With the renewed focus on building Canada’s economy and developing new mines across the country, one fact remains clear: Canada’s future in mining will be built on Indigenous partnerships. Bill C5 (Federal) and Bill 5 (Ontario), whilst demonstrating the ambition of government to create momentum in the Canadian mining sector, will not provide a ticket to breeze through project permitting.
Beyond Fast-Tracked Approvals
Federal Bill C-5, and provincial legislation such as Bill 5 in Ontario, have been met with legitimate concerns from Indigenous communities. The Chiefs of Ontario, a joint First Nations Coordinating Committee formed in 1975, have publicly criticized the bills for attempting to limit opportunities for First Nations consultation and consent. The Assembly of First Nations continues to speak out against Bill C-5, stressing the impact on Indigenous rights and the duty to consult. Indigenous leaders are sending a clear message: projects are only going to move as quickly as relationships with local communities will allow. There seems to be strong alignment among companies and communities alike, that the real key to moving a project forward efficiently is meaningful collaboration with Indigenous communities. This means real partnerships that go well beyond the outdated concept of Impact Benefit Agreements.
Partnerships in Practice
The Crawford Nickel Project serves as a strong example of forward-thinking collaboration between Canada Nickel Company and the Taykwa Tagamou Nation (TTN). Chief Bruce Archibald recently took the stage alongside the CEO of Canada Nickel at the Ontario Critical Minerals Forum to describe their partnership through Indigenous-led equity investment. Canada Nickel has provided TTN a seat on the board of directors and announced the closing of a $20 million Convertible Note with TTN. TTN has also committed to developing and operating a power line to supply electricity to the mine site, and to help finance an electric vehicle fleet for the project.Indigenous partnerships in the industry do not always come directly from the project proponent. Technica Mining, an underground mining construction company, has partnered with the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and Wahnapitae First Nation to form Aki-eh Dibinwewziwin (ADLP), a leading mine contractor in the Greater Sudbury basin. Elsewhere, Indigenous governments have developed diversified businesses which are able to service mining projects and develop key infrastructure for their communities. The Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC), the business arm of the Tahltan Nation, partners with industry leaders to provide key services such as heavy construction, mine development, transportation, and fleet management.
For Junior Miners
This scale of collaboration may not be immediately feasible for every business or Indigenous government; but junior miners should take note. Community relations must be a key pillar of your company values, business plan, and budget from the start. It is never too early to connect with local communities about your project. A simple introduction and acknowledgement of your mineral tenure on traditional territory is a great start, whether it is a legislative requirement or not in your jurisdiction. As your project grows, as should your level of collaboration with Indigenous partners. Partnerships can come in many forms, and these partnerships will ultimately put your project on the path to success.
Moving Forward Together
The wind is at the back of the mining industry in Canada. Enthusiasm within the industry is at an all-time high, and there is strong consensus that we must seize this opportunity to unlock Canada’s potential. To realize this potential, it will take more than fast-tracked regulatory pathways and government funding programs (though the funding certainly helps). The onus is on project proponents and mine service providers to think outside of the box and work with Indigenous communities to form meaningful partnerships. If done right, community relationships won’t be a permitting bottleneck, they will be a true path to efficient project authorization.
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