Mining News: Northern Neighbors: Pretium, Nisga’a ink Brucejack treaty

Pretium Resources Inc. and the Nisga’a Nation April 2 said they have entered a cooperation and benefits agreement related to Pretium’s Brucejack gold project in northwestern British Columbia. Under the terms of the agreement, the Nisga’a Nation will provide ongoing support for the development and operation of Brucejack as a safe, environmentally sound mine with participation in its economic benefits. For its part, Pretium will honor commitments to the Nisga’a Nation regarding jobs and contracting opportunities at Brucejack; education and training; and financial payments. “Nisga’a Nation strives for sustainable prosperity and self-reliance and the benefits from the Brucejack project will make an important contribution toward our improved quality of life,” explained Nisga’a Nation President H. Mitchell Stevens. Pretium hopes to begin construction at Brucejack this summer and commercial production at the high-grade underground gold mine is targeted for 2017. Based on the results of a feasibility study completed in 2014, Brucejack is expected to produce an average of 404,000 ounces of gold a year over an 18-year mine life. The Nisga’a Nation has rights and interests in the Nass area of northwestern B.C. where portions of Brucejack are located.

- Shane Lasley