Area First Nations join discussions regarding potential reopening of Kearney Graphite mine
By Brad Aubin
Conversations are taking place around the potential re-opening of the Kearney graphite mine.According to officials, Global Battery Materials intends to re-open the dormant mine to produce graphite, a critical mineral used in battery manufacturing.
Five local First Nations, including Dokis, Henvey Inlet, Magnetawan, Shawanaga and Wasauksing, have signed a Letter of Agreement with the company, creating framework for ongoing discussions.
Officials say the agreement will allow the First Nations to collectively explore matters such as environmental stewardship, potential economic opportunities and possible future business arrangements, including the potential for equity participation.
“Early engagement with industry operating in our Treaty territory is an example of our Nations’ exercising our inherent rights and jurisdiction,” said Wasauksing First Nation Chief Shane Tabobondung. “This early engagement can influence how industry operates, can serve to protect our lands and waters, and can ensure our Nations benefit from the resources within our territories.”
According to Tabobondung, no decisions have been made regarding First Nation support for the project. He said Chiefs and Councils will continue to listen carefully to community feedback as the process moves forward.“This agreement does not constitute our support for the Project,” said Tabobondung.
“It is however an important first step that ensures our Nations have a structured process to evaluate opportunities, protect our lands and waters, and advance the interests of our peoples as rights-holders and stewards of our lands and waters.”
Brad Aubinhttp://www.mynorthbaynow.comBrad is Vista Radio's Senior News Director for Ontario. He was born in Sudbury, raised in Kapuskasing and has lived in the North Bay area for nearly 20 years. A Canadore College grad, he has worked for many newspapers across the north, and joined the broadcasting side of the business in 2020. The proud husband and father of two loves sharing important local and area news to listeners. If you have a news tip you'd like to share, e-mail baubin@vistaradio.ca
