TORONTO (miningweekly.com) – Development-stage phosphate mining company Arianne Phosphate has achieved a significant milestone in developing its Lac à Paul project, in Quebec's Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, after signing a cooperation agreement with local First Nations.
The Innu clans of Pessamit, Essipit and Mashteuiatsh formed part of the pact that better positioned Arianne to grow.
The parties would now look to finalise the specifics to be included in an impact benefit agreement (IBA).
Arianne would look at initiatives to improve the efficiency of its mining plan and further reduce costs associated with the production of its high-purity phosphate concentrate.
Meanwhile, the company reported that it continued its dialogue with the Bureau d'audiences publiques sur l'environnement (BAPE), which had held public hearings on the uranium industry in Quebec, and the provincial government to receive its ministerial decree to build and operate its Lac a Paul mine.
Fellow Quebec uranium prospector Strateco Resources had this week received creditor protection from the Superior Court of Quebec after First Nation opposition to its Matoush uranium project had halted the company’s flagship project, located on First Nation reserve lands in the province’s Otish mountains.