A Goldcorp subsidiary has signed an agreement with the Cree nation in Quebec about the Elenore gold project.
The deal for the project located in the James Bay region in northern Quebec was approved of by the Grand Council of Crees and the Cree Regional Authority unanimously on February 3. This was a week after the deal was formally approved of by the Waskaganish community.
The Vancouver based mining company announced that the agreement between Les Mines Opinaca Ltee and the Cree Nation will establish a regional framework to develop and operate the gold mine in the area. The Chief Executive officer of Goldcorp Chuck Jeannes said that the partnership laid the foundation for a lasting relationship.
As per the deal agreement Goldcorp will recognize and respect the rights and interests of the Crees and in return the Crees will recognize and give support to the company to operate the gold project. The agreement is to be valid for the life of the mine.
Matthew Coon Come, Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees, said the agreement set the new standard for mining proponents seeking to do business in Eeyou Istchee. There is some provision for the participation of the Crees in the project which includes employment, business initiatives, training and education. The Crees will also get fixed payments and a contribution to the future profitability of the mine.