Bastion Minerals (ASX: BMO) has been busy behind the scenes, paving the way for the development of its highly prospective high-grade ICE copper project in the Yukon Territory, in western Canada.
To start, BMO held productive meetings with YESAB, an independent federal board established in 2003, which conducts environmental and socio-economic assessments of projects before they enter the approval process and make recommendations to decision bodies which are responsible for project approvals. The assessment includes environmental, economic, and cultural considerations, focusing particularly on First Nations engagement.
Executive chairman, Mr Ross Landles, said: “We would like to thank the staff of the Yukon agencies and government departments for receiving us and discussing our plans regarding the exciting ICE project. Their extensive experience will help us move forward with the project.”
YESAB assesses development proposals and makes recommendations to the territorial and federal governments which will act as decision bodies regarding approval for project development, with the issuing of licences and permits by government departments. YESAB assesses construction and mining projects throughout the Yukon.
Additionally, BMO met with the Yukon Geological Survey and the Department of Energy Mines and Resources, to lay out the company’s plans for activities on the ICE project and to obtain their input regarding project activities and permitting.
These agencies have extensive experience and knowledge of past activities at, and in the vicinity of, the ICE project and provided useful information regarding BMO’s plans, and the path forward to project development. BMO initiated engagement with the Ross River Dena Council regarding the project. More detailed discussions are planned, and BMO looks forward to continuing to develop relationships with the Ross River First Nation in the Ross River area.
Similarly, BMO plans to initiate relationships with local First Nation governments regarding the Harley and Mariner projects in the Northwest Territories, prior to conducting any on-groundwork there in 2025.
“We look forward to developing a long-term relationship with the local Kaska First Nations people towards advancement of the ICE project. Our local consulting firm, Aurora, has a long history of working on exploration and development projects in the Yukon and we greatly appreciate their invaluable local experience in exploration and development of mineral exploration projects.” Added Ross.
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