SASKATOON – The federal government has thrown its support behind the first ever potash mine located on a First Nation.
The feds announced today the Muskowekwan First Nation potash mine project has been accepted under the First Nations Commercial and Industrial Development Act (FNCIDA).
“I am pleased to announce that the Muskowekwan First Nation potash project is one step closer to becoming reality,” said Bernard Valcourt, minister of aboriginal affairs and northern development.
“The development of the first on-reserve potash mine in Canada will create employment and economic growth as well as other long-term benefits for the First Nation and surrounding communities.”
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“We are one step closer to ensuring our community is a significant resource player in the province for generations,” added Reginald Bellerose, chief of Muskowekwan First Nation.
“The employment and training opportunities will benefit our members as we prepare to go forward with this venture.”
The acceptance of the project will now enable the federal government to enact regulations that incorporate a provincial regulatory regime to govern commercial and industrial activities within a province.
The government and the First Nation will begin discussions with the province to explore a potential regulation under the FNCIDA which would reproduce provincial rules and regulations that apply to similar large-scale commercial or industrial projects.
The mine, a joint partnership between Encanto Resources Ltd. and the First Nation, is expected to produce up to 2.8 million tons of potash yearly over a 50-plus year span and generate tens of millions in revenue royality annually.
The project is expected to create 1,000 construction jobs during the development of the mine and nearly 500 jobs once fully operational.
Muskowekwan First Nation is located approximately 100 km northeast of Regina.
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