Last checked at 10 Sep 2010 07:00
10 September 2010 Anglesey Mining plc LSE:AYM
LIM signs Impact Benefits Agreement with Naskapi Nation
Anglesey Mining plc's 41% owned associate Labrador Iron Mines has reported that it and the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach (near Schefferville) Quebec have entered into an Impact Benefits Agreement ("IBA") with respect to the development and operation of LIM's Schefferville Iron Ore Project in Western Labrador.
Under the IBA Agreement, Labrador Iron Mines has committed to the development of the Project in an environmentally and socially responsible manner, and to address and mitigate any environmental, cultural, economic and spiritual concerns of the Naskapi Nation. LIM has undertaken to make best efforts to employ Naskapi members in the Project workforce and to engage Naskapi aboriginal businesses for Project contracts. LIM will also provide some support for education, training and social programs and provide opportunities for the Naskapi to participate in the economic development of the Project.
For its part, the Naskapi Nation has agreed to respect the rights, licenses and permits that have been granted to LIM, to provide LIM with continuing access to its properties and not to engage in any action that is obstructive to the Project. The Naskapi have also agreed to make reasonable efforts to enter into co-operation agreements and/or working relationships with other First Nations with whom LIM may enter into other IBA agreements.
"We are extremely pleased that LIM has today signed an IBA with the Naskapi which formalizes a mutually beneficial relationship based on respect and trust," said John Kearney Chairman and Chief Executive. By entering into the IBA, the Naskapi have confirmed and demonstrated their support for the Project.
"We are also continuing our IBA negotiations with the Quebec Innu communities and we look forward to establishing co-operative and mutually beneficial relationships with all our First Nation partners to ensure the long term success of the Project for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders" added Mr. Kearney.
The Naskapi IBA, which will be in effect throughout the Project's mine life, represents the culmination of a long period of cooperation since the initial MOU was signed between the parties in April 2008. Since that time, LIM has been working cooperatively with the Naskapi people, employing members of the community and awarding various business contracts.
Construction Underway
Following the recent agreements with the Quebec Innu to remove barriers (see LIM press release of 3 September 2010), LIM has already commenced ground clearing of the mine site in parallel with contractor mobilization, which will be followed by civil construction and mechanical erection of the beneficiation plant and accommodation camp this autumn.
Over the last several weeks a significant portion of the infrastructure and plant has been transported by rail from a railhead near Labrador City to Schefferville via the TSH aboriginal railroad, jointly owned by the Naskapi Nation and two Quebec Innu communities. Construction of the plant and the initiation of mining activities, prior to the onset of mid-winter, will enable commercial production of iron ore to commence in the spring of 2011.
About the Naskapi Nation
The Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach is a First Nation based in Kawawachikamach, Qu©bec, located approximately 16 kms northeast of Schefferville, recognized under the Cree-Naskapi (of Quebec) Act 1984.
About Labrador Iron Mines Holdings Limited (LIM)
LIM's Schefferville Area project involves the development of twenty direct shipping iron ore deposits in western Labrador and north-eastern Quebec near Schefferville, Quebec. LIM's properties are part of the historic Schefferville area iron ore district where mining of adjacent deposits was previously carried out by the Iron Ore Company of Canada from 1954 to 1982. Labrador Iron Mines contemplates mining in four stages, the first phase of Stage 1 comprising the James and Redmond deposits, which are located in close proximity to existing infrastructure and for which construction permits have been issued.
Anglesey Mining plc
Anglesey Mining with its LSE main board listing is primarily focused on its 41% interest in LIM. In addition to any new projects that may be brought forward the company owns 100% of Parys Mountain in North Wales with an historical resource in excess of 7 million tonnes at over 9% combined copper, lead and zinc.
For further information, please view LIM's website at www.labradorironmines.ca or contact:
Bill Hooley, Chief Executive +44 (0) 1492 541981 Ian Cuthbertson, Finance Director +44 (0) 1248 361333 Emily Fenton/Charlie Geller, Conduit PR +44 (0) 20 7429 6608 / +44 (0) 7788 554035
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