Vale will pay $200 million for compensation over 4 years to the Newfoundland and Labrador Government in exchange for being able to process nickel concentrate outside the province.
The announcement came out yesterday afternoon.
This will allow Vale to continue exporting unprocessed ore from the massive nickel mine.
The Nunatsiavut Government was not consulted, and the Inuit Government in Labrador is not happy with the announcement of the changes to the Voisey’s Bay agreement.
Nunatsiavut Government President Sarah Leo said on CBC radio this morning, “Newfoundland and Labrador government was required to consult the Inuit because the mine is on land connected to their land agreement with the provincial and federal governments.”
She said “We should have been consulted – meaning it’s right in our backyard, it’s here. We have the land claim agreement that specifically has a chapter dedicated to the Voisey’s Bay project.”
She added “So it’s very important to us that we have an understanding and are involved in what’s happening with the project. “
Natural Resources Minister Derrick Dalley and Vale Vice-President Stuart Mcnaughton announced that they were amending the Voisey’s Bay Development Agreement to allow the company to send nickel concentrate from the mine in Labrador to Ontario and Manitoba for processing.
The announcement is connected to delays in completing Vale’s massive processing facility in Long Harbour in Placentia Bay, Newfoundland.
Leo said she found out about the agreement the same way everyone else did, when the release came out.
Leo is traveling to Ottawa today.
OKâlaKatiget radio will be speaking with her tomorrow.
Seems like nothing has changed. No consultation with Nunatsiavut Government shows a total lack of respect for Nunatsiavut beneficiaries. Sickening