Blockade at Koper Lake Continues

Last Updated on Thursday, 25 February 2010 15:15 Thursday, 25 February 2010 15:15

Written by James Murray

Webequie First Nation - “The current protest and blockade at Koper Lake that is preventing mining activities in the Ring of Fire will continue following a meeting of political leaders from Webequie First Nation and Marten Falls First Nation, who share the traditional territory on which the mining exploration is taking place,” states Chief Cornelius Wabasse, of Webequie First Nation.

"The needs and demands of our communities are not adequately being met by the mining companies or the governments involved. We need to see more definite action and a firm commitment from all parties to ensure that our lands are protected and our communities prosper through this development."

The Chief also stated that “A Memorandum of Understanding must be drafted and agreed to in order to ensure that the communities' interests are protected before any further mining activity can take place”.

Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forests, Michael Gravelle states, “My ministry will continue to work with the First Nations and companies with interests in the McFaulds Lake area to resolve these matters as we move forward”.

“My ministry will also continue to work with other ministries that have a regulatory role with regard to the use of the land, to ensure the operations are in compliance with applicable legislation and regulation. This includes a cohesive and comprehensive provincial approach to all issues that may arise during the exploration of these newly discovered, world-class mineral deposits”.

Gravelle adds, “Ministry officials from MNDMF and MNR both visited Marten Falls and Webequie on February 4, 2010, and I look forward to visiting some of the First Nations communities in the Ring of Fire area next month.

The proposed mining development project is located in the region known as the, "Ring of Fire", which is approximately 70 miles east of Webequie. It is predicted as being the next major mining development in Canada.