Upload
others
View
2
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
NECHALACHOA recent case history in Aboriginal community engagement from the Northwest Territories, Canada: The Thor Lake rare metals projectCanada: The Thor Lake rare metals project
Bill Mercer, P.Geo., VP – Exploration
Toronto, 9 March 2010
…advancing green technology
www.avalonraremetals.comTSX:AVL 1TSX:AVL OTCQX:AVARF
Safe Harbour StatementSafe Harbour Statement
Forward looking informationg
Certain statements contained in or incorporated by reference into thispresentation constitute forward-looking statements. Such statementsreflect the current views of Avalon Rare Metals Inc with respect toreflect the current views of Avalon Rare Metals Inc. with respect tofuture events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties andassumptions. Many factors could cause the actual results, performanceor achievements of Avalon Rare Metals Inc. that may be expressed oror achievements of Avalon Rare Metals Inc. that may be expressed orimplied by such forward-looking statements to vary from thosedescribed herein should one or more of these risks or uncertaintiesmaterialize. Avalon Rare Metals Inc. does not intend, and does notassume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements.
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 2
Avalon’s Approach to C it E tCommunity Engagement
Engage early and oftenEngage early and often
Continue engaging as the project progressesproject progresses
Gain a thorough understanding ofunderstanding of community needs, create opportunities for ppcommunity to benefit
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 3
Avalon’s Corporate Social R ibilitResponsibility
Open, honest and regular dialogue with p g glocal communities
Minimizing impacts on the land
Sustainability… beginning at the early stage and continuing through mine closure
The environment and workplace healthThe environment and workplace health and safety
Hiring local people & promoting training
Partnerships to provide lasting benefits
Adoption of PDAC E3 Plus Principles in project implementation
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 4
Adoption of PDAC E3 Plus Principles in project implementation
PDAC e3 Plus PRINCIPLES FOR RESPONSIBLE EXPLORATIONPRINCIPLES FOR RESPONSIBLE EXPLORATION
Adopt responsible governance and management
Apply ethical business practices
Respect human rights
Commit to project due diligence and risk assessment
Engage host communities and other affected and interested partiesinterested parties
Contribute to community development and well being
Protect the environmentProtect the environment
Safeguard the health and safety of workers and the local population
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 5
p p
Thor Lake: Project LocationThor Lake: Project Location
Akaitcho Dene
• Yellowknives Dene FN
• Lutsel k’e Dene FN
• Deninu Kue FN
Deh Cho
• Katlodeeche FN
Metis
• Hay River Metis Council
F t R l ti M ti• Fort Resolution MetisCouncil
• (Northwest Territory MetisNation)
N h Sl M i Alli
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 6
• North Slave Metis Alliance
Nechalacho REE Deposit:D l t PDevelopment Progress
2005: Property acquisition and initial letters and meetings with communitiescommunities.
2006: On going community engagement
2007: Scoping study, Land Use permit, drilling
2008: Delineation drilling, 43-101 resource, community engagement
2009: Definition drilling metallurgical, environmental & market studies
2010 P f ibilit t d b i EA MOU i i2010: Pre-feasibility study, begin EA, MOU, engineering
2014: Production
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 7
Nechalacho REE Deposit:CSR PCSR Progress
2005: Property acquisition and start of community visitsof community visits
2007: Hiring first Aboriginal employees from communities; community site visitscommunity site visits
2008: First Aid First responder training; environmental cleanup at sitesite
2009: Drill helper training; installation of wind test tower; project renaming; MOU discussionsMOU discussions
2010: Major contracts to FN business (ice road, airstrip); encourage contractors to JV with local FN
Nechalacho Renaming Ceremony
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 8
contractors to JV with local FN
Dene NationsDene Nations
The Dene include five main groups:
• Chipewyan (Denesoline), living east of Great Slave Lake
• Tlicho (Dogrib), living between Great Slave and Great Bear LakesBear Lakes
• Yellowknives (T'atsaot'ine), formerly living north of Great Slave Lake, and now absorbed into the Chipewyan
• Slavey (Deh Gah Got'ine or Deh Cho), living along the Mackenzie River (Deh Cho) southwest of Great Slave LakeLake
• Sahtu (Sahtúot’ine), including the Locheux, Nahanni, and Bear Lake peoples, in the central NWT.
