Exploration and Mining Guide for Aboriginal Communities Information contained in this publication or product may be reproduced, in part or in whole, and by any means, for personal or public non-commercial purposes, without charge or further permission, unless otherwise specified. You are asked to: – exercise due diligence in ensuring the accuracy of the materials reproduced; – indicate the complete title of the materials reproduced, and the name of the author organization; – indicate that the reproduction is a copy of an official work that is published by the Government of Canada and that the reproduction has not been produced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of, the Government of Canada. Commercial reproduction and distribution is prohibited except with written permission from the Government of Canada’s copyright administrator, Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC). For more information, contact PWGSC at 613-996-6886 or at [email protected]. © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2013 Cat. No. M37-54/2012E (Print) ISBN 978-1-100-21429-0 Cat. No. M37-54/2012E-PDF (On-line) ISBN 978-1-100-21430-6 This Guide is also available on the Internet at: PDAC: www.pdac.ca MAC: www.mining.ca CAMA: www.aboriginalminerals.com AANDC: www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100034828/1100100034832 NRCan: www.nrcan.gc.ca/minerals-metals/aboriginal/bulletin/3059 Cette publication est aussi disponible en français sous le titre Guide sur l’exploration et l’exploitation minières pour les communautés autochtones

Note to Reader: This Guide has been prepared on the basis of information available at the time of writing. The project partners make no warranty of any kind with respect to the content and accept no liability, either accidental, consequential, financial or otherwise, arising from the use of this document. PREFACE.

The original Mining Information Kit for Aboriginal Communities, which this document updates and replaces, was published in 2006. It was a partnership project between the Minerals and Metals Sector of Natural Resources Canada, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, The Mining Association of Canada, the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, and the Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association.

This revised Guide was developed by reviewing user feedback on the 2006 version and through a process involving an advisory committee. The advisory committee comprised the original partners of the Mining Information Kit for Aboriginal Communities and representatives of Aboriginal organizations, mining industry, civil society, government, and academia.

It is designed to be used as a complementary tool to existing instruments and as a living document.

i

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

INTRODUCTION vi.

1. MINERAL EXPLORATION 1. 1.1 What Is Mineral Exploration? 2. 1.2 What Are the Stages of Mineral Exploration? 4. 1.3 Who Are the Main Players in Mineral Exploration? 10. 1.4 Acts and Regulations 12. 1.5 Environmental and Social Impacts 13. 1.6 How Can Aboriginal Communities Get Involved in Mineral Exploration? 16. 1.7 Community Employment and Other Economic Opportunities 18. 1.8 Community Experiences: Athabasca Basin Development Limited Partnership 21.

2. MINE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION 23. 2.1 What Is Mine Development? 24. 2.2 What Are the Mine Development Activities? 25. 2.3 Who Are the Main Players in Mine Development? 30. 2.4 Acts and Regulations 30. 2.5 Environmental and Social Impacts 32.

iii 2.6 How Can Aboriginal Communities Get Involved in Mine Development? 37. 2.7 Community Employment and Other Economic Opportunities 38. 2.8 Community Experiences: Nuna Group of Companies 44.

3. MINE OPERATION 47. 3.1 What Is Mine Operation? 48. 3.2 What Are the Mine Operation Activities? 50. 3.3 Who Are the Main Players in Mine Operations? 52. 3.4 Acts and Regulations 53. 3.5 Environmental and Social Impacts 54. 3.6 How Can Aboriginal Communities Get Involved in Mine Operation? 57. 3.7 Community Employment and Other Economic Opportunities 58. 3.8 Community Experiences: Diavik Diamond Mine 62.

4. MINE CLOSURE AND RECLAMATION 65. 4.1 What Is Mine Closure? 66. 4.2 What Are the Mine Closure Activities? 68.

TABLE OF CONTENTS iv 4.3 Who Are the Main Players in Mine Closure? 70. 4.4 Acts and Regulations 71. 4.5 Environmental and Social Impacts 72. 4.6 How Can Aboriginal Communities Get Involved in Mine Closure? 75. 4.7 Community Employment and Other Economic Opportunities 75. 4.8 Community Experiences: Polaris Mine Closure 77.

GLOSSARY 81.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 85.

TABLE OF CONTENTS iv v INTRODUCTION

peoples make use of rocks, but they also recovered materials from these rocks that had a variety of uses as tools, weapons, and decorative objects. They mined rocks for native copper, flint, chert, salt, soapstone, obsidian, and ochre to name a few, and traded these materials using an extensive trade network throughout the Americas. Welcome to the second edition of the Copper was used in the making of Exploration and Mining Guide for spear points for fishing and harpoons. Aboriginal Communities. Flint was used for starting fire and the manufacturing of knives, scrapers, Society relies on mines to provide the spear points, and arrowheads. Red minerals and metals needed to make the ochre was used in rock paintings, things we use every day such as trucks, known as pictographs, to tell stories all-terrain vehicles, boats, and houses. of spiritual beings, sacred encounters, Products made from the mining of and lessons for future generations. minerals and metals are easily identified To varying degrees, the recovery and in our daily lives. The copper wiring in use of minerals have always been an our homes, the nickel in our stainless important part of Aboriginal culture. steel sinks, the gypsum in our walls, the silica in our glass windows, and Exploration and mining activities the salt we use on our food all come can make a significant contribution from the mining of minerals and metals to the prosperity and well-being from the earth. In addition, a variety of of Aboriginal communities. Many other metals such as zinc, silver, gold, Aboriginal communities are located platinum group metals, and the rare near exploration projects and producing earth elements are used to make many mines in Canada. Reliance on natural parts of our cars and components in resources, including mineral resources, household electronic equipment such constitutes the primary driver for socio- as computers, stereos, and televisions. economic development and regional economic diversification for many Mining has been a part of Aboriginal Aboriginal communities. Mineral communities and economies for exploration provides the possibility generations. Not only did Aboriginal of employment and skills development

TABLE OF CONTENTS Goal of This Guide The goal of this guide is to increase the ability of Aboriginal peoples to understand the mineral development cycle and participate in exploration and mining-related activities. The information is organized into four depending on the stage of the project. sections that match the main phases of With good planning, a mine can the mineral development cycle: Mineral generate benefits that outlive the Exploration, Mine Development and mine itself and build the community’s Construction, Mine Operation, and self-reliance. Mine Closure and Reclamation. The sections can be presented together or Canada is one of the largest mining used separately on a stand-alone basis. nations in the world, producing more A glossary of terms is included to than 60 minerals and metals. Currently, provide definitions for words that the provinces and territories are are bolded in the text. responsible for mining within their jurisdictions, with the exception of Within each of the four sections are Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, eight common sub-sections as follows: and Indian Reserves, where it rests with the federal government through 1. What Is . . . ? This sub-section Aboriginal Affairs and Northern describes the purpose of each phase Development Canada (AANDC). The of the mineral development cycle; federal government shares jurisdiction on some related matters (e.g., taxation 2. What Are the Activities? This and the environment) and has exclusive sub-section provides a detailed jurisdiction over areas such as exports, explanation of the activities and foreign investment controls, and processes, and when and where nuclear matters. Exploration and they occur; mining are occurring in every region of the country, and the young and 3. Who Are the Main Players? growing Aboriginal population stands This sub-section provides a list of to benefit from mining-related activities who is involved and a short from coast to coast. description of their potential roles and responsibilities;

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4. Acts and Regulations: This Digging Further sub-section identifies the general From start to finish, the mineral regulatory requirements, laws, and development cycle can take a very licences and permits that apply long time. Work in each phase can take during each phase of the mineral many years to complete and can cost development cycle; hundreds of millions of dollars. Each stage may lead into the next, meaning 5. Environmental and Social the next stage will not be started unless Impacts: This sub-section identifies work in the previous stage brought the possible impacts of the activity positive results. It is easy to say that and provides ideas for reducing and exploration is “results-driven” because monitoring them; if positive results are not achieved, a project may not continue on to the next 6. How Can Aboriginal Communities phase. Once a mineral resource has Get Involved? This sub-section been identified, many factors determine describes the methods of community whether or not that resource will ever participation and involvement be mined, including the price of the during each phase, and provides a mineral on international markets. Most series of best practice tools and tips exploration projects never make it past for communities to stay informed, advanced exploration. In fact, the odds participate, and become involved; of a mineral deposit ever becoming a mine are very low, estimated to be 7. Community Employment and about 1 in 10 000. Other Economic Opportunities: This subsection identifies the many Environmental Considerations different economic and business Industry and governments are opportunities that may be available committed to ensuring that mineral to Aboriginal communities; and development in Canada is conducted in an environmentally responsible 8. Community Experiences: This way in all phases of the mineral sub-section provides examples development cycle. The Green of strategies and success stories Mining Initiative (GMI), under the of Aboriginal communities engaged collaborative leadership of Natural in mining. Resources Canada (NRCan), brings together stakeholders to develop green technologies, processes, and

TABLE OF CONTENTS knowledge for sustainable mining. MAC members measure and report The vision of the GMI is to develop on a number of environmental and the innovation required for mining social performance indicators. The to leave behind only clean water, results are verified by independent rehabilitated landscapes, and healthy third parties and the entire program is ecosystems. The GMI’s objectives informed by a Community of Interest are to improve the mining sector’s Panel that includes representation environmental performance, to promote from a broad cross-section of innovation in mining, and to position civil society, including Aboriginal Canada’s mining sector as the global communities and non-governmental leader in green mining technologies organizations (www.mining.ca). and practices. Economic Development While many of its activities are Economic opportunities for regulated and many individuals communities exist at each phase of and companies are developing their the mineral development cycle. These own corporate social responsibility can include: prospector or geological applications, the Canadian mineral assistant field work, core sample industry has adopted voluntary preparation, digging and trenching with measures to ensure a safe and heavy equipment, and the provision healthy environment: of catering and accommodation services during exploration; direct • The Prospectors and Developers employment at the mine during Association of Canada (PDAC) has construction and operation; and spin- developed e3Plus: A Framework off opportunities such as transportation, for Responsible Exploration, road maintenance, and environmental which includes a toolkit entitled monitoring beyond the life of the “Environmental Excellence in mine. Each Aboriginal community is Exploration.” It offers practical unique and will be equipped differently guidelines on exploration activities to identify and capture possible and environmental practices economic opportunities. (www.pdac.ca/e3plus). Traditional Knowledge • The Mining Association of Canada’s During all phases of mineral (MAC) Toward Sustainable Mining development, traditional knowledge is (TSM) initiative requires that all an area where Aboriginal community

TABLE OF CONTENTS input is important. Traditional At the mining development stage, knowledge provides information more formal agreements are about traditional land uses, alerts negotiated, such as an Impact and explorers and developers to migratory Benefit Agreement (IBA), that patterns of wildlife, and informs them contain provisions for employment about sensitive areas (hunting areas, and training, business opportunities cultural sites, migratory routes, etc.). through set-aside contracts and It can also be used in environmental joint ventures, social and cultural assessments to determine the activity’s considerations, funding arrangements, environmental impacts and evaluate and other provisions. how serious they may be.

Relationships and Partnerships Aboriginal-industry relationships and partnerships have evolved tremendously through the conclusion of agreements at various phases of the mineral development cycle, which have proven to be successful in securing benefits for some Aboriginal communities or groups and for mining companies. The types of agreements vary by community, jurisdiction, and stage of the project. At the exploration stage, exploration agreements, memoranda of understanding, or letters of intent may be signed as a way to create a protocol between a community and an exploration company and to define principles for working together. An important distinction between exploration and producing (mining) companies is the lack of a revenue stream for exploration companies.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1

MINERAL EXPLORATION

1.1 What Is Mineral Exploration?

1.2 What Are the Stages of Mineral Exploration?

1.3 Who Are the Main Players in Mineral Exploration?

1.4 Acts and Regulations

1.5 Environmental and Social Impacts

1.6 How Can Aboriginal Communities Get Involved in Mineral Exploration?

1.7 Community Employment and Other Economic Opportunities

1.8 Community Experiences: Athabasca Basin Development Limited Partnership MINERAL 1 EXPLORATION for a description of the phases). This means that most projects will only undergo limited exploration.

Exploration can occur in many different places. It can take place in an area where minerals have not been found before (grassroots exploration) or near operating or closed mines (brownfield This section explains the purpose exploration). Exploration can also of mineral exploration, identifies occur on an active mine-site property to the main activities and players, and expand a mineral resource that has been outlines opportunities for Aboriginal found and developed, or on properties communities to get involved previously explored, but using new during exploration. approaches and technologies.

1.1 What Is Mineral The exploration phase starts with Exploration? identifying large areas that may contain valuable mineral deposits. This early Mineral exploration is the first phase of work typically involves reviewing the mineral development cycle: it is the maps (e.g., geological maps), surveys, search for mineral deposits. The purpose reports, and assessment files available of exploration is to locate a new source from provincial/territorial and Canadian of metal or useful minerals that can geological surveys or universities. be economically mined. This includes industrial minerals (such as silica used Success Rates in the making of glass, or clay minerals Every new mine has its beginnings as used in the making of ceramics), iron an exploration project. However, most and base metals (such as lead, zinc, and exploration projects will not advance copper), rare earth elements used in to become mines. The success rate high technology, and precious metals is extremely low for prospecting and gemstones (such as gold, platinum, and early exploration projects. A and diamonds). It takes many stages of prospector would be very fortunate to successful exploration work, involving find one area that will become a mine increasing investments, to discover in his or her lifetime. Fewer than 1 in a mineral deposit and turn it into a 10 000 mineral showings discovered producing mine (see sub-section 1.2 actually become a mine.

1 typically raise money through the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX and TSX Venture exchanges). There are restrictions on how the money they raise can be spent. Exploration Facts and Figures companies and prospectors, The success rate Time Frames unlike large mining companies, Exploration is a very slow and have no operating mines and no is extremely low for methodical process. For exploration other sources of income. They are “grassroots” exploration. programs where a promising mineral entirely dependent on the capital Fewer than 1 in 10 000 showing has been discovered, it will markets for obtaining funds for mineral showings usually take at least 7 to 10 years exploration projects. discovered actually before the start of a new mine. In some become a mine. cases, it can take longer depending Larger (senior or major) companies upon a number of factors, including the also conduct exploration programs, willingness of investors to advance the and these typically focus on expanding money to explore more fully over the mineral resources at existing mines. years. A property can be explored many They also raise money on the stock times, by different companies, without market and they use the profits from success. At any time, the exploration their mining operations to fund company or its investors may find that exploration activities or to acquire the potential rewards are no longer properties from prospectors or worth their investment. They may junior companies. give up the project, sell the property to another company (properties can change ownership many times during Facts and Figures exploration), or choose to hold the property until market conditions Companies may be private-sole proprietor- improve or economics justify ships (prospectors) or public companies. A further exploration. private company raises money from private investors who are willing to take a high-risk Exploration Financing investment. A public company raises money During exploration, smaller junior for its exploration programs by selling exploration companies or groups of prospectors finance projects solely shares to the public via stock exchanges from private investors or through (such as the Toronto Stock Exchange). the stock market. In Canada, they

1.2 What Are the Stages During prospecting and early of Mineral Exploration? exploration, community members may notice increased activity in the Prospecting and area, as well as plane and helicopter Early Exploration activities. In some areas, airborne A very low-impact activity, prospecting, geophysics is conducted and involves is the initial search for mineral peculiar-looking fixed-wing aircraft, showings and possible deposits. It or helicopters towing a “bird,” which usually takes place in the summer when fly in a grid pattern. This may be the there is little to no snow cover. It is most obvious first sign that an area is highly competitive and therefore a very of interest to explorers. If there are no secretive activity until the prospector towns or other facilities near the has secured the mineral rights. exploration area, a small exploration camp is usually set up. The camp Prospecting and early exploration may consist of a few wall tents or activities can take many forms from trailers, and may be in place for a few a prospector walking through the bush seasons depending on the length of with a rock hammer and a backpack to the prospecting and early exploration a prospector using simple geophysical activities and the number of people tools. The activities also include working on the project. For camps in examining and collecting rocks and remote areas, small aircraft may bring soil samples by hand for either mineral in supplies, take out samples, and or chemical analysis. transport prospectors and crew.

