Band Happy With Fort a’la Corne Diamond Study

Monday, May 26, 2008 at 16:25

 

 

The chief of the James Smith Cree Nation says he’s pleased with the release of a new report about the possible construction of a diamond mine at Fort a’la Corne.

 

Chief Wally Burns was one of about a dozen people who attended a press conference Thursday at city hall in Prince Albert.

 

Among other things, the report suggests as many as 3,000 jobs could be created if projections about the size of the operation are right.

 

It also says the mine could generate $223 million worth of annual spending in the region.

 

A vice-president with Shore Gold notes the site they’re exploring is close to the borders of the First Nation’s reserve.

 

Eric Cline says it’s possible kimberlite deposits may be located under reserve land.

 

However, he points out that only the band could determine what would happen within its borders.

 

Cline also says, at this point, the company doesn’t believe it will need to use water from the North Saskatchewan River for any future drilling.

 

He says they believe there will be enough groundwater to get the job done.