The Clearwater River Dene Nation and Fission Uranium have entered into an engagement and capacity agreement over a mining development in the Athabasca Basin.
The “PLS Project” is a high-grade deposit at shallow depth and is accessible via Highway 955.
The agreement will identify impacts to Indigenous way of life and community interests and to explore options to address those impacts.
“The agreement affirms the importance of respecting, understanding, and considering CRDN’s rights, culture, and traditional land and resource uses when projects are proposed in CRDN’s traditional territory,” said Chief Teddy Clark.
Clark said the agreement will provide skills training and employment opportunities to the First Nation.
Fission Uranium is looking to advance the project to the feasibility and environmental assessment stages.
As well, the First Nation will have an “opportunity to review and provide advanced feedback on regulatory submissions in respect of the PLS Project.”
“It formalizes our relationship moving forward, ensuring that the project advances through collaborative efforts and with mutually beneficial goals,” said Ross McElroy, President and CEO for Fission.