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Rook uranium mine and mill development. (YouTube/NexGen)
Impact Benefit Agreement

Métis Nations set to benefit from proposed uranium project in north Sask.

Jun 15, 2023 | 12:21 PM

Several Métis Nations in northern Saskatchewan are set to benefit from a uranium project in the area.

Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN-S) and the seven Métis Locals of Northern Region 2 – which includes La Loche and Buffalo Narrows – have signed an Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) with NexGen Energy Ltd. for the Rook uranium mine and mill development.

“This is a landmark agreement for the entire Métis Nation and an excellent example of what can be achieved when we work together,” said Glen McCallum, President of MN-S. “It is our understanding that this will be, by far, the largest Métis impact and benefit agreement in Canadian history, in recognition of our large and vibrant Métis community and our rights and interests over the land.”

Under the agreement, the Métis will be consulted on any environmental or social concerns, will be given employment opportunities, and will receive royalty payments.

“The signing of this agreement is a testament to the trust and respect that has been established between NexGen, the seven Métis Locals of Northern Region II, and the MN–S to work in partnership with the mutual objective of responsibly developing the Rook I Project,” added Leigh Curyer, the NexGen’s CEO.

Meanwhile, the project finished its feasibility study in 2021 and is expected to finish its Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) in 2023.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow

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