Kátł’odeeche mining symposium to include Pine Point update

Osisko Metals will deliver an update on the Pine Point mine during the Kátł’odeeche First Nation’s mining symposium, which is being held on November 14 and 15.

The symposium “is a chance for us and surrounding communities to find out more about what’s going on and get updates on the mining industry in the Northwest Territories and on specific mines,” said Peter Groenen, chief executive officer of the First Nation.

“And also, to see what kinds of opportunities are there and how we can become engaged in those opportunities.”

Following a death in the community, the symposium has been moved to the Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre in Hay River.

The First Nation has partnered with the Department of Industry, Tourism, and Investment (ITI) to host the event and keynote speaker Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos Indian Band, who will speak on Indigenous business and economic development.

Up to 20 organizations will be set up trade show-style throughout the symposium, while Aurora College, the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board, and the department are also pencilled in to present.

‘Still happy’

Osisko Metals’ Killian Charles, vice-president of corporate development, said KFN invited the company to attend the symposium.

In a draft schedule, the company is marked down to present on the history of the mine, the current exploration program, and how the mine will affect the region if it goes into production.

“This year has really been a focus on converting the work that was previously done by Cominco [Resources]. One of the ways that the regulation works is you cannot rely completely on the previous work that was done by previous operators until you’ve demonstrated that it is useable work,” Charles explained.

In June, Charles told Cabin Radio prices for zinc and lead, the minerals the company hopes to mine at Pine Point, were once again favourable – as were the initial results they received.

“We’re still really happy with all of the results we’ve been getting,” he said.

Once Osisko receives a resource estimate from its most recent core sampling – which indicates an area’s mineralization in tonnage and percentage – the company says it will know how to advance the project next year.

“The key thing is we’re not planning on stopping in 2019, by any stretch of the imagination,” said Charles.