Mine revenue sharing deal for WL and Soda Crk Indian Bands

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Two new revenue-sharing agreements will enable two Williams Lake-area First Nations to benefit from the expansion of the Mt. Polley mine.

Economic and Community Development Agreements (ECDA) will facilitate the Williams Lake Indian Band and Xatsull First Nation (Soda Creek Indian Band) to receive a share of mineral tax revenues collected by the Province enabled by the expansion of the Mt. Polley mine, located east of Williams Lake.

The agreements are the sixth and seventh ECDAs that the B.C. government has reached to help First Nations benefit from mining activity within their traditional territories. These agreements build on the BC Jobs Plan commitment to reach 10 new non-treaty agreements with First Nations by 2015. The Mt. Polley ECDAs are the 14th and 15th non-treaty agreements the B.C. government has reached since the Jobs Plan launch.

The agreements also fulfil the B.C. Jobs Plan commitment to support existing jobs and create new jobs through the expansion of existing mines and the establishment of new mines.

The Mt. Polley mine is one of Imperial Metals' key projects, and is a significant employer in the Williams Lake and Likely areas. The Mt. Polley expansion received permit approval in August 2011. The mine is currently scheduled to operate until 2024.

Ida Chong, Minister of Aboriginal Relations/Reconcilation says:

"These agreements underscore our government's commitment to helping First Nations meaningfully participate in, and benefit from, resource activity happening within their traditional territory. It will help the Williams Lake Indian Band and Xatsull First Nation build a better future for their own communities, while also supporting a mine expansion that will provide huge benefits to Williams Lake and the surrounding area."

Meanwhile - local MLA Donna Barnett said:

"The revenue-sharing agreement will bring real benefits to local First Nations communities. It is also another key step forward for a mine expansion that will create jobs and economic benefits for Williams Lake and the surrounding area."

Full details here