Various residents of Wood Buffalo expressed interest in the Frontier Project.
Teck Resources’ proposed project earned the support of McMurray Métis.
In a statement, President Gail Gallupe said they entered a long-term sustainability agreement with the Vancouver-based energy company.
“We have also jointly committed to significant ongoing efforts on critical areas of importance to McMurray Métis and its members throughout planning, construction, operation and reclamation of the Frontier Project.”
Gallupe said Teck made considerable environment stewardship commitments regarding Frontier.
She added management of Frontier impacts the McMurray Métis’ traditional land and harvesting rights as well as the environment.
“We have worked hard to ensure that the environment and our Métis rights are protected, while also ensuring our community benefits from this type of responsible development by Teck Resources.”
Discussions are ongoing, but if approved the Frontier Mine would reside 110 kilometres north of Fort McMurray.
Teck Resources said building the $20.6-billion site would involve two phases with an ultimate production capacity of nearly 260,000 barrels per day of bitumen.
This article contains excerpts from The Canadian Press.
