Mohawks oppose Oka mine

Cite their concerns about environment, territorial dispute

By LYNN MOORE, The Gazette June 10, 2010

The Mohawk Council of Kanesatake restated its objections yesterday to a controversial mining project on disputed territory near Oka Park.
And it has informed Quebec that it categorically rejects the Niocan Inc. project that seeks to mine niobium.

"Our position is clear. We will never allow our land to be used without our consent and in a way that is harmful to the environment," Grand Chief Sohenrise Paul Nicholas, said in a statement.

The formal objection comes as the provincial government is expected to rule on Niocan's request for a certificate of authorization from the department of parks and sustainable development.

The area chosen for the mining project, is currently the subject of territorial dispute.

"Until an agreement has been reached, the governments should impose a moratorium on any development project that could have a negative impact on the rights of Mohawks," the statement said.

The project, which issued its first feasibility study in 2000, has generated widespread local opposition.

Concerns include the enormous amount of groundwater the proposed mine will use and the cumulative effect of the mine's uranium-laced waste.
In March, Niocan, headed by Bernard Coulombe, who also is president of asbestos producer Jeffrey Mine Inc., issued an update on its socioeconomic impact study.