Aroland First Nation opposed to proposed open pit mine near Geraldton, Ontario

Aroland First Nation in Northern Ontario is opposed to a proposal by Premier Gold to construct an open pit mine near Geraldton. “My First Nation is generally supportive of sustainable mining development,” said Chief Sonny Gagnon. “Premier Gold wants to destroy Begooch Zaagaigan, a lake that supports our Aboriginal fishery. They just put a number on this lake — A-322 — and tell us they’re going to fill it in with mine waste.” The venture is known as the Hardrock project. It would be located about 275 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay. An environmental assessment is currently underway and permitting processes, which began with a submission to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency on April 28.