Basic geoscience surveys, such as These activities do not mean that a geological mapping and satellite mine is going to be developed but, coverage, help guide the search for rather, that there are people searching mineral deposits of economic value. for signs of economic metals Federal, provincial, and territorial and minerals. geological surveys do most of the mapping in Canada. Prospectors and Acquisition of Mineral Rights/ geologists use geological maps to locate Claim Staking the best areas to explore for minerals If a prospector makes a promising find, that could lead to a mine. Good he/she will want to acquire the mineral geological maps can greatly reduce rights or “stake claims.” All provinces the search time. and territories in Canada require some form of licence in order to acquire

mineral rights, which can usually be used by Aboriginal peoples and obtained at a mining recorder’s office. communities. Crown land is administered and regulated by Once claims are staked and the mineral governments, and includes both rights are acquired, the prospector surface and mineral/sub-surface Facts and Figures or company has the exclusive right rights. Mineral rights on more Any area of Crown land to explore that piece of ground for a than 90% of Canada’s land are certain period of time. This does NOT currently owned by governments. not specifically protected mean that the prospector or exploration Governments will lease the from mining development, company owns the land; it just means mineral rights to individuals and including land traditionally that no one else can conduct exploration companies provided they meet used by Aboriginal work or proceed to develop a mine on certainconditions and obligations. peoples, can be staked. these staked lands. In addition to Crown land, under To keep claims in good standing, certain circumstances (usually a minimum amount of work involving some prior notification), (expenditures) must be done and staking and prospecting may be assessment reports must be given to the allowed where the surface land is appropriate government body. These privately owned, but where the assessment reports show the results mineral rights are owned by the of the work done by the prospector Crown. Private land is any land or company. They can be viewed by owned by private individuals or the public through the provincial, corporations rather than the Crown. territorial, or federal mine offices with this responsibility. If no money is spent Areas that are generally not open for on the staked land within a given time mineral rights acquisition can include: frame, the claim will expire and the mineral rights will return to the Crown. • Land in a registered plan, sub- At this point, someone else can re-stake division, or town site; the land. Each jurisdiction has rules • Parks or other protected areas; about what exploration is allowable • Land already staked by another as an expense towards the assessment prospector or mining company; and credit to retain the mineral rights. • Land occupied by a building or Where Can a Claim Be Staked? a residence. Any area of open Crown land can be staked, including land traditionally

Land on Indian Reserves cannot be In some provinces (e.g., British staked, except in Quebec and British Columbia, Quebec, Newfoundland and Columbia where claim-staking is Labrador, and New Brunswick), claim required even on Reserve land in acquisition is done using an electronic, order to acquire exploration rights. web-based system that allows people and/or companies to acquire mineral The pattern of rights to minerals on rights by selecting a claim on an Indian Reserves is complicated and electronic map over the Internet rather varying, both between provinces and than by staking a claim on the ground. within provinces. In most cases, work is governed by the Indian Mining Closure and Rehabilitation of Early Regulations (see Additional Resources Exploration Sites and Reading at the end of this Guide Prospecting and early-stage exploration for the link). In some cases, provincial work is a passive activity, mainly regulations are applied. involving the collection of samples or geophysical readings, with very In some parts of Canada (e.g., Nunavut), minimal impact on the environment and Aboriginal peoples own both the surface communities. If the project does not and mineral rights, based on land move to the next stage of exploration, claim and self-governing agreements. the site will be rehabilitated and the These agreements may contain specific equipment will be removed. There guidance on mining activities. are usually no significant long-term impacts on the land resulting from early How Can a Claim Be Staked? exploration work. There are different ways to stake a claim and acquire mineral rights. In Intermediate Exploration some jurisdictions, mineral claims Most exploration projects will not are acquired by physically staking the advance to this stage. If the results from claims in the field. Claim posts are the previous stage are positive such erected or cut from existing trees to that the company can justify additional mark the boundary of the ground to expenditures to investors and partners be explored, and claim tags are put to advance the project, more detailed on the posts for identification. The exploration will be undertaken. At claim must then be filed at the mining this stage, the community may notice recorder’s office, along with a map increased work on the ground and showing the claim post boundaries, helicopters or small airplanes carrying and a registration fee must be paid.

and more representative samples of a mineral occurrence may be collected. This will help the exploration company estimate the extent and shape of the special instruments. Key activities in mineralized zone. A diamond drill has this stage are described below. a circular diamond-studded bit that is used to cut through rock for up to Geophysical Surveys, Trenching, one kilometre or more and recover Channel Sampling, Geochemical cylindrical samples of rock, called Sampling, Line Cutting “drill core,” generally of about four Many mineral or metal deposits to five centimetres in diameter. Drill cannot be seen from the surface, but core looks like a solid rod made of are buried beneath soil, glacial tills, rock and resembles a fat broom handle. sediments known as “overburden,” or Drilling is a large financial investment other rock formations. In order to test if for a company. The cost per metre minerals or metals are present beneath drilled (typically several hundreds the surface, advanced techniques are of dollars per metre once all costs are used, such as geophysical surveys accounted for) depends on the location and core/diamond drilling. To prepare of activity, the type of rock being for this work, a grid is created on the drilled, the diameter of the hole, and the land marked by narrow cut-lines in type of drill being used. The cost of a the forest or by a line of pickets on drilling program for one season can be open land. This type of activity is often over $100 000 to as much as $1 million referred to as “line-cutting.” Once this or more for a larger project. Drill core grid has been completed, geophysical samples are sent to a laboratory to be instruments can be carried along the analyzed for their mineral content. grid to conduct detailed geophysical If the results show good grades for surveys and other more detailed work, the desired metal or mineral, a larger including geological mapping or drilling program could be undertaken to trenching (cutting or digging a long better define the overall size and grade ditch in the ground to examine the of the mineral deposit. geology beneath the surface). Environmental Baseline Work Sampling and Drilling Although environmental baseline During the intermediate exploration studies are normally done during stage, geophysical anomalies may be the advanced exploration stage, tested by diamond drilling, or larger companies are encouraged to do

some environmental baseline work significant enough to develop further during the intermediate exploration and the exploration project will cease. period. These are studies of soil and vegetation types, wildlife, and Closure and Rehabilitation of water analysis. These studies could Exploration Site Facts and Figures include collecting water samples If the project does not extend As the exploration for testing, or identifying cultural beyond this stage, the company will areas that are to be respected and decommission and rehabilitate the project advances, the avoided when necessary. The area according to the conditions community may notice background data provide a reference attached to approvals and the various not only increased work point that can be used to measure licences and permits. In addition to on the ground, but also the impacts of a project over time legal requirements, companies are a helicopter or airplane and, if the project goes ahead to the encouraged to refer to industry’s carrying special antennas next phase, the data can be used guidance on environmental stewardship or instruments pulled in the environmental assessments. in exploration. For more information, Traditional knowledge and consult the Environmental Stewardship through the air. There traditional land-use studies are also Toolkit of e3 Plus: A Framework may also be increased useful during exploration programs. for Responsible Exploration economic benefits for the (www.pdac.ca/e3plus). communities with respect Preliminary Evaluation of to employment and the Deposit These practices may include: business opportunities. During and after the field work, the company carefully reviews the • Ensuring the excavated areas are results of the surveys, sampling, backfilled and the drill holes are and drilling to determine if the mineral capped or plugged; deposit has the potential to become a • Removing camps, waste, and mine and if further exploration, which redundant equipment from the area; will require more extensive activities and and expenditures, is worthwhile. • Reclamation of the areas disturbed Typically, the company will have an by exploration activities. independent consultant produce a preliminary economic assessment (or scoping study) at this stage to provide Advanced Exploration an early indication of economic If the intermediate stage of exploration potential. In many cases, however, leads to positive results, the project this initial evaluation will lead to can move to advanced exploration. a conclusion that the deposit is not

Other factors such as metal prices and The earlier the company starts the ability of the company to obtain collecting these data, the better. In additional financing will influence the some jurisdictions, an environmental decision to move forward. Activities assessment may include a social will involve more field work and impact assessment. additional drilling, and may also include getting larger samples of rock Pre-Feasibility for analysis (bulk sampling), perhaps Pre-feasibility studies, including from underground in rare cases. engineering pre-design work, will be conducted at this stage to evaluate the Bulk Sampling project’s viability and evaluate key Bulk sampling means removing a large risks and areas for further work. This amount of rock for sampling and testing is an interim step to justify a more purposes. This sampling provides large expensive full feasibility study. If the and representative mineralized samples results of the advanced exploration (may be up to 10 000 tonnes, but work are very good, a company may typically are in the 100- to 200-tonne move straight to a feasibility study range) that will be processed to analyze and not undertake a pre-feasibility the metallurgical characteristics to study. Similarly, in some instances, determine whether the mineral of value a company may undertake a desktop can be economically recovered from study prior to a pre-feasibility study the mineral deposit. The sample is to confirm whether the results justify usually shipped off-site to a specialized the pre-feasibility study. laboratory for testing, although crushing is sometimes done on-site Closure and Rehabilitation to facilitate shipping. Based on the results of advanced exploration activities, if further Environmental Work investment in more precise estimation Environmental work continues at and engineering studies is not this stage, along with the other field warranted, the company may not want activities. This work is important to advance the project to the next for advanced exploration projects stage. In this case, as in the early and as companies will use this baseline intermediate exploration stages, the information in a more comprehensive site will be closed and rehabilitated environmental assessment that is (see Closure and Rehabilitation of required by law to develop a mine. Exploration Site on the previous page). 1.3 Who Are the Main potential. Also, some jurisdictions Players in Mineral enable prospectors, through special Exploration? programs of training and limited financial support, to promote early, Junior exploration companies carry grassroots mineral exploration. out most of the exploration activities. Governments also have a regulatory Federal, provincial, and territorial role in administering mineral rights and governments support mineral claims, and providing work permits for exploration by developing and exploration activities. A program for providing geological maps and reports tax incentives is also sometimes offered that guide prospectors and exploration by governments to attract exploration companies to areas with mineral activities to a jurisdiction.

MINERAL EXPLORATION: WHO ARE THE MAIN PLAYERS? Potential Roles and Responsibilities Communities • Engage in discussions with company regarding employment, business opportunities, and environmental baseline work such as fisheries, vegetation, and wildlife studies for advanced exploration projects • Provide input through a permitting board or agency that will want to obtain local views and concerns on the consequences of issuing a permit (existence of a board/agency depends on the scope and stage of the exploration project) • Elders or local authorities may be able to recommend good sites to establish a camp and point out locations to avoid, such as ceremonial sites, traplines, and hunting grounds • Conduct a skills and education inventory of their members and establish a training program • Develop exploration businesses or other businesses related to other potential future activities Governments • Develop and provide geological, geochemical, and geophysical maps (provincial, territorial, and reports to guide prospecting and exploration federal) • Administer mineral claims and issue work permits for exploration • May perform site visits to ensure rules and regulations are being followed • Provide tax incentives and programs to attract mineral exploration investment Prospectors • Search for mineral showings or occurrences • Use government maps and reports to guide field work

Junior exploration • Focus on finding mineral and metal deposits and selling/partnering with companies a senior mining company • Funds for their projects are raised on the market • These companies are small and usually publicly owned; they are not large enough to operate a mine and do not have a revenue stream Senior (major) • Search for new mineral or metal deposits to expand existing mines mining companies or develop new mines • These companies are large, usually publicly owned, and have the expertise and funds to develop, construct, and operate a mine, usually with a large and diverse range of mineral or metal assets Contractors/ • Provide goods and services, e.g.: service providers Drilling companies Expediters – provide key supplies and services (usually from nearest community), e.g., set up and supply camps, arrange aircraft, claim staking, line cutting Helicopter services Geophysical survey companies Remote sensing or air photo interpretation (some companies may do this in-house) Glacial sediment and glacial dispersion surveys Geological services Caterers Local businesses – accommodations, storage for core or equipment, supply of fuel, propane, groceries, earth moving (e.g., back hoe, front-end loader, small bulldozer), transport (tandem truck, transport truck, skidder, all-terrain vehicle, snowmobile), line cutting, stripping vegetation and soil cover, and clearing drill sites Laboratory services Environmental services companies – baseline environmental studies, and requirements for testing as part of land-use licences, etc. Industry associations • Address common issues and provide a unified voice to the public (provincial, territorial, and government national) • Represent exploration companies • Develop information, provide training for the sector and others on items such as corporate social responsibility, outreach, information dissemination • Work with governments on land use, taxation, and other mineral development policy and issues 1.4 Acts and Regulations

This sub-section identifies the Facts and Figures general legal and regulatory requirements, jurisdictions, and Aboriginal-owned land licences and permits that apply is becoming increasingly during mineral exploration. significant. For example, in Nunavut the Inuit own What Are the Jurisdictions? The rules governing land large tracts of land called acquisition vary greatly by province Inuit-owned lands. For and territory. Individuals must these lands, the Inuit check with the specific jurisdiction enjoy surface rights and, and follow its regulations. The in selected cases, sub- responsibility for managing covering its use. The provinces and surface rights. Nunavut mineral resources and exploration the Yukon are responsible for Crown Tunngavik Incorporated and mining activities has been lands within their province or territory granted to the provinces and the and have legislation covering its use (NTI) oversees the use Yukon. In Nunavut, the Northwest and disposition. Governments control of Inuit-owned lands in Territories, and on Indian Reserves, the surface and sub-surface rights Nunavut. Where land this responsibility rests with the for provincial, territorial, and federal claims are in negotiation, federal government through Crown land. the federal government Aboriginal Affairs and Northern makes interim land Development Canada (AANDC). What Licences and Permits Are Required? arrangements to protect There are two types of land The requirement for licences and Aboriginal interests during available for exploration: Crown permits during exploration vary the negotiations. land and some privately owned between provinces and territories Source: www.tunngavik.com. surface lands where the sub-surface depending on the type of exploration mineral rights are owned by the work being done. The following Crown. The federal government, table shows examples of permits through AANDC, is responsible for that may be required for different federal Crown lands in Nunavut, activities throughout the different the Northwest Territories, and on stages of exploration. Indian Reserves, and has legislation

LICENCES AND PERMITS Activity Possible Permits Required Basic prospecting • Prospector’s licence Airborne surveys • No permits required Claim staking or on-line acquisition • Register claims according to requirements of the area Ground exploration/drilling • Various permits issued under applicable mining legislation (depending on the amount of work and size of project) Tree cutting • Permit to cut trees Camp and drilling program • Various permits normally required for larger projects that have a camp Road construction for access, fuel storage, • Various permits may be required or exploration trenching

1.5 Environmental and safe and clean exploration practices. Social Impacts Companies understand that it is important to respect the rights of others, This sub-section identifies the possible to operate safely, and to take care not to environmental and social impacts a harm the wildlife, land, and water. community may experience during mineral exploration. Suggestions for In addition to voluntary good practices, monitoring and reducing impacts companies follow provincial, territorial, (mitigation), and community and federal laws and respect the participation are included. communities near where they operate. With such measures, negative impacts What Are the Potential are reduced, but they are still possible. Environmental Impacts? Some of the main impacts and how Environmental impacts during they are minimized are shown in the mineral exploration are usually low, following table. It is important to note especially during early exploration. that the impacts vary depending on the The Canadian mineral industry is stage of exploration. a world leader in environmentally ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Type Activities and Potential Impacts Mitigation Land • Camp construction • Comply with Government regulations for camps, roads use • Line cutting • Minimize area • Drilling programs (intermediate • Re-vegetate (depending on the area and and advanced exploration) circumstances) • Fuel storage • Establish drill waste disposal plan • Road construction for advanced • Follow fuel storage standards exploration • Develop spill recovery plans Water • Waste from drilling programs (mud) • Carefully plan drill program to prevent water quality • Drill holes contamination Wildlife • Animals attracted to garbage and food • Dispose of garbage and waste in compliance with waste local regulations • Migratory patterns affected by presence • Teach wildlife awareness to crews in camp of humans • Keep aircraft away from migrating animals • Migratory patterns affected by noise • Time program to avoid critical periods for wildlife from helicopters, planes, and drill rigs (i.e., caribou calving)

