OSOYOOS – The Osoyoos Indian Band has signed a Cooperation Agreement with West High Yield Resources Ltd. regarding the firm’s Record Ridge magnesium project near Rossland.
The Agreement was negotiated based on West High’s commitment to advancing sustainability, sound environmental practices, good governance, and respecting Indigenous rights at Record Ridge, which contains critical minerals essential to the development of Canada’s green economy and achievement of its climate change goals.
Chief Clarence Louie
The project is in the OIB’s asserted traditional territory and the OIB has been actively engaged in the project and permitting process. OIB undertook its own independent review of the Company’s British Columbia Mines Act permit application.
“This Agreement recognizes Osoyoos Indian Band’s sovereignty over our lands and represents our continued efforts to ensure that our lands are protected and managed in accordance with our wishes, values, and principles,” states Chief Clarence Louie. “This Agreement assures us of our oversight of the project, thereby protecting our peoples’ environmental and economic interests. If managed correctly, this critical mineral resource could contribute to a strong and green economy.”
Louie added that to date, West High Yield has shown OIB its commitment to doing this.
“Our independent review of the company’s mining application reinforces our commitment to working with the company going forward. We encourage other companies to follow West High Yield’s example and take steps to ensure that Indigenous rights are respected and are recognized, while also engaging with stakeholders. We look forward to our ongoing work with Frank Marasco and the company’s team to build a long-term, mutually beneficial, and environmentally progressive relationship. ”
West High Yield President and CEO Frank Marasco Jr. says the signing of the Cooperation Agreement is a testament to the mutual trust and respect that has been established between OIB and the Company.
“I would like to acknowledge and thank Chief Clarence Louie, the OIB Council, and advisor Byng Giraud for their diligence and commitment,” he adds. “West High Yield is committed to leading the way in constructive Indigenous engagement and looks forward to additional discussions with other Indigenous groups as the project moves forward.”
The Company continues working with the British Columbia Mine Development Review Committee in the final technical permit review process for the successful completion of the Record Ridge mining permit. The Record Ridge magnesium deposit is 10 kilometres southwest of Rossland and has approximately 10.6 million tonnes of contained magnesium based on an independently produced report.
Business Examiner Staff