Algonquin First Nations Oppose Quebec’s Investment in Matamec Explorations

The chief and members of the Wolf Lake and Eagle Village First Nations wrote to the Quebec government on Thursday, opposing Quebec’s million dollar investment in Matamec Explorations (TSX:MAT) Kipawa Rare Earths project. The Algonquin First Nations believe the project has the potential for significant negative effects on their rights and title, environment and culture.

According to the press release:

The Algonquin First Nations believe the Kipawa project has the potential for significant negative effects on their Aboriginal rights and title, environment and culture and have never provided consent for the project to move to the development phase. Given the Algonquin’s assertion of Aboriginal Rights and Title and the recent Supreme Court decision in Tsilhqot’in – Quebec stands a good chance of loosing its substantial investment of public funds.

Matamec Explorations Inc. proposes the construction, operation and decommissioning of a rare earths open-pit mine about 40 kilometres east of the municipality of Kipawa on a territory where the Algonquin First Nations assert Aboriginal Title and Rights. The proposed project would process 1.3 million tonnes of ore per year over a 15-year operation period.

Click here to read the Matamec Explorations Inc. (TSX:MAT) press release