What Environmental • The water quality of local water Monitoring Is Conducted? bodies (streams, creeks, lakes, Environmental monitoring is a way to rivers, ponds, etc.). evaluate the environmental impacts of exploration activities after mitigation A company is encouraged to discuss measures have occurred. It should monitoring with local Aboriginal be done during all phases of mineral communities and to seek their input and development. During exploration, support for monitoring activities and, because activity is relatively small with where possible, include a community low impacts, the company will do most member on the monitoring team. The of the environmental monitoring. This back-filling of trenches is a sound may involve checking: practice. The monitoring of fuel storage areas should be expanded to include • The fuel storage area; areas where refueling takes place if • That waste is properly disposed of; separate from the storage area. • That food is not left where animals Companies must also follow the can get it; conditions of any government- • That no waste remains after drilling issued permits or licences granted for rigs leave; and exploration. Government inspectors

will likely visit the site to ensure positive. The table below lists some required conditions are being met and possible impacts to help communities regulations are being followed. For understand and anticipate any potential larger exploration projects, spill plans effects of exploration. One common (i.e., for fuel) and waste disposal plans possible impact of exploration projects may be required. may be a community’s unrealistic expectations about the development of What Are the Potential a mine. Most exploration projects will Social Impacts? not advance to mine development. Social impacts at the exploration phase are likely to be minimal and tend to be

SOCIAL IMPACTS Type Activities and Potential Impacts Solution Social Working away • Less time to spend on traditional activities • Plan activities around work schedule from home • Workers and their families may be • Encourage the creation of support groups for extended separated for several days or weeks or programs to minimize the stress periods • Marital stress experienced by families • Opportunity to meet new people Economic Increased • Training and skills development opportunities • Emphasize the positive working role employment • Widens gap between employed and models within the community levels unemployed

Increased • Out-migration of community members with • Establish or encourage the development income levels well-paying jobs of community addiction response • More money flowing into the community may programs and support groups result in an increase in social problems

Local • Increased exploration activities may lead to • Identify and communicate the type, purchases more purchases from local businesses and quality, and quantities of goods and suppliers, benefiting the local economy services required so there are no • Increased buying power misunderstandings and encourage the local purchasing of these goods • Encourage small business development, training, and support Cultural Arrival of new • New workers may arrive with different culture • Offer cultural awareness training, people in the • New ideas and technologies can create new delivered by members of the community, community opportunities, but also challenge traditional to ensure new people in the community ways of life are informed of its values and traditions Hunting and • Potential for the disruption of hunting and • Company minimizes airborne and fishing fishing times due to mineral activity on-ground activity that could potentially have an impact on bird or animal migration Facts and Figures It is important to note that activities What Is the Duty to Consult? and any resulting impacts may differ depending on the stage of the The duty to consult is an obligation of the exploration project, and they tend to government as a whole. The Crown has increase if a project advances along a legal duty to consult and, where the mineral development cycle. appropriate, accommodate when its proposed conduct might adversely affect 1.6 How Can Aboriginal Communities Get Involved established or potential Aboriginal or in Mineral Exploration? Treaty Rights, particularly in the approval of developments involving land and The mineral exploration phase can resources. Crown conduct includes, for represent an important part of com- example, the work of government that munity development and help build allows projects to move forward (such greater awareness and understanding as the issuance of authorizations). of some of the opportunities during Although it is a Crown duty, third parties this phase. It can also open further opportunities if a project advances also have a role to play in the process. into the later phases of the mineral For example, engagement done by a development cycle. While early company may be taken into account exploration work could be limited in when the Crown is assessing consultation scope and longevity, it does present obligations. It is also essential that the opportunity to build local capacity, Aboriginal groups actively participate in, allow individuals to gain short-term meaningful employment, and assist in and contribute to, the consultation process the development of building knowledge by explaining how their rights might be related to the mineral industry. It is adversely affected, and communicating important to remember that mineral their concerns and providing information exploration companies have no in a timely manner. For more information, revenue during exploration. visit www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/ eng/1100100014649. Whatever the scope of the project, it is important that communities and companies have an ongoing dialogue. The major community input carrying out the project. Governments during exploration is usually through encourage prospectors and exploration communication with the company companies to engage with the

• What is the expected impact on the land, what is the activity, and are community and its members directly, there any maps? beginning with the Chief and Council. • What benefits will there be for Other groups such as Tribal Councils, local communities? Will the Facts and Figures Inuit governments, and regional or benefits be permanent Early engagement can province-wide Aboriginal organizations or temporary? can also be included in the sharing of serve as a turning point • What are the potential positive information related to specific projects. for communities. and negative impacts and how do Early discussion with Aboriginal Kasabonika Lake First we maximize/minimize them? community members is in everyone’s Nation increased its • What are the employment/ interest. It allows the community participation through and the company to learn about each business opportunities? newsletters, meetings, other’s resources and priorities. The • How can communities participate company can explain what the project in the environmental and social radio, and surveys. involves, where it is located, and who impact assessment process? The community also will be doing the work. By listening • How will the project developer negotiated a step-by-step and sharing information, the parties can respond to community concerns? approach to the mineral identify potential problems or conflict exploration process. areas, and work together to resolve Having answers to these questions them and promote mutual benefits. will help prepare the community should an exploration project move For more information on the to the next phase (development and recommended industry approach construction) and lead to a larger to engagement, check out Early investment. Communities may also find Aboriginal Engagement: A Guide for it useful to have oral presentations from Proponents of Major Resource Projects exploration companies, interpreted into (www.mpmo-bggp.gc.ca/desc/ a language other than English or French aboriginal-autochtones-eng.php). if appropriate, so that all community members can fully understand what It is important that community members is happening. ask questions, raise concerns, and learn about the exploration process and its various stages. Questions that may arise include: 1.7 Community Employment and Other Economic Opportunities

Facts and Figures This sub-section identifies some of the employment and other The close proximity of economic opportunities that may be Aboriginal communities available to Aboriginal communities to exploration and mining during exploration. projects presents a What Are the Employment window of opportunity Opportunities? for both Aboriginal Job opportunities during the Junior exploration companies usually peoples and industry. exploration phase of the mineral hire only a few full-time employees, Aboriginal communities development cycle may be limited and they are generally specialists are increasingly being and short term, lasting only a few (geologists, geophysicists, drill recognized as key weeks to a few months. However, operators, and pilots), to carry out these opportunities allow community the exploration work. To become a contributors to the members to gain useful experience specialist in these areas requires a minerals and metals and skills that may be transferable university or college degree. However, sector as employees to other projects or other economic projects may also need less specialized or for the supply of sectors. The length of the job personnel, including field assistants, goods and services. depends on the stage of the project camp staff, line cutters, prospectors, and whether the exploration project and samplers. is successful. Exploration projects may include Early discussions with the company environmental baseline work. This will allow the community to find out work may provide opportunities for which jobs may be available. The local people to assist in fisheries and community may want to help the wildlife studies. Companies will train company by organizing a venue for any local workers to ensure they are interviews and advertising available safe and equipped to do the job. positions. The community may also decide to conduct a skills and education The following table gives examples inventory of its members. of employment opportunities that may be available depending on the various stages of exploration.

EXAMPLES OF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Position Entry Requirements Remarks Field assistant • Reasonably fit, able to read • Prepared to work outdoors, may have and write to walk considerable distances with a backpack full of samples or rocks Drill helper • Reasonably fit, able to read • Able to handle boxes of core and and write, often hire those drill rods, which may be heavy, with experience usually shift work Line cutter • Reasonably fit, able to use a • Able to use an axe, machete, chain compass, able to read and write saw, compass Kitchen helper • Able to work in a kitchen with food Cook • Able to cook, plan meals, and run a kitchen Camp expediter • Able to organize incoming and outgoing movement of freight, fuel, samples, etc., able to read and write Geophysical • Reasonably fit, good with figures, • Prepared to work outside, often have assistant knowledge of computers to walk considerable distances in a day Truck driver • Licensed to drive trucks Earth-moving • Licensed to operate the • Usually requires heavy equipment operator machines required – one or more operator’s licence of front-end loader, bulldozer, backhoe, skidder Mechanic • Gasoline or diesel engine experience • Does not have to be qualified as long as knowledgeable, experienced, and skilled Welder • Able to weld effectively Carpenter • Able to work with wood Environmental • Able to read and write, monitor reasonably fit Accommodation • Able to look after buildings/ janitor tents in camp Accommodation • Able to clean rooms in camp, housekeeper bunkhouse, tents For more details on the types of jobs time schedules, have limited budgets, available at the exploration phase, and generally are not producing a consult the Mining Industry revenue stream. As well, securities Human Resources Guide for exchange rules make it difficult for Facts and Figures Aboriginal Communities companies to pay expenses that are (www.aboriginalmining.ca/ not directly related to exploration. Opportunities exist for en/exploration/careers.asp). There is usually not enough time for Aboriginal peoples to communities to develop businesses to be involved in mineral Exploration activities may also offer assist the exploration company. The exploration. Contractors training opportunities to Aboriginal community may wish to keep informed are needed throughout communities. In some instances, of the company’s exploration plan for the various stages of communities have developed their the next season so that it can prepare own training programs to teach to take advantage of future potential exploration, including people how to prospect. Because of economic opportunities. prospectors, line cutters, their knowledge of the land around caterers, equipment them, local community members Each community is unique and will suppliers, and construction are in an excellent position to be equipped differently to capture and maintenance workers become prospectors. possible economic opportunities. for camps. Types of business opportunities What Are the Other generated by exploration include Economic Opportunities? a number of contracting/service Economic opportunities exist for provider-oriented businesses: communities, even at the exploration phase. Companies commonly • Digging and trenching with employ an expediting company to heavy equipment; organize activities like camp set-up, • Site reclamation, tree cutting, transportation, and catering. If such a and planting; business is available in a community • Line cutting; nearby, then it will be in a good position to provide goods and • Construction of camps/camp staff; services to the company. • Food, accommodation, and catering; • Expediting, helicopter/ It is important to remember that air support rental; exploration projects are usually on tight

• Equipment/vehicle rental and fuel; 1.8 Community Experiences: • Drilling contracting; Athabasca Basin Development Limited • Transportation and freight services; Partnership and • Environmental baseline studies. The Athabasca Basin Development Limited Partnership (ABDLP) of Some communities have formed Wollaston Lake, Saskatchewan, their own prospecting and drilling is an Athabasca and Aboriginal- companies. There is potential for owned investment company with its economic benefits through these primary holdings in the mining and activities. If prospecting is successful exploration services sector, particularly and encouraging samples are found, in uranium and potash mining. The the prospector may be able to interest limited partnership is owned by exploration companies in forming a the seven far north communities in joint venture or option a property to Saskatchewan: Fond du Lac, Black ensure that further work is carried out. Lake, and Hatchett Lake Denesuline, who own approximately 70% of the Communities and exploration partnership through a share-ownership companies are encouraged to work structure that is similar to that of a closely together, as early as possible, public company; and Campsell Portage, to forge alliances and partnerships in Uranium City, Stony Rapids, and training, employment, and business Wollaston Lake, where the company development. As the exploration project headquarters are located. advances, they may initiate negotiations that can result in agreements (e.g., The company looks for investments Letter of Intent, Memorandum of that are sustainable, well-managed, and Understanding). Although formal or of general value for its shareholders. legal agreements are not required, this Investments are focused on the is an excellent opportunity to build mining and exploration sector and a relationship (see sub-section 2.7 for include partial or complete ownership a description of the different types in construction (Points Athabasca), of agreements). underground mining (Mudjatik Thyssen Mining), security (Athabasca Basin Security), diamond drilling (Team Awards Drilling), logistics (Points North), The ABDLP was the first to receive the electrical (Flyer Electric), road Prospectors and Developers Association maintenance (Lonona Contracting), of Canada’s (PDAC) Skookum Jim and air transportation (West Wind Award in 2008. This award recognizes Aviation). Since its formation in 2002, exceptional achievement and/or service the ABDLP and its group of companies by an Aboriginal-run service business have grown to employ over 1000 for the Canadian mining industry, a people – mostly Aboriginal – and Canadian Aboriginal exploration or their recent consolidated revenues mining company, or individuals that have exceeded $75 million. have made a significant contribution to the mining industry. Corporate Social Responsibility The ABDLP is committed to being a responsible and contributing corporate citizen. The company developed a strategy for community investment that is designed to increase the opportunities for the Athabasca region of Saskatchewan by enhancing the lives of its residents. The ABDLP is actively involved in the communities in which it operates through direct donations, being actively involved in and present at community events, and through direct employment and training of community members.

The company attributes its success to partnering with other dynamic and thriving companies that have a proven track record in providing award- winning customer service.

2

MINE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION

2.1 What Is Mine Development?

2.2 What Are the Mine Development Activities?

2.3 Who Are the Main Players in Mine Development?

2.4 Acts and Regulations

2.5 Environmental and Social Impacts

2.6 How Can Aboriginal Communities Get Involved in Mine Development?

2.7 Community Employment and Other Economic Opportunities

2.8 Community Experiences: Nuna Group of Companies MINE DEVELOPMENT 2 AND CONSTRUCTION Factors that determine if a resource is economical include:

• Location of the resource; • Accessibility of the resource; • Size of the resource; • Value of the resource; • Type of mineral; This section explains the purpose • Access to infrastructure of development, identifies the main (roads, airstrips); activities and players, and outlines opportunities for Aboriginal commu- • Market prices of the minerals nities to get involved during this phase and metals; of the mineral development cycle. • Distance from markets and supply points; 2.1 What Is Mine • Ability to recover the resource in Development? an environmentally safe and socially responsible way; If exploration leads to positive results, the project moves to the mine • Regulatory regime (e.g., taxes and development phase. The purposes of royalty rates); and this important phase are to evaluate • Availability of qualified work force. the potential value of the mineral deposit that has been identified at the The evaluation will involve a series exploration phase, to determine if it of detailed geological, technical, and can be mined profitably, and if so, economic studies and analysis of data to build the mine. to increase the company’s knowledge of the resources (i.e., the shape and In order to build a mine, the mineral size of the mineral deposit and the deposit must be large and valuable quantity of metals or minerals). The enough to pay for the construction company uses this information to make costs (capital costs) and for the costs important decisions – decisions that to operate the mine (operating costs). may determine whether it will construct

2 Costs The cost of developing a mine depends on:

• The type of mine; Facts and Figures • Mine size (the larger the mine, The cost of building the higher the cost), surface/open a mine is very high, pit versus underground; particularly when the mine • The location (more remote is large, remote, and has equals more expensive); and a mine. It is at this stage that the technological challenges. company will prepare the design of the • The amount of work and time Ekati and Diavik, two mine and facilities. Once the evaluation required to do the test work, diamond mines built in the and planning are completed, a decision collect the data, and complete Northwest Territories, had on building a mine has been taken, and environmental studies the required permits and licences have and permitting. construction and start-up been obtained, construction can begin. costs of $750 million and Test work, studies, and permitting $1.3 billion, respectively. Time Frames can cost in the $10 million range. Sources: www.bhpbilliton.com/ Mine development can take anywhere This cost can climb as high as home/businesses/diamonds/ from 7 to 10 years. The time needed $100 million if special facilities are Pages/default.aspx and www.diavik.ca. depends on where the mine is needed on-site for additional testing located, how large and complex the and data collection, as is the case development is, and the regional for diamond mines. Construction regulations and review processes. costs are often in the $100 million In general, it takes: range or more.

