of acquisitions and development with Cliffs Natural Resources.

“I thought it was just an excellent process,‘‘ Fink said.

“It makes it much more understandable for us and, I think, eliminates the potential for confusion or miscommunication.”

Feedback was given on the IMMP Tuesday, and word at the symposium indicated a final version of the plan is to be ready by March.

The symposium continues today, with Northern Development, Mines and Forestry Minister Michael Gravelle and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Chris Bentley scheduled to speak in the morning.
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