Communication delays have led northern trappers to grow concerned with a Cameco project.
Trappers with Furblock N-80 feel they were not able to properly share their input on a Cameco exploration project near Black Lake, due to a delay in receiving a letter from the company.
Cameco reached out to the group, prior to the commencement of exploration activities in the Dawn Lake Project, by sending a letter in October. Representatives from the fur block say they did not receive the letter until January, by which time Cameco had already begun their exploration.
“We’ve followed our usual process on this activity for engagement, but clearly that was not effective in this case,” says Cameco representative, Carey Hyndman. “As part of the permitting process, the province consults with local leadership and then Cameco notifies the fur block chair through registered mail about our plans.”
Meetings held between the concerned parties and the mining company have taken place and have been fruitful according to Hyndman.
“We have met with the concerned trapper in this case, as well as the fur block chairman. It’s always our intent to work with our neighbours in the north,” remarked Hyndman. “We have committed working on a solution with them (the trapper.) We’re in the middle of deciding on what the appropriate resolution is on this.”
The project’s exploration activities, including trail construction, drilling, and geophysical surveys, are currently underway.
(PHOTO: A photo from a recent trapper’s table in Prince Albert. File photo)