This is a very interesting partnership of companies, with an obvious emphasis on training of First Nations people.

Engineering firms launch Aboriginal mining services company

TORONTO (miningweekly.com) – Several engineering and construction firms announced that they had partnered with Aboriginal groups to launch the First Nations Mining Corporation (FNMC) to promote, develop and carry out engineering, construction, environmental and other services for mining companies in Ontario.

SNC-Lavalin, in partnership with Cementation Canada, the Morris Group, the Flying Post, Lac Seul, Mattagami and the Wahgoshig First Nations on Thursday announced that they had inked a memorandum of understanding regarding the intent to capitalise the FNMC.

The FNMC would also work to strengthen ties between Aboriginal communities and mining companies in order to facilitate training and hiring of Aboriginals and procuring goods and services from Aboriginal suppliers.

The FNMC would be focused on helping First Nations communities enhance their understanding of the mining industry, identify opportunities, build capacity and develop their own First Nations companies to support mining projects. The FNMC would also facilitate Aboriginal employment by developing programmes to provide training, certification and upgrade skills.

With this agreement, FNMC would offer a competitive Aboriginal-owned alternative for designing, constructing and operating mining projects, while helping mining companies obtain social licences to operate throughout the province.

"We are very pleased with this new partnership, which is a solid model for sustainable development in First Nations communities. Our partners have worked diligently with Aboriginal leadership, companies and organisations across Canada to create business opportunities, which contribute to sustainable social and economic development throughout Ontario's Aboriginal communities.

“Through strategic alliances and partnering, we will ensure we meet these goals while also providing top-tier services to the mining industry,” SNC-Lavalin Group VP for Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Stephen Lindley said.

Cementation Canada VP of operations Eric Kohtakangas added that believed the FNMC platform would allow it to continue to provide training and employment opportunities to its First Nations partners, while delivering successful projects to its clients.

http://www.miningweekly.com/article/engineering-firms-launch-aboriginal-corporation-to-provide-mining-services-2014-01-30