Matawa CEO says Platinex didn't make courtesy call
TB News Source
Web Posted: 5/2/2008 2:01:27 PM
Matawa First Nations Chiefs say they remain open to development despite
their disappointment with one mining exploration company that didn't
give them a courtesy call in advance of staking claims.
The First Nation says it learned through the media last week that
Platinex had six exploration claims on their traditional territory
which they say they were unaware of.
Platinex Inc. officials insist they did nothing wrong or differently
than other exploration companies but the situation prompted speculation
that another KI-type conflict could arise.
Matawa First Nation CEO David Paul Achneepineskum says that while a
majority of mining companies know they have to consult with First
Nations communities before exploring on their territory there are still
some that choose to just not respect that wish. And the one company the
First Nation recently had a run-in with is one that was involved in a
long-running dispute with Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation.
Achneepineskum said 'You would think they would learn their lesson''
referring to junior mining company Platinex Inc.
Achneepineskum said all the four Matawa communities wanted, was a
courtesy call.
Platinex executive vice president Jim Marrelli says the way his small
company acted is no different than any other company doing the same
thing. He explains that with so much competition in what is known up
north as the 'ring of fire', the protocol is a little different.
''The staking happens every day of the week but when Platinex does it,
then its a huge uproar, and we aren't doing anything differently than
any other company,'' Marrelli said by phone from Toronto on Wednesday.
Marrelli says he blames the negative attention from the recent court
dispute between his company and Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First
Nation and he is quick to assure Matawa that if they were to begin any
drilling or further exploration, consultation would absolutely occur
first.
Achneepineskum says the decision on whether to allow Platinex on their
traditional territory now rests in the hands of the community chiefs.
In the meantime the First Nation has no intention of retaliating
against the company in any way. Matawa has also brought forward a
consultation accommodation protocol to the province that Achneepineskum
says is a huge part of the solution saying ''it will provide avenues to
build a better relationship.''
Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle confirms
that he received the protocol. He says his ministry officials are
currently reviewing the document and he plans on sitting down with
Matawa Chiefs in the near future. Gravelle adds that the province
continues to move forward on the mining act review