• Two to three years for test work and 2.2 What Are the Mine studies (environmental studies and Development Activities? feasibility studies); • One to three years for environmental During this phase of the mineral assessment and permitting; and development cycle, the company will significantly increase its activities and • Two to four years to build the mine investment to define the characteristics and supporting infrastructure.

of a mineral deposit and determine if required to submit an environmental it is economically worthwhile (viable assessment as part of the process of to develop). Depending on the location obtaining a mining licence. For more and type of mineral, development information about environmental activities will include many of those assessment, see sub-section 2.5 on performed during the advanced Environmental and Social Impacts. exploration activities, but in a more extensive way. This means more Feasibility Studies samples, more drill holes, and more Feasibility studies are a series of field tests to define the characteristics planning studies and evaluation of a mineral deposit. reports of the geological, engineering, economic, legal, and site data under- Environmental Assessment taken by the company. The purpose An environmental assessment (EA) of feasibility studies is to evaluate is mandated by government and is used the financial viability, technical and to examine the potential impacts that financial risks, and robustness of the a project may have on the environment project. Feasibility studies usually during its lifetime. Companies are include the following:

FEASIBILITY STUDIES Geology and resource • How large is the deposit or resource? determination • What is the grade of the minerals or metals in the deposit? Mine planning • What will be mined? • How will it be mined (open pit/surface or underground)? • What equipment will be used to mine it? Process plant test work • What is the best way to extract the minerals or metals (for example) from and plant design the host rock? • Will there be a smelter? • What mineral wastes will be generated? Infrastructure planning • What roads, airstrips, camps, and complexes will be needed? Water and waste • What are the water supply needs? management planning • What are the discharge quality requirements? • How can waste be safely disposed of? Environmental and • What are the main issues from the environmental and socio-economic socio-economic planning studies? • How can plans address these issues?

Community • What agreements are required and with whom? agreement(s) Mine closure and • What are the best approaches for reclamation and closure? reclamation • What labour transition plans are required? Operating cost estimates • How many workers are required? • What types and amounts of equipment and supplies are required during operations? • What are the annual operating costs? Capital costs • What are the costs to plan, permit, and construct the facilities? Financial analysis • What are the costs to borrow money to build and operate the mine? • What is the yearly cost and annual earnings? • What is the expected profit or loss?

Mine Closure and as well as the requirement to provide Reclamation Plan financial assurance (e.g., a bond) to An important step in the planning that cover the closure costs. This financial occurs at the development/construction assurance can be required before the phase is the future mine closure and start of construction. If mine closure Facts and Figures reclamation plan. This plan is a detailed and reclamation are too expensive, Most important in the report on how the mine site will be the proposed mine may not move cleaned up and restored once mining on to production. The method of planning process are operations are completed. The direct calculating and the acceptable safety and consideration closure impact on all areas of a mine forms of financial assurance vary of workers and the local site must be addressed as an integral depending on the jurisdiction. environment. A closure part of the design criteria during the and reclamation plan detailed engineering of the project. Permitting explains how the company This includes removal of the structure, As the mine development activities how to handle tailings, how to dispose increase and become more intense, will rehabilitate the mine of chemicals and hydrocarbons, waste permits will be required. The site once the ore runs out rock slope stability, pit shut-down, mining company will submit a and the mine is closed. and re-vegetation of the terrain. project description to governments or local boards if feasibility studies The provinces and territories have are encouraging and show that there adopted requirements with respect is a potential mine project beyond to mine reclamation and closure, exploration. This will start the Negotiation of Agreements environmental assessment process, The types of agreements negotiated which must be completed before between a mining company and the moving to final/bankable feasibility community at this stage vary and and the start of construction. may include Impact and Benefit Agreements (IBAs) or their equivalent. Community Engagement Even if formal agreements are not and Consultations legally required, this is still an A wide range of community opportunity for the mining company consultations often take place and Aboriginal communities to develop during the mine development a good relationship. These types process, including: of agreements will be discussed in more detail later in this section under • Public meetings and hearings; Community Employment and Other • Open houses; Economic Opportunities. • Workshops; Project Financing • Focus groups; Once a final cost is known, the mining • Interviews; and company needs to secure project financing. The final or bankable • Meetings and consultations related feasibility is used to demonstrate a to environmental assessment and project’s viability and to help secure licence and permit applications. investment. Companies may need to borrow the money from a bank or raise Communities provide input and money by issuing shares on the stock feedback on a proposed project during the consultations, raising issues and concerns and identifying potential impacts. Consultations allow communities to participate in a meaningful way and to experience a sense of ownership of the project.

market. Large companies may be self- depending on the project’s complexity. funding due to revenue generated from Construction refers to the development other mining operations. of the entire facility, including the mine, processing plant (mill), and all Investment Decision related infrastructure. Infrastructure by the Mining Company development includes all facilities The final investment decision – whether needed to support the operation other to build the mine – happens when the than the mine and processing plant final feasibility study is finished, project (mill). This stage requires most of the financing is arranged, and permits are money and provides most of the jobs. received. The Board of Directors of the mining company will make the final Common activities during decision on whether to move ahead construction include: with construction of the mine. • Site preparation; Although it is hard to imagine, given • Clearing and initial preparation for how much work, money, and time have mining (i.e., overburden removal, been invested to get to this point, the construction of areas to hold process decision could be to cancel or postpone plant/mill wastes); the project because of uncertainty in • Construction of accommodations; the commodity markets. This means that all agreements negotiated by the • Construction of process and company with Aboriginal communities, site facilities (i.e., mills, service providers, etc., to this point are offices, etc.); conditional agreements that depend on • Building roads and airstrips whether the company decides to move (installation of power lines forward with constructing the mine. and railway); • Establishment of training programs Construction for personnel; and Mine construction can only begin after government agencies issue all • Installation of environmental required permits and the company protection equipment. has raised sufficient capital to build it. This stage can take several years 2.4 Acts and Regulations

This sub-section identifies the general regulatory requirements, licences, 2.3 Who Are the permits, and leases that may apply Main Players in during mine development. Mine Development? Mine development regulations are The table below summarizes the complex and vary among provinces, major players and their potential territories, and Indian Reserves. The roles and responsibilities during purpose of all regulations is to develop mine development. the mine in a way that will benefit

MINE DEVELOPMENT: WHO ARE THE MAIN PLAYERS? Potential Roles and Responsibilities Communities • May carry out sampling and analysis procedures for environmental monitoring • Enter into negotiated partnership or IBA with companies • Generate business development and employment opportunities, e.g., joint ventures • Provide labourers for construction Governments • Set the rules for permitting, manage the permitting process, and issue (provincial, territorial, required permits federal) • Conduct environmental assessment process Junior exploration • Typically sell interests to senior company, but in rare instances will develop companies a mine Senior mining • Manage and operate mining projects companies • Main players at that stage Contractors/service • Consulting engineering firms – perform feasibility studies, detail design, providers construction management, and project management activities • Equipment suppliers – manufacture and sell equipment • Construction companies – build roads, dams, plants and shops, buildings, offices, pipelines, and other facilities Industry associations • Represent mine developer’s interests (provincial, territorial, • Influence government mining policy national) • Provide a forum for shared research and best practices

people and minimize the potential in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, negative impacts on the environment. and on Indian Reserves. Several federal departments have permits, licences, What Licences and Permits or authorizations that apply to Are Required? mining projects. Permits and licence requirements, and their application processes, vary Key permits include those related in different regulatory jurisdictions to land and water use, mine closure in Canada. Provincial and territorial and reclamation plans, and camp regulatory authorities generally construction permits. The following administer permits. The federal table outlines the general licences, government, through AANDC, permits, and authorizations required administers permits and licences during mine development.

KEY DEVELOPMENT PERMITS, LICENCES, AND AUTHORIZATIONS Water • Provincial and territorial agencies (usually guided by the Council of Ministers of the Environment [CCME] guidelines) generally control water discharge criteria and water licences • Water crossing permits are issued under the Navigable Waters Protection Act Fish • Authorization under Section 35 of the Fisheries Act is required if serious harm to fish habitat is expected • Authorization under Section 36 of the Fisheries Act is required if deleterious substances will be deposited into a body of water • Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has developed various guidelines to assist project proponents Wildlife • In the case of potential effects on migratory wildlife, the Migratory Birds Convention Act applies, and in the case of endangered and threatened species, the Canadian Species at Risk Act applies • The provinces and territories also have a range of policies and legislation addressing wildlife and species at risk issues Mine construction • Construction permits for buildings and development • Explosive licences or permits • Authorization from provincial/territorial departments to allow excavation to go ahead • Permits for land use for the mine and infrastructure • Permits for any airstrip, access road, or electricity transmission line • Permits for any explosive manufacturing facility What Is a Mining Lease? 2.5 Environmental and ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS A mining lease authorizes mining Social Impacts companies to access and develop Type Activities and Potential Impacts Mitigation a parcel of land into a mine. It sets This sub-section identifies the potential Land • Construction of access roads and power • Plan to minimize land disturbance due the boundaries on where certain environmental and social impacts a use lines, uncontrolled access to roads to mine site • Install security gates infrastructure can be built or deposited community may experience during • Construction of buildings, workshops, • Use community feedback in design and layout (i.e., tailings or waste rock piles) and mine development. It also explains processing plant, and permanent camp of buildings sets requirements on how to operate the purpose of an environmental • Bulk sampling and extensive drilling • Minimize land use programs • Follow fuel storage standards environmentally. Each lease requires assessment, which must be completed • Fuel and chemical storage • Develop spill plans a mine closure and reclamation plan, a for all mining projects in Canada. This • Establish fuel management programs yearly lease fee, and security deposits. sub-section also includes the types of Air quality • Dust from roads and site • Water roads to minimize dust emissions environmental monitoring, mitigation development activities Leases are issued by provinces and measures, and opportunities for Water • Impacts on surface and sub-surface • Control drainage territories, with the exception of community input. quality water quality • Ensure discharge criteria are met Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and • Conduct water quality monitoring • Identify alternative water sources on Indian Reserves, where leases are What Are the Potential issued federally by AANDC. There is Environmental Impacts? WiIdlife • Animals attracted to garbage and food • Develop waste management programs waste • Use environmental baseline work to separate mining rights legislation for Every mine development is unique • Migratory patterns affected by the understand wildlife activity in the area each of the 10 Canadian provinces and and will have an impact on the presence of humans, noise from aircraft, • Educate employees and contractors the Yukon, with the Canada Mining environment in different ways. Using and blasting to understand their responsibilities • Impacts on fish and fisheries towards wildlife Regulations applying in the Northwest modern technologies, sound planning, • Protect fish spawning and rearing areas, Territories and Nunavut. Indian Mining and rigorous monitoring, specialists and fish farming Regulations apply on Indian Reserves. can reduce these impacts. The • Establish no hunting/fishing zones following table outlines the types Cultural • Disturbance of archaeological and • Identify and protect archaeological and heritage The life of the mining lease varies of environmental impacts possible material heritage sites sites by province or territory. They are during mine development. valid in most provinces/territories for 20-30 years and can be renewed. Some What Environmental Studies jurisdictions impose certain conditions Are Required? upon the renewal of mining leases Environmental baseline studies are (e.g., the property must be the site generally required to complete an of an active or closed mine, the lease environmental assessment. They start area must be surveyed, etc.). as early as the exploration phase. These studies include developing a detailed description of the environment. In addition, the socio-economic

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Type Activities and Potential Impacts Mitigation Land • Construction of access roads and power • Plan to minimize land disturbance due use lines, uncontrolled access to roads to mine site • Install security gates • Construction of buildings, workshops, • Use community feedback in design and layout processing plant, and permanent camp of buildings • Bulk sampling and extensive drilling • Minimize land use programs • Follow fuel storage standards • Fuel and chemical storage • Develop spill plans • Establish fuel management programs Air quality • Dust from roads and site • Water roads to minimize dust emissions development activities Water • Impacts on surface and sub-surface • Control drainage quality water quality • Ensure discharge criteria are met • Conduct water quality monitoring • Identify alternative water sources WiIdlife • Animals attracted to garbage and food • Develop waste management programs waste • Use environmental baseline work to • Migratory patterns affected by the understand wildlife activity in the area presence of humans, noise from aircraft, • Educate employees and contractors and blasting to understand their responsibilities • Impacts on fish and fisheries towards wildlife • Protect fish spawning and rearing areas, and fish farming • Establish no hunting/fishing zones Cultural • Disturbance of archaeological and • Identify and protect archaeological and heritage material heritage sites sites assessment evaluates the social • Surface and ground water hydrology; and economic sustainability during • Vegetation; development, operations, and beyond • Wildlife; closure of the mine. Examples of surveys include: • Administrators; • Traditional knowledge; • Archaeology; • Terrain; • Land use; • Socio-economic; • Water quality; • Air quality; • They apply to federal, territorial, • Aquatic resources (fisheries); and where relevant, Aboriginal governments; • Hydrogeology; • Advisory boards conduct EAs • Noise; and make recommendations • Soils; to government; • Acid rock drainage/metal leaching; • Board nominees are identified and by government (both federal • Fish habitats. and territorial) and Aboriginal organizations; What Is an Environmental • Aboriginal groups have explicit roles Assessment? in these processes; and An environmental assessment (EA) • Assessments are independent from is a process to identify and assess the decision-makers. potential environmental effects of a project before it is built. The purpose The Canadian Environmental of the EA is to avoid or minimize Assessment Act (CEA Act) explains adverse environmental effects before the full process that must be followed they occur and to incorporate social for federal EAs. It explains when an and environmental factors into EA is necessary and the responsibilities decision-making. of the federal departments. Some of the departments of the Government Both federal and provincial laws of Canada have to give approvals require some form of EA process for certain components of a project. to be conducted due to the nature of These departments, called Responsible regulatory authorizations required Authorities, are in charge of ensuring by mining projects. that an EA is completed. They cannot give approvals for any part of the In the North, most mining projects project until the EA is finished. are assessed by impact review boards established by federal statutes. Land Typically, the federal EA process includes: claims agreements have created new models for the way an EA is conducted • Determining if an EA is required – in the North. These processes share the it does not consider the likely effects following common elements: of the project, but simply whether or not the legislation or act applies;

• Identifying who could be involved; What Environmental • Planning the EA; Monitoring Is Required? Environmental monitoring is in place • Conducting analysis and preparing to provide early warning of potential an EA report; negative impacts so that corrective • Reviewing the EA report by federal actions can be quickly put in place. departments; The company usually performs the • Making of EA decisions by monitoring, analyzes the results, Responsible Authorities; and and reports them to government • Implementing mitigation program agencies or sometimes to community and monitoring (if required). monitoring agencies.

