Concerns are being raised over a proposed new deal between the village of Pinehouse and two uranium-mining companies.
The deal would see Cameco and AREVA both giving jobs, benefits as well as payments to the village of Pinehouse.
According to the proposal this is needed because both companies are engaged in mining operations near Pinehouse’s traditional lands.
The document says the village will receive a lump-sum payment when the deal is signed; another one when production at the Cigar Lake mine begins, and a third when construction of the Millenium Mine begins.
Annual payments are expected after that.
However not everyone is happy with the proposal.
John Smerek says he worries about the impact on the land as well as on the livelihood of trappers and other traditional land-users.
He also points to a part of the agreement which says Pinehouse promises to — “not make statements or say things in public or to any government, business or agency that opposes Cameco/AREVA’s mining operations.
Smerek says he feels people’s civil rights are being infringed upon:
“Even though the village might see it as a good thing it’s giving away the people’s voice and it’s not clear at all what they’re providing for the community.”
However AREVA’s Jarret Adams says they’re committed to working with Pinehouse for the benefit of the residents and they’re not trying to muzzle anyone:
“What this is looking at is that this is a partnership agreement, the focus is that we’re focused on working together. But if people have concerns they should raise them.”
Adams adds they initially thought the deal might be signed by December but if it takes longer so be it.
He says the Cigar Lake mine isn’t expected to start up until later in 2013.
Meantime Gary Merasty of Cameco says they intend to forge deals with other communities as well:
“There will be agreements with other communities. So in the Athabasca basin, English River, La Ronge and Southend — we’re having discussions. This is not a one-off agreement. It’s not our first agreement and it won’t be our last.”
Meantime the Mayor of Pinehouse, Mike Natamagon, says he expects the deal to be signed by mid-December.
He also feels it will bring a lot of positive things to his community.