Mi’kmaq chief in Nova Scotia sign royalties deal with proposed coal mine – CP

Source: The Canadian Press
Jun 8, 2016 15:07

MEMBERTOU, N.S. _ Aboriginal leaders in Nova Scotia say they have signed a deal with a proposed coal mine to receive royalties if the undersea fossil fuel project goes ahead.

Chief Terrance Paul of Membertou First Nation in Cape Breton says it is the first such deal between the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq chiefs and a resource firm.

Paul says details of the accord signed Tuesday with Kameron Collieries, a subsidiary of the privately held Cline Group LLC, aren’t being released under a confidentiality agreement, but described the potential financial proceeds as “a lot of money.”

The proposed Donkin mine has two shafts about eight metres wide that extends about three kilometres under the Atlantic Ocean, starting from a location about 30 kilometres east of Sydney.

The proposed mine has been criticized by environmental groups as potentially adding to Canada’s contributions to greenhouse gas emissions.

Paul says the coal produced would meet regulatory standards and could replace coal that is being imported and burned in the province.

A spokeswoman for the firm was not immediately available for comment.

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