Mining agreement could bring hundreds of jobs to Manitoba

An agreement years in the making will see a Manitoba community become the owner of mining rights and properties valued at almost a billion dollars that will bring 500 jobs to the region. 

The Norway House Cree Nation announced Monday it now has full ownership of dozens of nickel and platinum-base element mining claims alongside other assets from the Flying Nickel Mining Corporation which leaders say will result in direct benefit for Manitoba First Nations. 

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“For far too long, the people closest to the resources have received little or no benefit,” Chief Larson Anderson said in a news release of the mining development titled The Minago Project. “Norway House is working to create a model that protects the environment while creating wealth and a brighter future.” 

Chief Anderson said the historic agreement will both protect the environment and bring new jobs to Manitoba, with the nickel development using hydro energy to meet growing demand for the mineral. 

The provincial government also commended Norway House for its work, saying the First Nation is growing Manitoba’s low-carbon economy. 

“This Indigenous-led model will protect the environment, create good jobs for Manitoba First Nations, and contribute to global energy needs well into the future,” said Jamie Moses, Manitoba’s Natural Resources Minister, in the release. 

The project will be located roughly 450 kilometres north of Winnipeg and leaders say it will become a multi-billion dollar development in the work to address climate change.