Deacan read this before bashing HATStrateco Over-states Support for Uranium Project
Dec 02 2010
MiningWatch Canada is concerned about the statements made by junior mining company Strateco Resourcesclaiming that recent hearings in Mistissini and Chibougamau showed ithad “strong support” for its Matoush Uranium Exploration Project in theJames Bay region of Quebec. The company’s press release does notaccurately reflect the significant opposition it faces from the Creeand stakeholders, nor the resulting risks to approval and furtheradvancement of this project.
At Mistissini, none of the 10 presenters were supportive of theproject, and the estimated 300 people in attendance clapped and cheeredthose who spoke against it. Most notably, Chief Richard Shecapiounequivocally stated the community’s rejection of the project andcommented that it went against some of the fundamental values of theCree people. The Grand Council of the Cree has since come out with astatement supporting the Mistissini Cree and their rejection of theproject.
In Chibougamau, there were approximately 50 people present. Here theMayors of Chibougamau and Chapais, on behalf of the Regional Conferenceof Elected Officials spoke in favour of the project, as did twoindividuals from Chibougamau.
A resident of Chapais expressed a variety of concerns about theproject and commented that the information provided to local people wasone-sided and lacked critical views on uranium mining and the nuclearindustry. Given the lack of transparency and dialogue about the projectshe expressed frustration about the position that the mayors weretaking. Three other presenters representing regional and Quebec-wideorganizations spoke against the project.
A representative of the Cree family on whose trap line the projectis located, and who has been employed by Strateco, expressed hissupport for the project. Responding to a question from a review panelmember he admitted that he and his family had not been informed of therisks of uranium mining and was not sure if he would continue to eatfood harvested from the area around the project if a mine went ahead.
"To make this statement of strong support for their project, youhave to wonder if they were at the same hearings with the rest of us!Not only is there significant opposition to this project but there arealso serious flaws in the environmental studies provided by Strateco.With everything that's in front of them, I don't see how the reviewcommittees could recommend approval." commented Ramsey Hart ofMiningWatch Canada.
The committees tasked with the review process, mandated by the JamesBay and Northern Quebec Agreement will consider the comments theyreceive through the hearings, as well as any written submissions. Theyalso have to review the quality of the information provided in theenvironmental impact statement submitted by the company. During thehearing process, presenters from MiningWatch, the Canadian Coalitionfor Nuclear Responsibility, the Cree Regional Health Authority,Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, and the Quebec Network ofEnvironmental Organizations highlighted a number of significantdeficiencies in the environmental impact statement.
https://www.miningwatch.ca/en/Strateco_over-states_support