The mining newspaper for Alaska and Canada's North
The mining newspaper for Alaska and Canada's North
North of 60 Mining News - October 25, 2024
KDFN is uniquely equipped to oversee stewardship at Gladiator Metals' project, with specially trained land stewards that blend Indigenous knowledge and Western science to protect traditional lands, wildlife, and waterways.
Gladiator Metals Corp. Oct. 24 announced a partnership with Kwanlin Dün First Nation (KDNF), aimed at supporting KDFN's involvement in the planning, consultation, and environmental review processes for the Whitehorse Copper project within their traditional territory.
Kwanlin Dün First Nation's traditional lands span over 1,036 square kilometers (400 square miles), covering both urban areas and rural landscapes in and around the Yukon capital city of Whitehorse, including copper-rich zones and key heritage sites along the Yukon River.
Gladiator Metals is exploring historical copper deposits on its Whitehorse project within KDFN's traditional territory, aiming to revive mining in a region with significant copper potential.
To foster collaborative decision-making, Gladiator and Kwanlin Dün First Nation have established a framework for KDFN's active participation in project planning, consultation, and environmental review processes, ensuring their perspectives are fully integrated as exploration progresses.
"Since the acquisition of the Whitehorse Copper project, Gladiator Metals and the KDFN have established and grown a meaningful relationship via respectful consultation, participation, engagement, and transparency," said Gladiator Metals CEO Jason Bontempo. "I'm extremely pleased and proud that we are now formally engaged to outline the process of working together towards a Benefits, Cooperation and Foundation agreement for a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership during the exploration phase of the Whitehorse Copper Project in a manner respectful of the KDFN's rights and interests, including all environmental protections."
The partnership is formalized under a capacity funding agreement, which outlines Gladiator's financial support for KDFN's participation throughout the exploration process.
Under the terms of the agreement, Kwanlin Dün First Nation will actively participate in reviewing exploration plans, engaging in consultations, and conducting environmental assessments. This collaborative approach aims to address potential impacts, develop mitigation strategies, and ensure that exploration aligns with KDFN's cultural values and environmental interests.
"We look forward to continuing to work with Gladiator Metals through KDFN's meaningful engagement in the ongoing permitting and exploration phase of the project," said KDFN Chief Sean Uyenets'echᶖa Smith. "Outdated mining legislation needs to be updated to safeguard the environment before any large mining project moves forward."
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