Osisko Development, the company behind the Cariboo Gold Project near Wells, has responded to the Xatsull (Hat-sull) First Nation’s call for the mine to be halted.
Osisko says it is committed to advancing collaborative partnerships with Indigenous nations related to the project as evidenced by years of extensive consultation and the signing and ongoing implementation of the participation agreements with the Lhtako Dene Nation in 2020 and the Williams Lake First Nation in 2022.
It says the company has yet to reach an agreement with the Xatsull First Nation, but will continue to engage and consult with Xatsull, including after any decision on the Mines Act and other permits.
Sean Roosen, Chairman and CEO with Osisko, says “we have made good faith and reasonable efforts in the past two years to reach an agreement with Xatsull First Nation, including reasonable offers for financial and other benefits along substantially similar frameworks offered to, and agreed to, by other Indigenous communities.”
He adds that “their efforts have focused on providing meaningful benefits to all Indigenous Nations, while ensuring that the project remains viable.
Osisko says the Mines Act permit for the Cariboo Gold Project has been referred for decision to the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation, and the review of the Environmental Management Act permits has been completed and thy are awaiting referral on that.
It says it expects to have final decisions on both before the end of the year.
Osisko Development’s full press release can be read here.
– with files from George Henderson, My Cariboo Now staff
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