2022-04-14 09:59 ET - News Release
Mr. Abraham Drost reports
CLEAN AIR METALS AND FIRST NATION PARTNERS ADVANCE THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH AN EXPLORATION AGREEMENT AT THE THUNDER BAY NORTH PROJECT
Clean Air Metals Inc. and Fort William First Nation, Red Rock Indian Band and the Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek have advanced their relationship throClean Air signs exploration deal with first nations
ugh a signed exploration agreement (EA) effective as of April 13, 2022.
Clean Air Metals and its wholly owned subsidiary, Panoramic PGMs (Canada) Ltd., are undertaking mineral exploration and development activities on mining claims located in the Greenwich Lake area and Tartan Lake area, related to the company's Thunder Bay North project. The company's exploration and development activities are located on lands which the participating first nations assert are part of their traditional territory and in which the participating first nations assert their members hold and exercise Aboriginal and/or treaty rights.
The EA confirms a framework for a mutually beneficial relationship between the co-operating participants regarding the project, based on the relationship affirmed by a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed Jan. 8, 2021 (press release Jan. 11, 2021). The MOA and new EA establish a foundation for collaborative and respectful communications to facilitate Clean Air Metals' consultation with the participating first nations to identify:
- Potential impacts of the project on the participating first nations interests and rights;
- Design appropriate measures to mitigate and avoid any adverse effects;
- To adopt an approach which enhances positive impacts and benefits.
Future negotiation community impacts benefit agreement
The co-operating participants have affirmed their continuing relationship through the new EA during the exploration phase of the project effective from May 1, 2020, to present. The co-operating participants will work in good faith to negotiate a long-term relationship agreement (LTRA) during the subsequent technical feasibility study phases of the project.
Chief of Red Rock Indian Band, Marcus Hardy, stated: "The participating communities appreciate the commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion that Clean Air Metals continues to demonstrate. Sustainable development by Clean Air Metals of the critical minerals platinum, palladium, copper and nickel found at the Thunder Bay North project will allow our youth and young adults to address climate change and participate meaningfully in the global transition to cleaner forms of energy."
Chief executive officer of Clean Air Metals, Abraham Drost, stated: "Clean Air Metals is very pleased to sign this exploration agreement and to be an active participant at the Thunder Bay North critical minerals project along with the Fort William First Nation, the Red Rock Indian Band and Biinjitiwabik Zaaging Anishinaabek. The company pledges integrity and meaningful consultation and accommodation with affected first nation communities and commends the participating communities for their vision around sustainable regional economic development."
COVID policy
Clean Air Metals continued to apply COVID-19 avoidance and personal protection measures for its geological staff, drilling contractor and service suppliers during the third quarter and has had zero occurrences of COVID-related illness year to date. Personnel are required to maintain physical distance, use personal protective equipment (PPE), self-monitor and self-isolate or elect to work from home. The company follows provincial government COVID protocols.
About Clean Air Metals Inc.
Clean Air Metals' flagship asset is the 100-per-cent-owned, high-grade Thunder Bay North project, a platinum, palladium, copper, nickel project located near the city of Thunder Bay, Ont., and the Lac des Iles mine owned by Impala Platinum. The Thunder Bay North project hosts the twin magma conduit bodies which host current and escape deposits forming the basis for a positive preliminary economic assessment (PEA) around a ramp access underground mine filed Jan. 12, 2022.
The Thunder Bay North project PEA envisions a 10-year mine life at 3,600 tonnes per day with a fully discounted net present value (5 per cent) of $425-million and an internal rate of return of 31 per cent against initial capital of $367-million. The commodity mix at Thunder Bay North fits well with the recently announced Ontario critical minerals strategy.
Executive chair Jim Gallagher and CEO Mr. Drost lead an experienced technical team to guide preparation for prefeasibility studies of a low-carbon, sustainable mining operation at Thunder Bay North. As the former CEO of North American Palladium Ltd., which owned the Lac des Iles mine prior to the sale to Impala Platinum in December, 2019, Mr. Gallagher and team are credited with the mine turnaround and creation of significant value for shareholders.
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