EAs may make full use of the Environmental monitoring during mine traditional knowledge of Aboriginal development includes monitoring water peoples. The mining company is flows and quality, air quality, and fish responsible for collecting traditional habitat, and can also include vegetation knowledge or making possible its changes. Air quality is monitored for inclusion. Traditional knowledge can its potential impact on wildlife and be used to determine the environmental humans. Scientists analyze these tests. effects and evaluate how serious they Local people are often trained to carry may be. Traditional knowledge will out sampling and analysis procedures. also be used to select ways to reduce As an example, direct changes in plant the environmental effects. communities are watched for, as well as the presence or absence of non- Laws at the federal, provincial, and native species. territorial (Yukon) levels specify when EAs or impact reviews are required What Are the Potential and how to do them. The Government Social Impacts? of Canada will do an EA when certain While mine development offers federal authorizations are required. communities employment and business The provinces and territories will do opportunities, it may also result in some EAs when permits are needed under positive and/or negative social impacts. their laws. The following table illustrates some of these possible impacts. SOCIAL IMPACTS Type Activities and Potential Impacts Solution Social Shift/rotational • Less time to spend on traditional activities • Plan activities around work schedule work • Workers and their families may be • Encourage the creation of support separated for several days or weeks groups or programs to minimize • Opportunity to meet new people the stress felt by families Social • Voluntary social investment by companies • Ensure that social investment is done with investment may increase local benefits; it is important the full and transparent participation of for these to be collective benefits that those involved do not foster dependency or favour • Conduct assessment of priorities, certain groups anticipated results, and sustainability • Work with the changing dynamics of the community Economic Community • Increased business opportunities • Improve and enhance community partnerships • Adds wealth to a community infrastructure where possible and alliances developed Increased • Increased training and skills development • Emphasize the use of positive working employment opportunities role models within the community

Increased • Creates positive role models • Provide workshops on money income levels • Widens gap between employed and management, saving of wages, unemployed banking, etc. • More money flowing into the community • Establish or encourage the development may result in an increase in social problems of community addiction programs and support groups Local • Communities may benefit from the sale • Determine any required goods and purchases of goods and services services by the company • Explore possible partnerships and capacity-building for small- to medium- sized enterprises Cultural New people • New workers may arrive with • Offer cultural awareness training for the in the different culture company, delivered by members of the community • Challenges to traditional ways of life community, to ensure new people in the community understand its values and traditions Population • Any increase in population may increase strain existing services through in-migration Rapid cultural • Change can happen quickly with increased • Develop partnerships and promote change development of infrastructure, roads, and sustainable development and as goods and services are introduced to cultural conservation of local communities traditional knowledge

2.6 How Can Aboriginal process. Comments and input provided Communities Get by communities can change the Involved in Mine outcomes of the project. Development? To get the most out of consultations, Facts and Figures Community participation and communities may want to prepare Exploration and mining involvement are very important during in advance by doing the following: the development and construction phase companies, in addition to of the mineral development cycle. They • Identifying potential impacts complying with regulatory allow communities to prepare for a that need to be considered in regimes at the federal, growing number of project activities, project development; provincial, and territorial impacts, and benefits. During mine • Conducting a skills inventory levels, are voluntarily development, formal consultations of residents interested in working adopting environmental with nearby communities, both at the mine; Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, are management practices, • Beginning skills training; carried out. Aboriginal communities including the application can provide input by reviewing project • Identifying community business of traditional knowledge, descriptions, leading traditional opportunities and capacities; to respond to community knowledge studies, and developing • Identifying the service and labour concerns about the Participation Agreements or Impact and needs of the project; potential effects of mining. Benefit Agreements with the mining • Setting up ways to communicate company. Through the engagement for current and ongoing process, communities can gain a better consultations (i.e., key contacts); understanding of the project, help the and developer understand the potential impacts from their perspective and • Assessing the needs for advice and knowledge base, and raise issues information gathering. of concern. Site visits may also be scheduled. Aboriginal Elders often In addition, having community visit the site so they can better see development and infrastructure plans what is being proposed on what may in place before development can be be considered traditional lands. of great value to a community during the mine development. Communities An important area in which should enter into discussions with communities can participate in the government agencies as early as development phase is through the EA possible during the licensing and development process to ensure impacts permitting process. are recognized and mitigated. Possible committees include: Traditional knowledge is an area Facts and Figures where Aboriginal community • A committee to review the input is significant. It provides environmental impact statement; Aboriginal peoples can information about traditional work with the mining • Environmental and socio-economic land uses, alerts developers to monitoring committees; company to ensure that the migratory patterns of wildlife, • Community wellness committee; great care is taken to and informs developers about protect historical and sacred sensitive areas (hunting areas, • Business development opportunities committee; sites, as well as migration cultural sites, migratory routes, etc.). It may also be used to help routes and traplines, • Training/hiring committee; and identify environmental impacts, • Community sustainability upon before mining starts. evaluate how serious they are, and mine closure committee. select ways to reduce any potential negative effects. Traditional knowledge is increasingly being 2.7 Community recognized as an important part of an Employment and Other EA. Its input into the process can assist Economic Opportunities in an EA in many ways. For instance, traditional knowledge can contribute This sub-section identifies the to the building of EA and traditional possible employment and economic knowledge capacity within Aboriginal opportunities available to Aboriginal communities and build awareness in communities during mine development. non-Aboriginal communities. It describes best practices for maximizing economic opportunities. Provincial/territorial authorities and federal government departments may What Are the Employment have programs to help communities Opportunities? and individuals take advantage of Communities can experience huge opportunities during mine development. increases in employment during mine Communities may decide to set up a development depending on the size of number of committees during the mine the mine. A wide variety of jobs, from

entry-level to professional, are available Ensuring that community members during mine development (see Jobs are trained and available to work is and Education table below). The mine necessary if communities are going developer and its contractors are the to take full advantage of any major employers. Other employment employment opportunities. sources are secondary support industries and service providers. For a good description of the jobs available during the development Communities and the mining company and construction phase, check out the are encouraged to work closely at the Mining Industry Human Resources earliest opportunity to develop good Guide for Aboriginal Communities relationships and partnerships in the at www.aboriginalmining.ca/en/ areas of training and employment. development/careers.asp.

JOBS AND EDUCATION Type of Job Education Requirements Examples Entry-level • Grade 12 education or equivalent • Trades helpers • If a community does not meet this, it can talk • Heavy equipment operators to the mining company about waiving the • Housekeeping services requirement for a period • This can encourage young people to stay in school and allow time to meet the requirement Semi-skilled • Grade 12 education or equivalent • Warehouse technicians • Some work experience • Administrative assistants • Trades occupations Skilled • College diploma or trades certification • Trades occupations • Safety coordinators • Environmental technicians Professional • University degree • Managers • Engineers • Geologists • Scientists • Accountants

What Are the Other Business opportunities will increase Economic Opportunities? as a project moves through the Communities can experience significant different steps of mine development. economic development opportunities Communities can prepare by asking during mine development and these questions: construction. These opportunities include infrastructure development and • What businesses are currently the provision of utilities. Some of the available? key potential business opportunities are: • What businesses are required? • Contract mining (underground, • What are the capabilities of and open-pit); the community? • Supply of goods (e.g., oil and gas, safety equipment); Communities can play an active role in increasing the type and amount of • Catering and housekeeping; economic development opportunities • Site services; available to them by: • Surveying; • Trucking; • Hiring a professional business manager to maximize their benefits • Construction services; from a project. These skills may • Recycling and waste be available in the community or a disposal services; community may need to look outside • Aircraft support; to fill this need; • Airport maintenance; • Holding their own internal consultation with their membership • Road maintenance; to determine what businesses might • Laboratory services; be of interest to the community • Consulting (e.g., environmental, members, and identify opportunities socio-economic, community that might be sustainable once the development); and mine closes (e.g., transport, supply of business services); • Goods and services associated with a community development project • Developing their own business and (e.g., an arena). training capacity;

• Being creative and imaginative Aboriginal community and a company during the negotiation of any capable of supplying services or agreements; materials to a mining company. • Beginning discussions about the development of partnerships with the A JV agreement defines the relationship mine developer as early as possible; between the two parties and specifies the training and employment • Taking an inventory of the opportunities. It also defines community’s assets; how profits from the JV business • Speaking to members from other activities will be distributed. communities; and • Taking long-term perspectives JVs are an excellent way to develop (closure issues, training, strategic local business capacity to prepare planning of resources). for and take advantage of business opportunities related to mine Joint Ventures development. Through a JV, a Initially, Aboriginal communities may community business can increase want to develop “joint-venture” (JV) the scope and range of its current businesses with established companies. services in order to help meet the A JV is a simple business arrangement service and support needs of the between two companies or between an mine developer. JVs may be developed

Facts and Figures

Rescan Tahltan Environmental Consultants (RTEC) is a JV between the Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC) and Rescan. RTEC conducts environmental assessments of projects in Tahltan territory. Its services include environmental consulting (fisheries, terrestrial, atmospheric services), ecological risk assessments, environmental effects monitoring, tailings management, reclamation/site closure, water treatment, and social and economic sciences. TNDC has partnerships with more than 20 companies, providing such services as bridge construction, communication, drilling, environmental, medical, pipeline and power line construction, safety, and transportation. related to logistics support, the Memoranda of Understanding, provision of goods and services, and Impact and Benefit Agreements, or in a number of other areas such as Participation Agreements) that are catering, fuel supply, housekeeping, mutually beneficial. While there are Facts and Figures and environmental consulting. commonalities among the agreements, In addition to increased business each one is tailored to the specific The Voisey’s Bay Nickel opportunities, JVs can also needs and wants of the parties and Company negotiated increase training opportunities the phase of the project. separate Impact and for community residents. Benefit Agreements with These agreements may include: the Innu Nation and the The process of building a business Labrador Inuit Association base in a community takes time • Preferential hiring practices for as capacity is developed. A good Aboriginal workers; (LIA). These agreements example of this comes from the • Training; established specific Northwest Territories where • Educational and apprenticeship employment objectives two large diamond mines were opportunities; for Aboriginal peoples developed within five years of and identified specific each other. As communities and • Economic development and business opportunities; business opportunities for local businesses gained experience, they increased their capacity and Aboriginal companies and • Social, cultural, and community were much better equipped to take support programs; joint ventures. Aboriginal advantage of the opportunities • The protection of areas of spiritual companies were awarded presented by the second develop- or cultural significance; and procurement/construction ment. Businesses may grow when contracts worth more than longer-term contracts become • Compensation for adverse environmental effects. $500 million. available during mine operation.

Source: Voisey’s Bay Nickel Negotiation of Agreements Letter of Intent Company. With Economic Benefits Often seen as the first agreement, a There are a number of agreements Letter of Intent is a document that that may be negotiated between sets out, in writing, the serious intent Aboriginal communities and mining of the companies to carry out certain companies at any phase of the mineral activities. It is an acknowledgment of development cycle. The communities a willingness and ability to do business, and the mining company will develop and signals a desire to have further agreements (such as Letters of Intent, agreements if the mining company

provisions for the preferential hiring of Aboriginal persons and may discuss how and when community members might receive training. They may also include provisions for some form of revenue-sharing arrangement and finds an economic deposit. It is not an payments to offset the costs associated enforceable contract, but may be part with administrating the agreement. of preliminary activity leading to a business arrangement. An agreement will also likely explain the tendering process for business Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) contracts, outline any preferential and Exploration Agreements treatment for Aboriginal/community These agreements may be negotiated businesses, and require the unbundling during the early stages of exploration (breaking up) of larger contracts. These and mine development. They define agreements become confidential legal the principles for working together for contracts. They will only be made mutual benefits, and are simple ways public if agreed to by the community to create an understanding between and the mining company. a community and an exploration company. MOUs or Exploration Agreements may develop into a more formal agreement (e.g., an Impact and Benefit Agreement) as the project progresses.

Impact and Benefit Agreements (IBAs) and Participation Agreements (PAs) Once a company has made a commitment to develop a property, it may begin the process of developing IBAs or PAs with local Aboriginal communities. These agreements might include guidelines for hiring, business opportunities, and training and scholarships. They may make Facts and Figures

Detour Gold and the Métis Nation of Ontario have signed an Impact and Benefit Agreement (IBA) with respect to the development and operation of the company’s Detour Lake gold mining project in northeastern Ontario. This first-of-its-kind IBA between a mining company and a Métis community includes provisions on how the Métis community will benefit from the development of the Detour Lake project and throughout the life of the mine, including employment and business opportunities, training and education initiatives, and financial participation in the project. The IBA also establishes a Métis scholarship and bursary program at College Boreal and Northern College. It reflects Detour Gold’s commitment to protecting the environment and wildlife, and supporting the community’s social and cultural practices in a spirit of continued cooperation.

Sources: www.detourgold.com and http://metisnation.org.

2.8 Community Community Summary Experiences: Nuna and Involvement Group of Companies All Inuit enrolled under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement are Nuna was formed in 1993 and is shareholders of Nunasi Corporation, 51% Inuit owned. Nuna ownership a Nunavut-wide Inuit economic consists of Nunasi Corporation (25.5%), development corporation charged Kitikmeot Corporation (25.5%), and with the responsibility of undertaking Nuna Management Group (49%). business operations that profit shareholders socially and economically. The Nuna Group of companies provides a large range of services, including Since its inception, Nuna has been contract mining, drilling services, involved with the majority of provision of construction and mining resource companies operating in the products, site support, heavy equipment Northwest Territories and Nunavut, simulator contract training, and winter and has expanded its operations into road construction. Saskatchewan and Ontario.

The hiring and training of Inuit, supplement with other Aboriginal Aboriginal, and local staff have been labour if a demand exists and project a focus of Nuna’s, resulting in the economics permit. company having, among owners and contractors, the highest percentage of Successful Approach local residents working on projects in The work in progress is monitored which Nuna is involved. Its ongoing daily by management in order to education programs and training maintain consistent cost control and opportunities allow the labour source schedule performance, and to ensure not only to grow, but to advance to the satisfactory achievement of overall provide proficient operations managers client objectives. in the future. Nuna’s work force at various times exceeds 600 people A high level of communication is working on various projects in maintained by all concerned, and the North. Nuna has succeeded in clients receive regular and detailed employing in excess of 55% northern progress briefings at every stage staff at its operations over the past of development. several years. For more information, contact Nuna also has several successful www.nunalogistics.com. joint ventures and partnerships with Aboriginal groups throughout Canada. This diversity provides a unique opportunity for sustainable employment options for people that possess or have acquired the necessary skill sets that could be transferable to other Nuna projects in other communities, provinces, and territories. This provides an avenue to develop the sustainable trade and business skills necessary for long-term capacity-building. In all cases, Nuna’s practice is to source the local Aboriginal labour followed by local labour within the affected communities as a first step, and then

3

MINE OPERATION

3.1 What Is Mine Operation?

3.2 What Are the Mine Operation Activities?

3.3 Who Are the Main Players in Mine Operations?

3.4 Acts and Regulations

3.5 Environmental and Social Impacts

3.6 How Can Aboriginal Communities Get Involved in Mine Operation?

3.7 Community Employment and Other Economic Opportunities

3.8 Community Experiences: Diavik Diamond Mine 3 MINE OPERATION an open-pit mine. Underground mines include man-made shafts and inclined ramps to access and extract the rock.