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 9Wikipedia
Dene NationsDene Nations
The word "Dene“ is broken down into two words "De" meaning flow andtwo words, De meaning flow and
"Ne" meaning Mother Earth. Thus the Dene view that they flow from MotherDene view that they flow from Mother
Earth and we are a people of the Creator and Creation.
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 10Wikipedia
Akaitcho Dene NationsAkaitcho Dene Nations
Akaitcho (ca 1786-1838)Akaitcho (ca. 1786 1838) was a Copper Indian, and Chief of the Yellowknives:Chief of the Yellowknives:
His name means “Big-F t" "Bi F t"Foot" or "Big-Feet"; meaning: "like a wolf with bi h t lbig paws, he can travel long distances over snow"
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 11
Metis in the Northwest T it iTerritories
Northwest Territory Metis NationHay River Metis Council
Fort Resolution Metis CouncilFort Resolution Metis Council
Fort Smith Metis Council
North Slave Metis AllianceYellowknife
Kurt Bulmer, NSMA,
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 12
Kurt Bulmer, NSMA, Environmental Baseline Work at Nechalacho
Bathurst Inlet
First Nations Communities around N h l h Th L k P j tNUNAVUT
G r e a t B e a rL a k e
Nechalacho, Thor Lake Project
TL Thor Lake Location
N’Diloh:
Thor Lake Location
NWTLutsel k’e:
N Diloh:
Yellowknives Dene First Nation
Yellowknife: Lutsel k e:
Lutsel k’e First NationYellowknife:
North Slave Metis Alliance
TLFort Resolution:
Deninu Kue First NationS l a v e
G r e a t
Dettah:
Yellowknifes Dene First Nation
TL
L a k e
Hay River
Fort Resolution Metis Council:
First Nations LanguagesG t Sl L k AGreat Slave Lake Area
TLTL
TL Thor Lake Location
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 14
Source: Government of NWT
Bathurst Inlet
Treaty 8 & 11 Territories in Present NWTS D t t f I di Aff i 1900NUNAVUT
G r e a t B e a rL a k e
Source: Department of Indian Affairs, 1900
TL Thor Lake Location
Treaty 11 Lands Treaty 11 Area
NWTTreaty 11 Area
1921-22
YELLOWKNIFETL
Treaty 8 Lands
S l a v e
G r e a t Treaty 8 Area
1900
ChipewyanTL
Hay River
Fort ResolutionL a k e
9
Caribou Eaters
Bathurst InletBathurst InletTliCho Mowhi AreaTL Thor Lake Location
NUNAVUTG r e a t B e a r
L a k e Northwest
Territory
M tiAkaitcho Dene
Traditional Territory
Drygeese/Mowhi
Metis
NWTDrygeese/Mowhi
“Shared primary use area”
Chief Drygeese
TerritoryAboriginal
Akaitcho
Territory
YELLOWKNIFEYELLOWKNIFEYELLOWKNIFE
Aboriginal Lands Around Nechalacho TL
S l a v e
G r e a t
S l a v e
G r e a t
Interim
Land WithdrawalG r e a t
Nechalacho
Recognised/not recognisedNegotiated/Under negotiation
TL
Fort ResolutionL a k e
Hay River
L a k e
Hay River
Fort ResolutionNegotiated/Under negotiationClaimed traditional territory
Aboriginal People in NWT:S f Th i CSome of Their Concerns
The balance of traditional life and modern economyKeeping their cultureEconomic development
The environment Key element at the moment being caribouConcerns about pollution and threat to harvesting
Education for children, youthEducation for children, youthSchool dropout ratesSkills developmentAdvanced education
The challenge for industry:d a ced educat o
Social problems in communitiesSubstance abuse
yEnsuring that mining benefits communities
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 17
Nechalacho Deposit, Thor Lake ProjectCommunity EngagementCommunity Engagement
Renaming ceremonyg y
Community meetings
Site visitsSite visits
First Nations Training First Aid Driller Helper
Employment at site
Business developmentMajor contractors with Aboriginal ownership40% of individuals
employed at site of Aboriginal origin
ownership
Contracts for ice road haulage, airstrip
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 18
Wind power evaluation with YKDFN
Skills and Job Training IssuesSkills and Job Training Issues
First Nations youth often do not have necessary skills for higher paying jobshigher paying jobs
Not exposed to workplace conventionsNo bank accountHave not had to budgetNot used to rigid working hoursNot used to safety conventions in workplaceNegative influences in communities to overcome: substance abuse
Mineral companies need help from professionals in the specific training areaspecific training area
e.g. in NWT: the Mine Training Society
Exploration companies can help by giving a hand-up not a hand out!
