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Golden Band signs deal with gov't, First Nation
Wed Aug 26, 2009
Golden Band signs deal with gov't, First Nation
Publisher: The Star Phoenix
An agreement signed this week between the provincial government and Golden Band Resources Inc. is set to solidify partnerships between it and a number of groups, including the Lac La Ronge Indian Band and Kitaski Management LP.
On Monday, Saskatoon-based Golden Band, via its wholly owned subsidiary Jolu Development Corp., signed a surface lease agreement for its La Ronge gold project with the provincial ministries of Environment and First Nations and Metis Relations.
The surface lease covers three parcels of land, totalling about 278 acres, which encompass the company's Bingo, Komis and EP deposits and the Jolu mill site.
The lease, the company says, addresses a number of issues including land tenure, environmental protection measures, Occupational Health and Safety provisions and socioeconomic benefits for northerners.
The La Ronge gold belt, within which the gold project lies, is located in the centre of traditional lands held by the Lac La Ronge Indian Band. The company and the band signed a memorandum of understanding in 2007.
"This major milestone in our plans for the La Ronge gold project demonstrates our positive relationship with the province and with our neighbours, including the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, on whose traditional lands we are working," said Golden Band's president and CEO, Rodney Orr.
Tammy Cook-Searson, chief of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, says the agreement is an important step in supporting positive relationships between the band, the province and industry.
"Our band members have hunted, fished and trapped that area for centuries as they do today," Cook-Searson said.
"We are confident these developments will be a wonderful addition that will complement these activities."
The company says the conclusion of the lease agreement allows it to commit to furthering employment, training and business opportunities for northerners. Once in operation, the project will initially employ between 75 and 100 people.
The lease agreement also extends Golden Band's relationship with Kitsaki Management, which has been involved in the project since 2004.
The companies say negotiations are underway for Kitsaki Procon joint venture to act as the general contractor for all underground and open pit mining, labour services in the Jolu mill, site services and ore hauling.
The initial term of the lease agreement runs through May 31, 2030.
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