May 20 2013
Kaminak Gold Corporation and Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in are pleased to announce they have entered into an Exploration Cooperation Agreement (ECA) relating to Kaminak's Coffee Gold Project, which is located in the White Gold District, within the Traditional Territory of Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in, as recognized in their Final Agreement with the Government of Canada and the Government of the Yukon (July 16, 1998).
The ECA sets out a framework in which Kaminak and Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in agree to work together in a spirit of partnership to build a positive, and mutually beneficial working relationship with respect to the Exploration Activities that are being undertaken on the Coffee Gold Project claims. Specific objectives of the agreement are to:
- Promote communication and foster a respectful relationship whereby Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in are adequately informed and able to provide input about the Exploration Activities being undertaken at Coffee and able to confirm their support for the Project
- Identify business opportunities for Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in associated with the Exploration Activities
- Establish a role for Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in in environmental monitoring associated with the Exploration Activities
- Enhance Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in's capacity, to participate in opportunities related to the Exploration Activities
Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Chief Ed Taylor commented: "This agreement brings benefits to our community, provides support for our education and cultural activities, and ensures our environmental concerns are addressed. It also brings opportunities, training and employment for our people. We are pleased to partner with such a responsible mineral exploration company, and I thank everyone who played a role in finalizing this agreement."
Kaminak President and CEO, Eira Thomas, commented: "The signing of an ECA with Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the Coffee Gold Project. Kaminak appreciates the long-standing, strong support it has received from Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in since initiating exploration activities at Coffee in 2009 and are pleased to be formalizing our relationship as the project advances towards our first preliminary economic analysis (PEA). While considerable exploration work remains to be done, this agreement re-affirms Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in's ongoing support for the Project, while at the same time, focuses on identifying and maximizing opportunities for Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in in the short and longer term."
The signing ceremony took place at 4:30 pm on Thursday, May 16th at Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Community Hall in Dawson City, Yukon. Speeches during the ceremony were provided by: Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Chief Ed Taylor; Eira Thomas, Kaminak President and CEO; Wayne Potoroka, Mayor of Dawson; and Rob McIntyre, President of the Yukon Chamber of Mines. Prepared statements were read on behalf of Ryan Leef, Yukon MP; and Sandy Silver, Klondike MLA.