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 19
hand-out!
Community DevelopmentM di l Fi t R d T i iMedical First Responder Training
Concept initiated by Avalon
Shortage of qualified medical first responders in NWT – people brought in from Newfoundland
Enhances employability salary and skills of FirstEnhances employability, salary and skills of First Nations people
May lead to more advanced training
In cooperation with St John and Mine Training Society
Avalon placed three people from Akaitcho DeneAvalon placed three people from Akaitcho Dene into training in January 2009
Three out of four graduates from Avalon
Graduating Class
Community DevelopmentDi d D ill H l T i iDiamond Drill Helper Training
Avalon initiated program to train First Nations people in drilling
Highly paid employment, relatively close to communities
First stage is drill helper training in 2009
Potential for employment at mines as trained driller and advancementPotential for employment at mines as trained driller and advancement to drill runner
JOINT PROPOSAL CONCEPTAvalon initiatedSupported by:
Mine Training SocietyA C ll
Ontario Common Core basedClassroom for 12 weeks with practical included6 th th j b t i iAurora College
Akaitcho communitiesDeton Cho CorpHelicopter companies, environmental
6 months on the job training
Helicopter companies, environmental companies, drilling companies
DRILLER HELPER TRAINING
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 2222
EmploymentEmployment
Direct IndirectLabour at camp
Environmental cleanupAboriginal owned businesses
Driller helpers
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 23
Employment in Exploration PProgram
Average of 40% of gemployees have been Aboriginal
Initially camp labour
Now camp labour and d ill t idrill trainees
Hired through band council and through I&Dcouncil and through I&D Management (Aboriginal owned HR company)
Approximately $500,000 in salaries paid over three years from 2007 to 2009
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 24
years from 2007 to 2009
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES & ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUPENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUP
Before AfterBefore After
2009 Environmental Baseline PProgram
Environmental baselineEnvironmental baseline work creates opportunities for employment and p yengagement in work viewed positively by community members
Positive messages for company to community
Installing monitoring wells at Thor Lake in 2008
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 26
First Nations Owned or Joint V t d S liVentured Suppliers
Aircraft charterAircraft charterAir Tindi – Aboriginal owned,
20+ Aboriginal employees
ExpeditingExpeditingDiscovery Mining Services – JV with
Discovery Mining Services Aboriginal Employees
Denesoline (Lutsel K’eFN corporation),
8 Aboriginal employees
Avalon has spent approximately CND$1M 2007-2009 on businesses that are wholly
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 27
8 Aboriginal employeesor partially Aboriginal owned
Work with Suppliers to Create O t itOpportunity
Opportunities to create new economic activity for Ab i i l th h t tAboriginal groups through contractors:
Drilling contract - ForacoEnvironmental Baseline studies contract - Stantec
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 28
When Having Engagement Meetings,Some Things to Think Th o ghSome Things to Think Through
Cost of meetingsCost of meetingsHonoraria
Meal
Who are you meeting with? Are they the appropriate person/people?pp p p p p
Is the meeting a “consultation”? Who decides?
Keeping records is criticalKeeping records is critical
Are you prepared to answer the questions?
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 29
Community EngagementCommunity Engagement
Meetings Site visitsg
Commonly meeting Chief, Council, Environment
Site visits
Chance for company to demonstrate responsible
Committee and Elders
Presentation followed by ti d
pexploration
question and answer
Chance for community to air grievances aboutair grievances about historical relations between them and companies
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 30
Engagement with YouthEngagement with Youth
Open up children’s minds to opportunityp p pp y
Present alternatives to them
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 31
Involvement in Regional EventsInvolvement in Regional Events
Dene National Assemblyy
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 32
Renaming CeremonyRenaming Ceremony
Asked Chiefs of Yellowknives Dene for Dene name for projectname for project
“Nechalacho”“Big Channel”“R k P i ”“Rocky Point”
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 33
ConclusionsConclusions
Discussion around MOU leading gto IBAs just starting
Engagement is not a stage in exploration it is an on goingexploration – it is an on-going process, before, during and after
Learn about the people, listen to p pthe people, show respect
Strive to create win-win situations education businesssituations – education, business, social development
Seek and create common goals
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 34
Nechalacho 21 September 200921 September 2009
TSX:AVLOTCQX:AVARF www.avalonraremetals.com 35