The news feeds on this site are independently provided by Adfero Limited © and do not represent the views or opinions of the World Gold Council.

Wednesday, 23rd August 2006 (4434 views)

Sherwood Copper Corp's Minto copper and gold mine in Canada has brought around C$1 million in wages to the nearby Pelly Crossing community, home to the Selkirk First Nation indigenous group.

The Yukon mine site provides opportunities for members of the group, although Selkirk chief Darin Isaac notes that there are some causes for concern, the Whitehorse Daily Star reports.

He said that, because many people are working at the mine, there is hardly anyone in Pelly Crossing itself, which has a total population of 294. He called for counselling services to help the first nation adapt to life at a mining camp.

However, he conceded that the mine is "a great opportunity for employment for people" in the area. "A lot of the people are very happy to have jobs," he said.

He also added that a memorandum of understanding signed between the Selkirk community and the Yukon government would help to address the issues of concern. The agreement demonstrates that the two groups are willing to work together to help solve any outstanding problems.

Bill Dunn, the general manager of the Minto mine, stressed that the mine wanted to employ any Selkirk First Nation members with the relevant skills.

He also added that these jobs would be a first step on the career ladder.

"I firmly believe the locals should have the opportunity to benefit from any development, given the opportunity to have the jobs, to have exposure to the training so you can advance up the levels," he said.

The feasibility study for the Minto mine project was completed in 1995. It has an expected life span of eight and a half years.

 

« Back to Gold News stories