Mountain Province, De Beers Sign Impact Benefit Agreement for Gahcho Kue

De Beers Canada Inc., Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. (NYSEMKT:MDM) and the Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation together announced that they have entered into an impact benefit agreement for the proposed Gahcho Kue diamond mine.

As quoted in the press release:

The IBA puts in place a framework for De Beers, as Operator, and the Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation to work together over the life of the mine, with a particular focus on participation by the Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation in the opportunities that the construction and operation of the mine will provide.

‘If we work together with the other First Nations, then we will be powerful,’ said Chief Felix Lockhart. ‘This agreement ensures that we have our families out on the land, using our land. We are shaping resource development the way we want it, according to First Nations. We are going to be monitoring it.’

The IBA provides both respect for the culture and certainty that training, employment and business opportunities are made available to Lutsel K’e Dene members, including financial provisions necessary for ensuring fair participation in opportunities the project will provide.

Click here to read the full De Beers Canada Inc., Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. (NYSEMKT:MDM) and the Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation press release.