A mine operation has four main work areas: excavation areas, processing plant, waste storage, and supporting services. The excavation areas are where earth and rock containing the This section explains the purpose, mineral are excavated. The processing main activities, legal framework, and plant or mill concentrates the rock that major players of mine operation. It also contains saleable material. Some mine outlines opportunities for Aboriginal operations do not have a processing The operating communities to get involved during facility on-site so the mined material this phase. is sent somewhere else to be processed. life of a mine Waste storage facilities include areas 3.1 What Is Mine for both waste rock and the material can be as short Operation? rejected from a mill (called tailings). Supporting services to a mine as several years Mine operation is the third phase of the operation may include repair shops, mineral development cycle. It is the labs to test the quality of the mined or as long as process of producing a mineral product material, change rooms, living quarters, for the benefit of society, stakeholders, warehouses, and offices. several decades. and shareholders. A mine is operating when earth and/or rock are being Every mine operation has mining excavated from the ground and and processing target rates. One key the processing plant is producing element is to determine rates of mining saleable product. and processing that ensure all costs can be covered from product sales. There are two main types of mines: These rates are evaluated during the underground and open pit. An open pit feasibility studies before a mine starts is used when the mineral resource is operating. The rates are calculated to located at or near the earth’s surface. An provide the highest level of efficiency underground mine is constructed when (need to match the capital investment, a mineral resource lies too far below the size of orebody, and life of the mine). surface to safely construct and operate Producing too much, too fast could

3 • Depth of mining required below surface; • Ground conditions and ability to mine safely; and increase costs and hurt profits while Facts and Figures • Location. producing too little, too slowly could Generally, with higher hurt the economics of the mine because metal prices, lower- of reduced sales. The mine and the Costs grade rock becomes ore. process must be designed and built to Mining requires labour, capital, achieve the right balance. energy, and other inputs, all of However, when the price which cost money. During mine of metal is lower, only Time Frames operations, labour is usually the higher-grade rock is able The operating life of a mine can be highest cost. Power, fuel, and other to be used as ore. as short as several years or as long as consumables (heavy equipment, several decades. It can also be seasonal, drill bits, tires, spare parts, etc.) are or operations can be year-long and the next greatest expense. shipments can be seasonal (if access is difficult). Overall revenues must The location of a mine has a major be able to at least recover exploration effect on both construction and and construction expenses. Factors operating costs. If the mine is located that affect how long a mine will in a remote area, the mine operator operate include: may have to build a winter road to bring in supplies and take out ore • Commodity price (shaped by demand or concentrate, as well as a diesel in the world market); power plant to generate electricity. • Production costs and production rates; A major expense for remote mines is transportation costs to fly workers in • Quality (grade) and quantity and out of the mine. However, if the of ore that is economic to mine mine is located in a less remote area, in the deposit; it may be on an existing road system • Size and shape of the body and close to power grids, or the of material to be mined; government may agree to provide • Best possible economic mining rates; a road for access and power to help lower costs. • Mining methods, equipment, and associated costs;

3.2 What Are the Mine Operation Activities? training helps employees understand Hiring the operation, but more importantly, Facts and Figures When a mine goes into operation, ensures they are safe on the job. Other it needs to hire both permanent training for new employees includes on- To answer the needs employees and contractors. the-job training, cross-cultural training, of mining companies Companies will advertise in local, trades training, apprenticeships, and and mining workers, regional, and national papers, literacy and life skills training. Training the Quebec government, depending on the jobs to be can be delivered in classrooms, by together with various filled. Some companies may have computer-based programs, and by agreements (e.g., IBAs) to work one-on-one instruction and mentoring. organizations, has directly with Aboriginal groups Companies may partner with local developed a training to find and hire local candidates communities, government, and others program for underground (for example, Voisey’s Bay in to provide community-based training. mining. This program Newfoundland and Labrador, the Other companies may partner with delivers training to Diavik and Ekati diamond mines local colleges and schools to provide Cree students in in the Northwest Territories, technical training. cooperation with the Raglan in Quebec, Musselwhite in Ontario, and Eskay Creek in Commissioning Cree School Board. British Columbia). Commissioning involves testing to Source: www.cfpvaldor.qc.ca. see whether a new facility, process, or If local communities do not have equipment performs as it was designed. candidates with the required skills All processing and mining equipment and professional qualifications, the must be commissioned before going company must look “outside” and into full production. the recruitment search is extended regionally, nationally, and sometimes Production internationally. Companies prefer to During production, waste rock must be hire locally where people already live. mined away to recover the ore. Ore and The local candidates are already close waste both cost money to excavate and to mining sites and know about the process; therefore, to be efficient, mines land, geography, and climate. try to mine as much ore and as little waste as possible. Training All new employees receive orientation When an operation starts up, a lot training before starting on the job. This of waste must be excavated in order

to reach the ore. In underground companies may take the opportunity to mining, this is called preproduction expand. Mine expansion can include: development. In open-pit mining, this is called pre-stripping. This early stage • Enlarging the existing mine; of mining can last from a few days to • Opening up more mine areas; more than a year depending on how • Buying more equipment and hiring much waste there is and how fast it can more people; be removed. Mine production begins after the waste has been removed • Expanding the processing plant and the ore is exposed and sent to to process more ore; the processing plant. Throughout • Changing the processing plant production, waste and overburden to process faster; and must still be excavated so more ore • Doing more exploration work to try can be uncovered. This process is to find more ore. crucial to maintain production.

Full production generally means that But, when the economy is weak and the average mining and processing mining companies do not have as easy rates are meeting or exceeding the access to affordable loans, mines may target rates developed during the undergo a contraction period, which feasibility study phase. Improved may include: market conditions may allow a mine to sell more product than planned • Decreasing the size of the and/or to sell it at a higher-than- mined area; expected price. When this happens, • Reducing mine production; the mining company will try to • Selling assets; increase production. Sometimes • Reducing employment and services a mine operation can increase contracting; and production for a short time using its existing equipment and people, but • Halting exploration work. the only way to achieve permanent increases is to expand the mine.

Mine Expansion and Contraction When the economy is strong and financing is easily accessible, mining 3.3 Who Are the The table below summarizes the major Main Players in Mine players and their potential roles and Operations? responsibilities during mine operations.

MINE OPERATION: WHO ARE THE MAIN PLAYERS? Potential Roles and Responsibilities Communities • Review and implement provisions of its agreement with the mining company to stimulate business opportunities • Review the tendering provisions of the agreement (as mining companies sometimes break tenders into smaller pieces, which provides more opportunities to Aboriginal communities) • Discuss opportunities with the mining company • Constantly evaluate and implement ways to maximize training, employment, and business opportunities Governments • Inspect operations to ensure compliance with applicable permits, licences, (provincial, territorial, or authorizations federal) • Collect royalties and taxes Junior exploration • Sell all or most of its ownership to a senior company, with some exceptions companies Senior mining • Plan, develop, manage, and operate mine (sole or majority owner) companies • Sell the product • Visit and provide updates on mine operations to affected communities • Help design and conduct community-based training Contractors/service • Consulting firms – provide specialized knowledge and capability, providers e.g., rock and soil mechanics, safety, engineering, occupational heath and ergonomics, labour relations, etc. • Equipment suppliers and manufacturers – assemble, commission, and maintain equipment • Helicopter services • On-site explosives manufacturing • Geological services • Caterers Industry associations • Represent mine developer’s interests (provincial, territorial, • Influence government mining policy national) • Provide a forum for shared research and best practices Customers • Immediate customers – smelters, refineries, steel mills, and various manufacturing plants • Final customers – retail consumers of everyday goods and services that contain materials from the ground; they drive the markets that influence the selling prices

3.4 Acts and Regulations The life of the mining lease varies by province and territory. The sub-surface This sub-section identifies the general leases have a term of up to 21 years legal and regulatory environments for depending on the jurisdiction, the mine operation phase. The actual whereas the surface leases have Facts and Figures licences and permits that a mine needs a term of up to 30 years. Some The diamond mines in to operate depend on what jurisdiction jurisdictions impose certain the mine falls under. conditions upon the renewal of the Northwest Territories mining leases (e.g., the property use community-based Government passes acts and enables must be the site of an active or consultation programs. regulations to ensure mining occurs closed mine). They have Participation in a safe and environmentally friendly Agreements that are way. Companies must comply with What Are the Conditions Aboriginal community- the requirements of both federal of Licences and Permits? and provincial/territorial acts and Government agencies issue licences, based. The boards report regulations. permits, or authorizations, and to the communities and enforce the terms and conditions. publish annual reports. What Are the Conditions The pieces of federal environmental Update meetings are held of Leases? legislation that most often apply to annually in each of the Leases are issued by the provinces mine operation are the: participating communities. and territories, with the exception of Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and • Canadian Environmental on Indian Reserves where leases are Protection Act (CEPA); issued federally by Aboriginal Affairs • Fisheries Act; and Northern Development Canada. • Explosives Act; and The leases set the boundaries where certain infrastructure can be built or • Navigable Waters Protection Act. deposited (i.e., tailings or waste rock piles) and set requirements on how For example, in the case of operating to operate environmentally. Provisions metal mines, the Metal Mining Effluent such as a mine closure and reclamation Regulations apply. These are regulations plan, a yearly lease fee, and large under the Fisheries Act. There are also security deposits are generally regulations administered by the Mines attached to the lease. Inspector, which are under provincial/ territorial jurisdiction. The following list shows some of the • Domestic sewage permit: Provincial/ permits, licences, and other instruments territorial permit for the treatment that may be required to operate a mine and disposal of domestic sewage depending on its jurisdiction: at the mine site.

• Fisheries authorization permit: Other Instruments Facts and Figures Issued by Fisheries and Oceans Agreements such as Impact and Under a Socio-Economic Canada to allow a company to Benefit Agreements (IBAs) are not Monitoring Agreement alter fish habitat; conditions of regulatory approval in areas without overarching land and between Diavik Diamond • Navigable waters permit: self-government agreements. However, Mines Inc. and the Issued by the Coast Guard to allow for the construction of any governments strongly suggest that Government of the structure in a lake or river that mining companies negotiate such Northwest Territories – is considered navigable; agreements. IBAs may contain a an agreement to which wide variety of provisions, including • Explosives permit: Issued by environmental monitoring provisions. the five neighbouring Natural Resources Canada to Often, Aboriginal communities actively Aboriginal groups are allow the storage and mixing participate in monitoring under these signatories – Diavik of explosives at the mine site, agreements. Regulatory approval may it also sets required distances funds an Environmental require impact monitoring agreements away from other buildings and Monitoring Advisory involving government agencies, First from waterways; Board to provide Nations, and mining companies. advice and oversee • Water licence: These provincial/ territorial licences set conditions environmental issues. 3.5 Environmental and for water use, waste disposal, and Social Impacts The majority of the Board water discharge; members are appointed • Quarry permit: Provincial/ This sub-section identifies the potential by Aboriginal communities. territorial permit to operate at environmental and social impacts a the site; community may experience during mine operation, and includes ideas • Aggregate permit: Provincial/ for monitoring, mitigation, and territorial permit on the extraction community input. and use of aggregate; • Transmission line permit: Provincial/ territorial permit required when a new transmission line is built; and

What Are the Potential impacts are well understood and can Environmental Impacts? be mitigated effectively by using a In each phase of the mineral combination of traditional knowledge development cycle, the intent is to and appropriate technologies. minimize and mitigate the potential environmental impacts on water, land, The following table outlines the type of air, wildlife, and people. By the time impacts possible during mine operation a mine begins operation, the potential and the mitigation measures.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Type Activities and Potential Impacts Mitigation Land • Land disturbance from mining activities, • Comply with government regulators use i.e., excavations in the mine, storage of • There are strict rules for locating, constructing, waste rock and operating • Tailings waste and tailings dams Air quality • Dust from roads and mining activities • Apply water to roads to control dust • Emissions from trucks and on-site power • Monitor emissions to determine effects generation on vegetation and air quality Water • Dirt, rocks, or contaminated or unclean • Establish a water management plan quality water enters streams or lakes (must be approved by the government) • Impacts on water flows • Train employees and contractors on the water management plan • Monitor water quality and adjust flow supplementation WiIdlife • Animals attracted to garbage and food • Use best practices for incineration of food waste waste and garbage • Migratory patterns affected by the • Remove waste that cannot be incinerated presence of humans, noise from aircraft, • Establish a waste management plan and and blasting employee training to help minimize • Impacts on fish and fisheries wildlife impacts • Observe animal behaviour and modify operations as required • Avoid certain activities during migration • Protect spawning and rearing areas and fish farming Cultural • Disturbance of archaeological and • Protect land, and identify and protect heritage sites archaeological and heritage sites

What Environmental Monitoring results can provide Monitoring Is Required? useful input to ongoing liaison Companies and governments between the mining company and continually monitor the mining the surrounding community. operation to test environmental performance, demonstrate compliance Aboriginal representatives from the with environmental legislation, refine area may participate in or conduct operational practices, and safeguard the these monitoring programs and studies. interests of both the mining company This can be done through informal and the surrounding community. If arrangements or a more formal negative changes are identified, the community monitoring committee. company can respond to the changes Although rare, external monitoring to prevent any long-term damage. agencies (independent) may be formed Some changes are noticed immediately to act as a watchdog. These agencies through monitoring (e.g., water ensure that companies meet their samples) and others take a longer regulatory requirements and they check time to determine trends and impacts that the regulators are doing their job. (e.g., wildlife monitoring). The basis for knowing that changes have occurred What Are the Potential is the baseline studies that began early Social Impacts? in the advanced exploration stage. Mine operations have risks and opportunities for nearby communities. During mine operation, the government By identifying them, communities can and mining companies monitor: work to reduce the negative impacts while gaining maximum benefits from • Waste water; the development. • Wildlife; The following table describes some • Air quality; of the possible negative and positive • Water quality and quantity; impacts and responses to them. • Aquatic effects; • Fisheries and fish habitat; and • Reclamation activities.

SOCIAL IMPACTS Type Activities and Potential Impacts Solution Social Shift/rotational • Less time to spend on traditional activities • Plan activities around work schedule work • Workers and their families may be • Create support groups or programs separated for several days or weeks to minimize the separation stress experienced by families • Work with the changing dynamics of the community Economic Community • Increased business opportunities • Improve community infrastructure partnerships • Wealth generation where possible and alliances developed Increased • Training and skills development • Use the positive working role models employment opportunities within the community as examples • Creates positive role models Increased • Widens gap between employed • Establish or encourage the development income and unemployed of community addiction programs and • A sudden influx of money may lead support groups to increased substance abuse • Create an information campaign Wage economy • More money in the community • Ensure that the work is distributed • Local community businesses in all communities can prosper • Personal wealth increases Cultural Strangers in • Increased population • Offer cultural awareness training, the community • Increased funding for traditional activities delivered by community members, • Strains existing services to make new people aware of the values • Aggravates existing social problems and traditions of the community • Support and maintain traditional activities

3.6 How Can Aboriginal and communities will most likely Communities Get Involved be enjoying a positive relationship in in Mine Operation? this phase if engagement activities were successfully implemented in earlier There are long-term opportunities phases. These engagement activities for community participation during can lead to community strengthening the operation phase. Mining companies and development in the operation phase.

The type and amount of community 3.7 Community input and communication depend Employment and Other on many things and will vary from Economic Opportunities community to community. This sub-section identifies the Companies and communities employment and economic may consider communicating and opportunities available to members of exchanging information on a regular Aboriginal communities during mine basis. This approach may involve operation. It provides information on community visits to provide updates on the types of jobs, wages, and training the operations. It can also help prepare opportunities. It also lists specific communities for closure, which is the actions a community can take to next phase in the mine life cycle. increase its economic opportunities and benefits. Companies may also publish project updates in newsletters and What Are the Employment local newspapers. They may bring Opportunities? young people and Elders to the site, Employment and training opportunities host community visits, meet with are a significant benefit for a community employment officers, community during mine operation. conduct community-based training, As a mine goes into operation, the and meet with chiefs and council. percentage of local workers employed increases with the mine employing Companies may also visit local schools hundreds to sometimes thousands to encourage students to stay in school of workers overall. and may attend career shows in schools to emphasize the types of jobs available Careers in the mining industry are very and the education required. They may diverse, with jobs varying from trades also visit communities to gain a better to highly specialized positions. Wages understanding of the lifestyles of also vary, but typically the average their workers. mining wages are the highest of any industry in Canada. Actual wages depend on the type of mine, location, nature of the job, and supply and demand for workers.

