RED LAKE, ON, Aug. 19, 2013 /CNW/ - GOLDCORP INC. (NYSE: GG) (TSX: G)
("Goldcorp") and Lac Seul First Nation have signed Obishikokaang
Collaboration Agreement setting a framework for continued consultation
and support for current and future operations of Red Lake Gold Mines
and defining the long-term benefits for the First Nation. A signing
ceremony was held Friday, August 16, in the Municipality of Red Lake,
Ontario.
The agreement will bring recognition and economic benefits to Lac Seul
First Nation, comprised of about 3,200 band members with significant
historical ties to the development of the Red Lake gold camp. Many band
members reside within the Municipality of Red Lake.
"Goldcorp's commitment to working with First Nations is once again
demonstrated with this agreement, ensuring both the sustainable
development of the areas in which we operate and long-term economic
benefits for communities," said
Chris Cormier
, Mine General Manager at
Goldcorp's Red Lake Gold Mines. "We look forward to working in
partnership with Lac Seul First Nation to foster continued dialogue and
to implement the initiatives set out in the agreement."
"This agreement demonstrates that Lac Seul First Nation can work
successfully with industry," said Chief
Clifford Bull
of Lac Seul First
Nation. "I want to extend my gratitude to Goldcorp for working with our
First Nation to develop this Obishikokaang Collaboration Agreement,
which will help create prosperity within our First Nation and the
region, and certainty for Goldcorp."
The Collaboration Agreement lays the foundation for future benefits for
the Lac Seul First Nation, including training and employment
opportunities, business and contracting opportunities, and a framework
for consultation on regulatory permitting as well as Goldcorp's future
financial contributions in support of community development.
Red Lake Gold Mines is Goldcorp's top producing mine, yielding 507,700
ounces in 2012. The company is developing the Cochenour Project, which
is essential to Red Lake's production profile, expected to commence
operation in 2015.
The new agreement between Goldcorp and Lac Seul First Nation builds on
the long-standing relationship between the two parties and is based on
mutual respect, cooperation and coexistence. A series of local
consultations that occurred in communities within both Ontario and
Manitoba generated broad and deep support for the agreement.
"The negotiations, from the earliest days and then leading up to the
final form of the Collaboration Agreement, were very intensive. The end
result - the Obishikokaang Collaboration Agreement - means that a
significant improvement in Lac Seul First Nation's relationship with
Goldcorp and with Red Lake Gold Mines has been achieved," said Chief
Bull. "We were always subject to confidentiality at the negotiating
table, and were happy to be able to finally talk to the Membership
about the terms of the Agreement we had structured. And we were pleased
that the Agreement had almost unanimous support."
"Collaboration is only possible with open communication from both sides.
This agreement, and the ongoing consultation that will result from it,
demonstrates what can be achieved when industry and First Nations work
closely together to foster mutual understanding and respect," said
Cormier.
The agreement also provides additional funding for the Lac Seul Training
Centre of Excellence and the Lac Seul First Nation Business Equity
Fund. The Centre, founded last year with support from Goldcorp,
provides quality, certified training programs and workshops to members
of the community and the region at large. The Centre also provides
scholarship and bursary opportunities for Lac Seul First Nation youth
interested in pursuing postsecondary education.
About Goldcorp
Goldcorp is one of the world's fastest growing senior gold producers,
with operations and development projects located in safe jurisdictions
throughout the Americas. A Canadian company headquartered in Vancouver,
British Columbia, Goldcorp employs more than 15,000 people worldwide.
The Company is committed to responsible mining practices and is well
positioned to deliver sustained, industry-leading growth and
performance. www.goldcorp.com.
About Lac Seul First Nation
Lac Seul First Nation (Indian Reserve No. 28), known as Obishikokaang,
is a large reserve in Northwestern Ontario, spanning islands and
mainland between Lost Lake and main body of the Lac Seul reservoir.
The reserve is divided into four electoral zones, represented by the
communities of Kejick Bay, Whitefish Bay, Frenchman's Head, and the
former community of Canoe River. The reserve lands are adjacent to the
amalgamated boundary of the Municipality of Sioux Lookout at the town
of Hudson and are crossed by a shipping route important to the early
exploration and development of the Red Lake gold camp, which
Obishikokaang understands to be within its traditional territory. The
First Nation has a membership of approximately 3,200, of which about
two-thirds reside off-reserve.
SOURCE Goldcorp Inc.