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Monday, 25th September 2006 (2040 views)

Mining firms and aboriginal communities in Canada are working together harmoniously on projects, Canoe Network reports.

The relationships between local communities and miners are often characterised by dispute but the current climate in Canada is positive. "Companies and aboriginals now appear more inclined to work together than fight," the news source pointed out.

George Speck, the administrator of the Namgis First Nation on Vancouver Island, said that the community's attitudes have changed from one of hostility several years ago.

Now the Namgis have reached an agreement with Polaris Minerals, taking a 12 per cent stake in Orca Sand and Gravel in exchange for allowing the company to operate on Namgis land.

According to Namgis chief Wayne Cranmer, the project has provided some of his people with jobs and will provide still more in the future.

Polaris notes that the extraction of mineral resources is a particular economic benefit for those remote regions where opportunities are limited.

"The contribution of resource development to community sustainability begins at the earliest stages of exploration and extends through construction, operation, mine closure and long-term care and maintenance," the company says.

 

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