The table below lists the types of jobs representatives dedicated to assisting in a typical mine operation. community members find jobs at the mine. Recruitment Companies follow standard procedures A new world of opportunity can Facts and Figures when recruiting employees. They open for a person hired by a mining The management team conduct interviews and ensure company. From basic training to that potential employees pass pre- skills enhancement, and from of the Raglan mine employment medical and security career planning to apprenticeships, renewed its sustainable checks. Based on its relationship with important opportunities will development policy the mining company, a community unfold for new employees. The specific to the operation should be well aware of current and training will provide long-term, of a northern site. The future job opportunities. A community often transferable, skills and policy aims to emphasize may also have a human resources can contribute to community the characteristics of the committee that includes company sustainability. mine, its geographical TYPICAL JOBS IN A MINE OPERATION location, and the partnership with the Inuit Miners Carpenters Computer technicians communities of Nunavik. Heavy equipment operators Geologists Human resources managers Pipe fitters Safety experts Security officers Source: Environmental scientists Clerks Health and safety coordinators www.xstratanickelraglan.ca. Accountants Assayers Janitors Administrators Truck drivers Construction workers Laboratory technicians Electricians Landscapers Community relations officers Welders Nurses Drillers and blasters Surveyors Lawyers Mechanics Engineers and technicians Marketing personnel IT specialists Instrumentation technicians Cooks and catering staff What On-the-Job Training In addition, mining companies Opportunities Exist? will often provide support when Training programs may be tailored an employee finds a course outside to each community based on the of the company that can help job Facts and Figures community’s working relationship performance. This kind of personal and/or agreements it has in place development is usually expected to Tli Cho Air purchased its with a mining company. Mine take place outside working hours on own multi-million-dollar operations usually have a number the employee’s own time. In some Dash 7 aircraft and has of positions for trade apprentices. instances, the company may allow time since won two multi- Apprentices work under a journey- off, with or without pay, if the course year, multi-million-dollar man for a certain amount of time, takes place during company time. contracts serving the getting paid while they learn a However, financial support for course Ekati and Diavik mines. specific trade on the job. Job-specific fees, books, and travel costs is usually training for non-apprentices is also available and includes either full or The company provides all available, including training on partial reimbursement after successful scheduled service flights equipment, procedures, and their completion of the course. Anything to the Tlicho communities importance to the overall process. from a one-hour seminar to a complete of Whati, Wekweeti, and Gameti working in partnership with Air Facts and Figures Tindi, which conducts The Mining Industry Human Resources (MiHR) Council offers a number of tools that are all flight operations. relevant to employers, potential workers, and civic leaders in Aboriginal communities:

Source: Tli Cho Air. • Mining Industry Human Resources Guide for Aboriginal Communities: provides training resources and career opportunity information; • Explore for More: a web site geared to promoting careers in mining; • Canadian Mining Credentials Program: designed to establish the skills and training requirements for mining occupations across Canada; and • Mining Essentials: A Work Readiness Training Program for Aboriginal Peoples: a pre-employment training program that teaches essential and work-readiness skills required by the mining industry for entry-level positions.

Source: www.mihr.ca.

about business opportunities, the community’s capability, and joint- venture partnerships. Business opportunities available to communities are listed in Facts and Figures sub-section 2.7. For its uranium operations university degree by distance learning can be supported under these types The community should review the in northern Saskatchewan, of programs. provisions of its agreement with Cameco developed a the mining company. For example, policy statement and Mining companies sometimes create Impact and Benefit Agreements target for 35% of all special initiatives for employees. might be in place. These agreements goods and services Examples include literacy programs, are meant to stimulate business to be sourced from completion of secondary school general opportunities. They should also northern-based Aboriginal- equivalency degrees (GED), pre-trades review the tendering provisions of programs, community-based training, the agreements. Mining companies owned businesses. The life-skills training, drug and alcohol sometimes break tenders into company has employed awareness and rehabilitation programs, smaller pieces, which provide more a business specialist to and management development programs. opportunities for smaller Aboriginal assist communities in businesses to participate. establishing businesses What Are the Other and to access financial Economic Opportunities? Communities should also check Opportunities for Aboriginal with local, provincial, and federal resources or a businesses that have provided services government agencies for help business partner. at the exploration and development and resources. Source: Procuring From phases become more substantial and SMEs in Local Communities, longer term during mine operation. A Good Practice Guide for the During mine development, business Australian Mining, Oil and Gas opportunities tend to be for one to Sectors, 2010. three years, while during operations contracts may be for five or more years and may be renewable.

As in the mine development/con- struction phase, communities should continue to ask important questions

3.8 Community community capacity-building, long- Experiences: Diavik term independence, and economic Diamond Mine sustainability. Most agreements have formalized implementation committees Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. manages that function to externally verify and operates the Diavik diamond Diavik’s performance on socio-cultural mine located 300 kilometres northeast and economic aspects, and to provide of Yellowknife in the Northwest recommendations for improvement. Territories. The Diavik mine operates in one of the world’s most remote Community Involvement and challenging environments: the The mine employs approximately sub-arctic tundra of Canada’s 1100 people, 55% of whom live in Northwest Territories. northern communities. Approximately half of the northern work force is Community Summary Aboriginal. In addition to providing Before the mine was built, five local employment, Diavik also local Aboriginal groups – the Dogrib provides local business benefits. First Nation, the Yellowknives Dene Through mid-2012, northern spending First Nation, the Kitikmeot Inuit totaled $3.8 billion. Furthermore, over Association, the North Slave Métis 70% of the overall construction and Alliance, and the Lutsel K’e Dene First operations spending since 2000 has Nation – entered into Participation been with northern businesses. Agreements with Diavik. The agreements solidify relationships and Communities are formally involved formalize Diavik’s commitments to in monitoring and in an advisory capacity through the Environmental Monitoring Advisory Board created under the Environmental Agreement. The board includes representatives from the five neighbouring Aboriginal groups, governments, and Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. Communities are also involved through the

Diavik Communities Advisory Twice a year, Diavik releases a socio- Board under the Socio-Economic economic monitoring agreement report, Monitoring Agreement and in providing a detailed summary of local implementation committees under training, employment, and business its Participation Agreements. benefits for Northerners.

Economic and In the first half of 2012, spending Business Opportunities with northern businesses totaled Communities have realized many $146.7 million, or 62% of economic and business opportunities $237.6 million in total spending. through their relationships with Diavik. Of the northern expenditures, $61.7 million was with Aboriginal businesses. Cumulative northern spending since 2000 is now $3.8 billion, or 70% of total spending.

Employment In the first half of 2012, Diavik’s northern work force averaged 642 people, 378 above its original plan. Aboriginal employment averaged 291 people, 131 above the company’s original plan.

For more information, visit www.diavik.ca.

4

MINE CLOSURE AND RECLAMATION

4.1 What Is Mine Closure?

4.2 What Are the Mine Closure Activities?

4.3 Who Are the Main Players in Mine Closure?

4.4 Acts and Regulations

4.5 Environmental and Social Impacts

4.6 How Can Aboriginal Communities Get Involved in Mine Closure?

4.7 Community Employment and Other Economic Opportunities

4.8 Community Experiences: Polaris Mine Closure MINE CLOSURE 4 AND RECLAMATION Mine closure is the orderly, safe, and environmentally sound conversion of an operating mine to a closed state. Areas affected by mining activity should again become sound ecosystems in keeping with a healthy environment and compatible with human activities.

While closure is the last phase of the This section defines mine closure and mineral development cycle, today describes the reasons why all mines planning for closure starts before eventually close. It also explains the the mine development stage. All necessary role of a mine closure and governments in Canada have rules, reclamation plan and the legal and legislation, and regulations covering regulatory requirements. In addition, the closure process. it outlines the primary mine closure activities, players, and opportunities Mine closure is usually one of the most for Aboriginal participation. discussed issues with governments, companies, and the public. Communities 4.1 What Is Mine Closure? are concerned about what will be “left behind.” All stakeholders want to Mine closure is the last phase of the ensure that there are no contaminated mineral development cycle. Due to the sites, now commonly referred to as nature of mineral deposits, they all have “legacy issues.” a finite life. While some deposits are very large and may generate a mine life Time Frames of 50 years or more, other deposits may The time frame for mine closure only produce a mine life of a few years. depends on many factors, including the size and complexity of the Mines close for different reasons, but operation, the effects of the mine on the two most common are: the environment, and the extent of the regulatory review. Typically, it may • Running out of the ore resource; take 2 to 10 years to shut down a mine. and If long-term monitoring or treatment • Low commodity or metal prices, are required, it may take decades before which make the mine uneconomic closure is considered complete. to operate.

4 • Buildings and other structures; • Roads and airstrips; • Tailings disposal facilities; • Waste rock management, quarries, Facts and Figures and open pits; When a mine has • Petroleum and chemical storage exhausted its mineral What Is a Mine Closure and areas and facilities; supply, the disturbed Reclamation Plan? • Pipelines and electrical Planning for mine closure starts during transmission lines; area must be cleaned up mine planning. The development of and restored according • Sewage and waste disposal areas final plans may take years of study and facilities; to a mine closure and and detailed engineering before being reclamation plan. completed. The public usually reviews • Mine and site drainage systems; proposals for closure during the public • Mine workings; consultations that occur as part of a • Mine shaft, adit (passage ways), and project’s environmental assessment. decline openings; Mining companies usually put great effort into ensuring public views and • Site water quality, including water concerns are heard and addressed flows leaving the site; during this consultation process. Under • Recycling of materials; and existing legislation, mine owners must • Re-vegetation of the site. submit a mine closure and reclamation plan to the provincial/territorial and/or A mine closure and reclamation plan federal government. should also:

A mine closure and reclamation plan • Indicate how progressive reclamation for any mine is site-specific. It details of the site will occur during the life how the mining company will close the of the operation; mine site and return the surrounding • Provide cost estimates to close and land, as closely as possible, to its reclaim the mine; pre-mining state. Mine closure and reclamation activities include decisions • Prepare a plan for temporary closure on what to do with every component of the mine; of the mine that was planned and put • Develop a plan for post-closure in place at the development phase, monitoring of the site; and including, but not limited to:

• Ensure that the site is left in a 4.2 What Are the Mine condition that will require little or Closure Activities? no long-term care and maintenance. Shut-Down Mine closure plans should be When all production has stopped, flexible and utilize sound science employees are progressively laid off and state-of-the-art engineering leading up to the shut-down. A small methods for protecting the environment labour force is kept on to permanently and reducing environmental risks shut down equipment. The mine while ensuring liabilities are met. closure plan will indicate what types Good communication and consultation of skills are needed to shut down and between governments, companies, demobilize equipment. and communities of interest will lead to the best solutions. Before shut-down, the mine owner must notify various stakeholders,

Facts and Figures

Elliot Lake, Ontario, is an excellent example of alternate job creation and alternative land use. In 1996, the last of its 12 uranium mines shut down and 4500 jobs were lost. Using imagination and innovation, this former mining town recreated itself as a retirement haven. In addition, the city entered into a joint venture with Serpent River First Nation to establish a school of fine arts. There is even a field station focusing on mine reclamation and environmental research operating in the city.

This type of option will not be available to all communities, but it shows that, with creative thinking and imagination, communities can create positive opportunities out of mine closure.

including employees (and employee is finished. The process of reclamation representatives if any), various levels of can occur either during the life of the government (municipal, provincial and mine (progressive reclamation) or federal), media, mining associations, after the mine has closed. All mine and any other interested party. sites must be reclaimed according Facts and Figures to applicable governmental The mine owner will carry out a regulations. The process typically Crops of corn and final review of the mine closure plan involves a number of activities, canola thriving on what and submit any changes needed to including re-shaping the land, was once the tailings government regulators for approval. restoring topsoil, and planting native site of the former grasses, trees, or ground cover. Copper Cliff mine near Decommissioning Sudbury, Ontario, are Decommissioning follows mine shut- Post-Closure examples of significant down. Small crews decommission Environmental activities continue (take apart) mining and processing long after a company has finished innovations in green facilities and equipment. mining an area. The period of post- mining technology Decommissioning includes: closure activity and monitoring and sustainable depends on the impacts and results. mining practices. • Draining hydraulic fluids and oils from mobile equipment; Some mines may require long-term Source: Natural Resources Canada. • Draining pipelines; care and maintenance after closure. Examples include sites where: • Removal and recovery of saleable equipment and parts; • Mine discharge waters need to • Clean-up and salvage of buildings; be treated; • Recovery of warehouse materials, • Tailings containment structures tools, and consumables (i.e., oils, require periodic monitoring and grease, etc.); and maintenance; and • Proper disposal of all waste. • Remediation technologies need to be monitored. Reclamation Reclamation is the process of restoring disturbed land as closely as possible to its original condition when mining 4.3 Who Are the Main Players in Mine Closure?

The table below summarizes the major players and their potential roles and responsibilities during mine closure and reclamation.

MINE CLOSURE: WHO ARE THE MAIN PLAYERS? Potential Roles and Responsibilities Communities • Employees, families, and businesses affected by closure will engage in open and transparent discussion with government and industry Governments • Maintain and promote open and transparent discussions with the community, (provincial, territorial, the public, and special-interest stakeholders federal) • Enforce mining law and the terms of mining-related permits • Assess closure plans and make suggestions • Use funds provided by the company before mine operation, if improper closure Prospectors • Not applicable Junior exploration • Not applicable companies Senior mining • Responsible for full and proper environmental closure and reclamation companies of the mine operation • Maintain and promote open and transparent discussions with the community, the public, and special-interest stakeholders • Put closure plan into action, implement decommissioning activities, and monitor closure activities • Ensure reclamation is complete, so that funds from the initial deposit can be released back to the company Contractors/consulting • Provide services firms Industry associations • Influence government mining policy (provincial, territorial, • Provide a forum for shared research and best practices national)

4.4 Acts and Regulations reclamation, and post-closure. Federal and provincial governments ensure This sub-section identifies the that mining companies give adequate jurisdictions, responsibilities, and financial assurance (e.g., a deposit liability issues associated with mine or bond) to guarantee the costs of closure. It also outlines the conditions reclamation (including shut-down, of licences and permits that apply closure, and post-closure). This ensures during mine closure. that the government will not be left with the responsibility of paying for Who Governs Mine Closure? a mine closure, as has happened in the past because abandoned mines become Liability the property of the governments. The licensed mine owner is responsible for mine closure, decommissioning,

Facts and Figures

An abandoned or orphaned mine is a neglected mine site that has not been terminated and that has no responsible owner. These sites exist because the mine closed or was abandoned before the current rules and regulations were in place. Responsibility for the site reverts to the Crown, either provincially or federally depending on the jurisdiction. Fortunately, this is no longer occurring as current regulations ensure that mine owners are responsible for reclamation.

The assessment and remediation of orphaned and abandoned mine sites in Canada have received increased attention. The Government of Canada established the National Orphaned/ Abandoned Mines Initiative (NOAMI) in 2002 to address this issue. NOAMI is a multi- stakeholder committee consisting of representatives of the Canadian mining industry, federal/ provincial/territorial governments, non-governmental organizations, and Aboriginal groups. As part of the initiative, guiding principles were developed for meaningful community involvement in planning for and rehabilitating orphaned and abandoned mines and were published in the pamphlet entitled Best Practices in Community Involvement. For further information, visit NOAMI’s web site at www.abandoned-mines.org. Jurisdiction The reclamation permit covers In the provinces and the Yukon, decommissioning and reclamation. provincial/territorial governments This permit may outline additional have acts and regulations that govern site-specific conditions and methods mine closure. The federal government for the reclamation of open pits, is responsible for mine closure in underground openings, tailings, and Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, waste rock. This permit will include and on Indian Reserves. In addition an Environmental Effects Monitoring to federal acts and regulations, much Plan, an assessment of stability of of the responsibility in the two embankments, a site characterization territories now rests with local plan, and financial assurance. Site- co-management boards. specific air and sewage permits may be required for certain jurisdictions. Important federal acts related to mine closure include the: The government body regulating the site will also need to approve • Canadian Environmental Protection the owner’s monitoring plan. Act (CEPA); Where joint jurisdictions occur, • Fisheries Act; an oversight committee comprising federal-provincial environment and • Canadian Environmental Assessment mining agencies, as well as public Act (CEAA); representation, may be developed. • Waters Acts of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut; and When government is satisfied that the • mine-site reclamation policies operator has met the requirements for of Nunavut and the Northwest decommissioning and the objectives of Territories. the closure plan have been fully met, it will provide the mining company with What Licences and Permits a written acknowledgement of release Are Required? and the site will be considered closed. During shut-down, government agencies usually issue new permits 4.5 Environmental and for closure and reclamation. Social Impacts

