PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Green energy developer Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) has signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with three Indigenous Nations in Canada, to collaborate on green hydrogen projects in the region.
FFI signed MoUs with the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation in British Columbia, members of the Homeguard Cree First Nations in northern Manitoba and the Innu Nation in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The MoUs provide a collaborative framework for discussions and negotiations that will assist FFI to determine the viability of building green hydrogen projects using hydro and wind power across Canada.
FFI CEO Julie Shuttleworth said FFI was looking forward to working closely with its Indigenous partners on its joint vision to create a strong green industry in Canada, while ensuring local communities thrive as a result of the opportunities.
“These MoUs represent the beginning of what we hope will be a long and mutually beneficial relationship between FFI and Indigenous Nations in Canada,” Shuttleworth said.
FFI chairperson Dr Andrew Forrest said the MoUs paved the way for green hydrogen investments in Canada, which could create thousands of jobs and help Canada reach its net-zero target by 2050.
“Exploring the opportunity to use green energy to produce green hydrogen and green products is consistent with our Cree way of life, stopping global warming, and protecting the earth for future generations,” Chief Morris Beardy of the Home Guard Cree’s Fox Lake Cree Nation said.
Grand Chief Etienne Rich, Innu Nation, said the Innu Nation was pleased to work with FFI to assess the feasibility of producing green hydrogen at Gull Island, saying the company had approached the Innu Nation respectfully with an understanding that its consent is required for development on its territory.
“We will work collaboratively to determine if a green hydrogen project in Labrador can benefit our people and this province and contribute to meeting Canada’s emissions reductions goals,” Grand Chief Rich said.
Chief Dolleen Logan, Lheidli T'enneh First Nation, Prince George, British Columbia, said the MoU spoke to the business relationship it had built thus far with Fortescue.
“The proposed green project contemplated in the MoU will help in the global push to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050,” Chief Logan said.
Negotiations are underway between FFI and other Indigenous leaders across Canada.