Agreement signing brings benefits to northern communities
- EFN Staff | June 29, 2016
The Athabasca communities, Cameco and AREVA Resources Canada Inc have announced the signing of a collaboration agreement that builds upon an enduring partnership in the development of uranium resources in the Athabasca Basin.
The Ya’Thi Néné (“Lands of the North” in Dene) collaboration agreement confirms the continued support of the communities historically and traditionally associated with the Cigar Lake, McClean Lake and Rabbit Lake uranium mining operations.
“The renewed partnership agreement gives the Athabasca communities certainty, to help ensure that the companies operate sustainably, bringing positive changes for the future generation,” said Diane McDonald, the lead negotiator for the Athabasca communities.
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The comprehensive and unique agreement builds on the existing relationships and commercial arrangements between Cameco, AREVA and the three First Nation communities of Black Lake, Fond du Lac and Hatchet Lake, and the four communities of Stony Rapids, Wollaston Lake, Uranium City and Camsell Portage.
“By working with industry, people living in the north have found ways to enhance the capacity and vitality of their communities while protecting their traditional values and lands. This agreement assures that strong partnership will continue,” said Tim Gitzel, president and CEO of Cameco.
The Ya’Thi Néné collaboration agreement builds on the existing impact management agreement signed in 1999. The new agreement is structured on five pillars of workforce development, business development, community engagement, environmental stewardship, and community investment. Terms of the agreement include commitments to hiring and suppliers preference, business opportunities, enhancement of the environmental monitoring program and annual production-based payments to a community-administered trust to be used for initiatives that promote the health and well-being of residents, address housing needs, preserve language, culture and traditional practices, improving community infrastructure and generate education and economic opportunities for residents.
The agreement will remain in force until the existing Athabasca Basin operations of Cameco and AREVA are decommissioned.
“This agreement further solidifies our longstanding collaboration with these communities. It speaks to our joint vision and commitment to the prosperity of northern Saskatchewan for decades to come,” said Vincent Martin, president and CEO of AREVA Resources of Canada.