This sub-section identifies the potential environmental and social impacts a

community may experience during and to identify corrective actions where mine closure. Ideas for environmental needed. The mining company, together monitoring, mitigation, and community with governments, will develop an input and response are included. environmental monitoring program to comply with the Metal Mining Facts and Figures What Are the Potential Effluent Regulations and conditions Environmental Impacts? of regulatory approval. At some Myra Falls is the only Significant advances in mining sites, a committee that includes mine in British Columbia reclamation methods and technology governments, the mining company, that is located within have minimized many of the negative and local communities will be a provincial park. All impacts. Mining companies and created to monitor progress. mining activities and the governments are cooperating to eventual reclamation and develop cost-effective, long-term Time Frames rehabilitation of the site closure strategies. The length of the monitoring process is reviewed and fall under a park use The main potential environmental confirmed when the mine closes, permit. Constant impacts during mine closure are listed and depends on the potential environmental and safety in the table below. environmental impacts and risks to monitoring is an integral the environment. If the site needs part of the mine operation. What Environmental long-term care and maintenance, Not only is recreation Monitoring Is Required? the mining company remains responsible for the site, including not affected, but mine Monitoring Plans remediation of any additional tours have become an A monitoring program, based on environmental issues arising after important attraction the approved plan, is used to assess closure. The monitoring period may for park visitors. the effectiveness of reclamation and be extended to ensure remedial mitigation measures after site shut-down objectives are met. Source: www.nyrstar.com.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Type Activities and Potential Impacts Mitigation Land use • Long-term stability of waste rock piles • Annual inspections until and mining slopes permanent stability is demonstrated • Tailings containment structures • Periodic monitoring and maintenance Water quality • Acid rock drainage or metal leaching • Water treatment reclamation research, and other measures that have been found to be cost-effective and environmentally appropriate for the site. Facts and Figures What Are the Potential The Fort McKay First Social Impacts? Nation in Alberta The immediate impact is the loss participated in a research Environmental Audits/ of jobs at the mine and income used project with Syncrude Ltd. Standard Practice to support activities in a community. on the potential to convert The mine operator or an indepen- Mine closure also has a direct and reclaimed oil sands to dent contractor will usually conduct indirect impact on local employment, grassland and manage inspections and compliance audits businesses, and the sale of goods and of contractor activities during services. These economic impacts may a wood bison population. shut-down, decommissioning, and magnify social problems or even create Each year, Syncrude reclamation. Government regulators new ones. The key to lessening the assists the community in will do audits to validate the site social impact of mine closure is to have arranging a bison harvest, inspection program and conformity a plan in place from the start of the and animals are donated to the closure plan. mine to deal with anticipated impacts. from the Beaver Creek Best practices for both regulatory The table below describes some of the Wood Bison Ranch, and voluntary efforts include possible impacts and how they can which is co-managed policies, programs, technologies, be minimized. by Syncrude and Fort McKay First Nation. SOCIAL IMPACTS The ranch is home to approximately 300 Type Activities and Potential Impacts Solution animals that graze on land Social Decrease in • Loss of social services • Acquire new resources community capacity and capacity reclaimed from Syncrude’s Economic Loss of • Reduction in income • Assist with development of new mining operation. employment • Unused skills economic opportunities

Source: www.Syncrude.ca. Cultural End of employment • Return to traditional skills • Teach skills, mainly phase through Elders

4.6 How Can Aboriginal 4.7 Community Communities Get Involved Employment and Other in Mine Closure? Economic Opportunities

The shut-down of a mine can be a This sub-section identifies the Facts and Figures difficult time for local communities. employment and economic Communities can manage the impacts opportunities that exist for Aboriginal peoples of mine closure by planning well in Aboriginal communities during can be involved in a advance, communicating with the mine closure. It also includes variety of areas in mine mining company and government, information on retraining rehabilitation, monitoring, understanding the process, and opportunities during mine closure. and management. The providing input. Early planning, proper closure and done with the mining company, can What Are the Employment rehabilitation of a site may ensure that long-term community Opportunities? objectives are advanced well before Typically, only a small number involve ongoing treatment the mine is closed. The goal is to of jobs are available during mine and maintenance. As develop strategies to lessen the negative closure. The main jobs available such, site monitoring impacts of the closure, obtain financial are for: and assessment are assistance if available, and identify needed to minimize risks post-closure employment and other • Trades personnel – to dismantle to the community and economic opportunities. Even during equipment; the environment. As the mine closure, the mine can still create • Equipment operators and community members are some value for the community in the mechanics – to complete the form of jobs in reclamation, long- earth-moving work necessary sometimes located near term maintenance, and environmental for reclamation; a site, they are often in a monitoring. Alternative job creation • Inspectors – to inspect, sample, better position to monitor, and economic activities following and audit the closure activities manage, and assess it. closure can also be identified. For as part of the safety and instance, the community may be able environmental plan; and to attract other industries because of its trained work force. • Security and first aid personnel – in accordance with applicable laws and management plans. Contractors are the main employers Business opportunities related for these activities. They usually make to closure activities include: arrangements to hire qualified local personnel for decommissioning • Reclamation of the site; Facts and Figures and reclamation activities. A small • Planting trees; Industry and governments number of employees may be kept • Establishing drainage systems; have worked together on to supervise these activities. • Water sampling and analysis; to develop programs to Retraining • Possible ongoing water treatment; provide training, skills, Environmental monitoring • Dismantling transmission lines; and and opportunities for training can be provided to enable laid-off employees. Aboriginal peoples to be involved • Ongoing site security. The skills an employee in site assessment and reporting. gains while working for Training can also be provided in the It is vital that the community look a mining company may areas of community engagement beyond the closing of the mine for and social capacity to ensure that economic growth. Mine closure can allow him or her to rehabilitation plans and activities usually be predicted, so communities advance into other areas are in line with the values and can diversify and begin to develop like trades, construction, interests of community members. new economic activities years before medical technology, the mine closes. Whether the future and administration. What Are the Other economic base will be tourism, Economic Opportunities? manufacturing, agriculture, or any Mine closure offers few economic other activity, sound planning and opportunities compared to other use of the community’s skills base phases of the mine life. At the same will be essential. time, by the time closure occurs, community businesses will be Many communities have gone through experienced in providing goods and the closure process and there are services. Communities need to use great examples (Port Hardy, British innovation and creativity in order Columbia; Elliot Lake, Ontario; and to capture the limited economic Kimberley, British Columbia) on how opportunities of closure. to diversify a mining-based community economy. Mine closure could represent an opportunity to use the skills and capacity gained from participating in the mineral development cycle for new beginnings.

4.8 Community decommissioning and reclamation Experiences: Polaris program was completed in Mine Closure September 2004.

The rich red buildings with a monster- Polaris was one of the most compact sized Canadian flag on the roof operations in Canada. Total land contrasted against a carpet of snow use was about 170 hectares. Surface served as a symbol of the modern facilities included a barge housing the age of Canadian mining for over concentrator, powerhouse, maintenance 20 years. The Polaris mine was an services, dryroom, warehouse, and example of vision, innovation, and operating offices; a concentrate storage success in Canada’s North. While the building for 11 months’ production; discovery, construction, and operation and an accommodation complex with of the mine is an amazing story, its housing for up to 220 personnel. Other closure and reclamation demonstrate facilities included a conveyor ship- excellent use of community input loader system and an airstrip. through consultation, water board processes, monitoring, and on-site Mine Closure and Reclamation work experience. After stopping commercial production in 2002, a major project was started to Background decommission the mine and reclaim The Polaris mine was an underground the site. The goal was to complete the zinc-lead mine located on Little program by October 2004. A detailed Cornwallis Island in Nunavut in the closure plan was developed based on Canadian High Arctic. Polaris was the environmental site assessment work world’s most northerly base-metal mine done in 1999 and 2000. After extensive situated at about latitude 75° north regulatory and public consultations, and longitude 97° west, approximately Nunavut and federal authorities gave 1400 kilometres from the North Pole. all approvals. Resolute Bay is the nearest community about 100 kilometres to the southeast. In September 2002, an on-site work force began demolishing buildings. In After 21 years of operation, Polaris April 2003, the remediation of metals stopped production in September 2002, and hydrocarbon-contaminated sites as forecast, due to depletion of the began. Materials from the demolition orebody. A two-year, $53 million were placed in a surface rock quarry and capped. Most of the remaining equipment and materials were removed in September 2004. The input on A small camp, several sea containers quality remediation objectives. Local historical and of supplies, and some heavy equipment residents were invited to visit the site. remain on site for touch-up work and to The Nunavut Water Board also assigned future land support ongoing monitoring programs. a coordinator who spent time in the community while the plans were being use by local SNC-Lavalin was the general contractor developed. The coordinator then made for the demolition of the structures and a number of trips to the site during its residents was the clearing of the site. Gartner Lee implementation while the demolition Limited provided technical resources and reclamation work was being carried used to develop to assist the company in securing its out in order to keep residents informed closure approvals and to supervise the of activities on the site. site-specific environmental remediation of the site. Aboriginal Economic, soil quality Aboriginal Participation Employment, and Business The company actively sought the Opportunities remediation participation of the Nunavut community The tenders for contracts for work in the closure activities. Aboriginal at the site had to include a northern objectives. engagement in the closure process content component, thereby assuring consisted initially of consultation with that some of the economic benefits for communities that were affected by the contracts went to northern residents. the process, specifically Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord. Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, an Inuit- owned firm, was retained as a sub- Representatives traveled to the contractor of SNC-Lavalin to provide communities to present the drafts of equipment operators, mechanics, and the closure plans and to seek input and general labourers. provide explanations of the process and procedures. The input on historical Local residents were also hired and and future land use by local residents trained to assist with the environmental was used to develop site-specific soil site assessment and to assist Gartner

Lee Limited in guiding and assessing the effectiveness of the reclamation work in 2003.

Post-closure, local residents have Facts and Figures assisted with the environmental monitoring of the site. They have Through training also been retained by other mining and experience, the companies as equipment operators and skills acquired in the mechanics, and to monitor and guide mining industry can be environmental remediation activities. transferable to other economic activities, For more information, visit often within the same www.teck.com. community.

Source: Natural Resources Canada.

GLOSSARY

Assayer Commodity An analyst who performs chemical Physical substances, such as metals, tests on samples of ore or minerals that can be sold or exchanged in to determine their components. a marketplace.

Bankable (final) feasibility Consultation A comprehensive analysis of a project’s Informative process that provides an economics used by the banking industry opportunity for Aboriginal peoples to for financing purposes. communicate meaningful feedback about mining projects and have Bond this feedback acted upon by mining A written agreement by which a companies or government. mining company insures it will pay a certain sum of money if it does not Crown land perform certain duties properly, such Land owned by all Canadians that as reclamation. is administered and regulated by government (surface and mineral rights). Bulk sampling Removing mineralized rock in large Expenditures quantities (frequently involving The amount of money spent to carry out hundreds of tonnes) in order to exploration activities on a property. do mineral processing tests. Feasibility Capital costs The analysis that determines whether Capital costs usually involve equipment or not a mine would pay for itself and and physical plant costs, and not bring economic benefits. consumable supplies such as fuel. Geochemical sampling Legacy A method that measures the chemical Something handed down from an properties of soil, water, rock, or moss. ancestor or predecessor or from the past. Geophysical survey A scientific method of prospecting Memorandum of that measures the physical properties Understanding (MOU) (e.g., magnetism, electrical A way of creating an understanding conductivity) of rock formations. between a community and a mining or exploration company. The MOU Grade defines the principles for working The amount of valuable element in together for mutual benefit. each tonne of ore, expressed as ounces per tonne for precious metals and as Metallurgical a percentage for other metals. Related to the process of extracting metals from the ore. Impact and Benefit Agreement (IBA) Mineral or mining claim A contractual agreement, usually A right that grants a holder the between an Aboriginal community exclusive right to search for and or entity and a mining company. develop mineral substances within a given area. Infrastructure The basic facilities, equipment, Mineral rights roads, and installations needed for the Rights to resources that lie beneath functioning of a system, like a mine. the earth’s surface.

Joint venture (JV) Mining or mineral lease A partnership or conglomerate, often A legal contract for the right to work formed to share risk or expertise in a mine and extract the mineral or relation to a particular project. other valuable deposits from it under prescribed conditions of time, price, Jurisdiction rental, or royalties. The territorial range of authority or control. Monitoring To keep close watch over; supervise.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Option Smelter An agreement to purchase a property Where ore is processed (using heat) to reached between the property vendor produce metals. and some other party that wishes to explore the property further. Stakeholder Any party that has an interest (“stake”) Ore in a project. The naturally occurring material (rock) from which a mineral or minerals can Sub-surface rights be extracted at a profit. Rights to resources that lie beneath the earth’s surface. Orebody A mineralized mass whose Surface rights characteristics and economic limits Every right in land other than mineral/ have been examined. sub-surface rights.

Reclamation Sustainability Restoration of mined land to its original Capacity for being continued. contour, use, or condition. Tailings Rehabilitate Material rejected from a mill after Process used to repair the impacts most of the valuable minerals have of mining on the environment. been extracted.

Saleable Till Capable of being sold; fit for sale. Unsorted sediment deposited directly by a glacier and not reworked by Shareholder melt water. One who owns shares (certificates representing units of ownership) Waste of stock in a corporation. Any substance that is useless or worthless. Showing A mineral occurrence that has been Waste rock located, but the extent of it is unknown. Barren rock or mineralized material that is too low in grade to be economically processed.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Federal Government Sites Natural Resources Canada: www.nrcan.gc.ca/home Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada: www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency: www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=D75FB358-1 Department of Justice: http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-15.2/index.html Fisheries and Ocean Canada: www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/index-eng.htm

Links to Provincial and Territorial Ministries/Departments Responsible for Natural Resources and Mines Newfoundland and Labrador: www.nr.gov.nl.ca/nr/mines/index.html Quebec: www.mrn.gouv.qc.ca/english/mines Ontario: www.mndm.gov.on.ca/mines/default_e.asp Saskatchewan: www.er.gov.sk.ca New Brunswick: www.gnb.ca/0078/minerals/index-e.aspx Alberta: www.energy.alberta.ca/minerals/1084.asp Manitoba: www.manitoba.ca/iem/mrd/index.html Northwest Territories: www.iti.gov.nt.ca/mineralsoilgas/index.shtml Nova Scotia: www.gov.ns.ca/natr/meb Prince Edward Island: www.gov.pe.ca/finance/eam-info/dg.inc.php3 Yukon: www.emr.gov.yk.ca Nunavut: www.edt.gov.nu.ca

Environmental Sites www.pdac.ca/e3Plus www.pdac.ca/pdac/good-practices.html www.ccme.ca/about

National Mining Associations The Mining Association of Canada: www.mining.ca/site/index.php/en Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada: www.pdac.ca Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association: www.aboriginalminerals.com Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum: www.cim.org

Provincial and Territorial Mining Associations British Columbia: www.amebc.ca/Home.aspx, www.mining.bc.ca Yukon: www.yukonminers.ca Alberta: www.acr-alberta.com Northwest Territories and Nunavut Chamber of Mines: www.miningnorth.com Ontario: www.oma.on.ca/en Quebec: www.amq-inc.com, www.aemq.org, www.minalliance.ca Nova Scotia: www.prospectors.ns.ca Newfoundland and Labrador: www.miningnl.com Saskatchewan Mining Association: www.saskmining.ca

TABLE OF CONTENTS Prospectors Assistance Programs Manitoba: www.manitoba.ca/iem/mrd/busdev/incentives/mpap-toc.html Quebec: www.mrn.gouv.qc.ca/ministere/affaires/affaires-autochtones.jsp

Career Opportunities in the Mining Industry www.mihr.ca/en

Aboriginal Business www.native-invest-trade.com/index_basic.shtml www.ccab.com www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100032796/1100100032800 http://metisportals.ca/ecodev www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100032802/1100100032803

Impact and Benefit Agreements www.ibacommunitytoolkit.ca www.miningguide.ca www.nrcan.gc.ca/minerals-metals/aboriginal/bulletin/3747

Duty to Consult Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada: www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100014664

TABLE OF CONTENTS Land Claims and Self-Governing Agreements The Agreement Concerning a New Relationship (Paix des Braves) Between Le Gouvernement du Québec and the Crees of Quebec (in English): www.gcc.ca/pdf/LEG000000008.pdf Nisga’a Final Agreement: www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100031292 Umbrella Final Agreement Between the Government of Canada, the Council for Yukon Indians and the Government of the Yukon: www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1297278586814

Indian Mining Regulations http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/C.R.C.,_c._956/index.html

TABLE OF CONTENTS Notes

TABLE OF CONTENTS Notes

TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS