(Photo: acquired from Buffalo River Dene Nations Facebook page)
Buffalo River Dene Nation (BRDN) has signed a mutual benefits agreement (MBA) with Fission Uranium Corporation (Paladin Energy).
This is the first MBA signed with Indigenous peoples associated with the Patterson Lake South project (PLS).
The agreement covers the lifespan of the project, which is located within BRDN traditional territory in the southwestern Athabasca Basin. The signing ceremony was held last week and included senior representatives of Fission and BRDN Chief and Council.
The agreement maps out how Fission and BRDN will work together to shape and share the economic and social benefits that will come from the PLS project. The agreement also confirms the support and consent of BRDN for the project in all phases, from development through to decommissioning and reclamation.
“We are pleased to stand behind the Fission team in signing this important Agreement with BRDN and our goal is to be a long-term partner in Saskatchewan, a good neighbour, and a positive force in the community and we look forward to continuing to work together with BRDN.” Paladin Energy CEO Ian Purdy said.
The agreement also signifies to both provincial and federal regulators that BRDN supports the project and that mechanisms for continued engagement are in place as PLS advances through to the permitting and licensing phase.
BRDN Chief Dallas Billette said, “This agreement, negotiated over several years, ensures that all stages of Fission’s project in our traditional territory will provide Buffalo River Dene Nation members with training, employment, and business opportunities for member- and nation-owned businesses. Most importantly, it includes commitments to environmental stewardship and sustainability, helping ensure our land and resources are protected for future generations. We are grateful to have reached this point and look forward to working together in the years ahead.”