Northern Prospector 2021/22

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PROSPECTOR 2021-2022

The annual mining & exploration review An official publication of the Manitoba-Saskatchewan Prospectors and Developers Association

Manitoba Mineral Development Fund supports sustainable economic development

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT #40934510

The future looks bright as Saskatchewan builds to meet continued mineral demand

Construction continues at SRC’s Rate Earth Processing Facility Manitoba invests in future mining

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table of

Contents Message from MSPDA president Stephen Masson – 6

Province introduces multiyear permitting for mineral exploration – 10

MSPDA Executive – 11 Message from Minister of Agriculture and Resource

Development Ralph Eichle – 12 Manitoba invests in future mining – 14

Saskatchewan leads the charge in responsible, zero-emissions mining – 38 Fathom Nickel moves forward with Albert Lake Project – 40 Bit Service brings innovation to Canada’s mining industry – 42 Northern Resource Trucking makes moves in Manitoba – 44

Northern Prospector is published by DEL Communications Inc. Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3L 0G5 www.delcommunications.com President & CEO DAVID LANGSTAFF Managing Editor LYNDON McLEAN lyndon@delcommunications.com Advertising Sales Manager DAYNA OULION Advertising Sales BRENT ASTROPE ROSS JAMES Production services provided by: S.G. BENNETT MARKETING SERVICES Creative Director KATHLEEN CABLE ©Copyright 2021. Northern Prospector.

All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may

Boosting your workplace resilience – 46

not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part,

OCTANT Aviation: Your Canadian aviation experts – 47

Developers Association, as a body of members, is

The future of gloves in the mining industry – 48

contained, and the reliability of the source, neither the

made by advertisers.

Alces Lake aims to put Appia on

We Need Mining.

Mining Needs You – 50

publisher or the association, or the respective directors,

Far Resources provides an update

Dumas Contracting Ltd. is committed to excellence – 52

The future looks bright as Saskatchewan builds to meet

growing mineral demand – 18 SRC’s Rare Earth Processing Facility will boost Saskatchewan’s resource sector – 24 the map – 26

on Zoro Lithium Project Jean Lake Lithium-Gold Project – 28

Callinex announces promising results in the Rainbow Deposit – 29

MMDF: Fostering Community Resilience in Northern Manitoba – 32

Reimagining the historic

Rice Lake gold district – 34 4

New Age Metals commences maiden drill program at Lithium Two Project – 36

The Annual Mining & Exploration Review

2021-2022 Northern Prospector

without the prior written consent of the publisher.

The Manitoba-Saskatchewan Prospectors and not responsible for statements made or the opinions offered in the publication. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information publisher nor the association in any way guarantees nor warrants the information, and are not responsible for errors, omissions or forward-looking statements

Opinions and recommendations made by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily those of the officers or employees. Articles and advertisements in this publication are not solicitations to buy, hold or sell specific securities; they are for information purposes

The Prenevosts continue to play a big part in POP’s core box production – 54 Rise Air: Strong roots, First Nations owned, and proudly serving the North – 56 Xplor 2021: a resounding success from start to finish – 57 AME 2022 is almost here! – 58

only. Investors should be aware that risk is associated with any security, strategy or investment, and are advised to seek the counsel of a competent investment advi sor before making any investment, or utilizing any information contained in this publication.

Subscription, advertising and circulation can be obtained from the publisher.

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Message from the MSPDA president

BY STEPHEN MASSON, M.Sc., P.Geo., President,

Manitoba-Saskatchewan Prospectors and Developers Association

I

n overview, the exploration industry is doing well in Canada, and I suspect this will continue for at least five years based on metal demand as well as supply shortages. Significant money has been raised to fund green energy with an accent on battery metals. As well, uranium companies such as Baseload Energy Corp. just raised $9.2 million in a bought deal for exploration in the Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan. Copper demand and metal prices remains strong. Serious exploration, labour, and supply issues centered around COVID-19 continues to be a problem and if worsens could have a negative impact in timing and completion of exploration in all metal sectors. Continuing issues regarding bureaucratic red tape and First Nations’ concerns about exploration continues to slow the exploration process. Ultimately, the standard mining cycle timeline of discovery to mining has been disrupted. This has resulted in a delay of exploration and mining advancement and has impeded the prosperity of the people, especially in the north.

Protection of the environment and assuring local communities receive significant benefit from resources developed in their region is very important and should be a high priority on everyone’s mind in our industry. However, we are reaching the point where new mines and new regional prosperity continue to decline. Added cost and delays have significantly lowered the discovery rate to the point that depleted mines are not being replaced and communities supported by mines are being devastated by lower tax bases and the inability to fund infrastructure. This is most profound in the

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2021-2022 Northern Prospector

north. Mining is one of the main drivers of prosperity in the north. Farming in the shield is almost non-existent, and forestry cannot sustain most communities especially in the far north. Limited seasonal tourism with its limited and seasonal employment cannot make up the shortfall of a declining mining industry. At this time, exploration to mining is the only real alternative for to a prosperous north.

The solutions are out there with untapped mineral potential in central Canada.

In Manitoba, in the north, Rockcliff Metals continues to explore and build resources at the Bur Deposit and several other deposits within their Snow Lake Project. Callinex has made a new discovery at the Pinebay Property (the Rainbow Deposit) and continues drilling. Hudbay Minerals has reopened the New Britannia Mill to process the separate Lalor Gold Zone and are speaking of processing the 100-year-old tailings at Flin Flon after the closure of the Triple 7 Mine in January. Vale, at Thompson, received a new extension on its operations. Voyageurs Mineral Explorers will be eventually updating its shareholders on their exploration plans as their Flin Flon properties hold great promise. Satori Resources continued to release high grade gold intercepts at the former Tartan Lake Gold Mine. Numbered Company, 4058667 MB Ltd. remains active in the Fay Lake area located between Hudbay Mineral’s Vamp Lake gold rich VMS deposits and the Puffy Lake Gold Mine, where Minnova Corp. carried out successful exploration this past year.

4058667 MB Ltd has also applied for a

5,000 ha MEL in the high-grade gold area of Bigstone Lake west of Wolfden’s Nickel-PG deposit at Island Lake. In the south, New Age Metals finally received their exploration permits and have just completed drilling off targets in the Bernic Lake-Bird River Pegmatite Field which host the world-class Tanco Mine.

Grid Metals is still awaiting permit approval for the area over their projects that have had a great amount of exploration and logging.

Generally, this is all good news, but most of the exploration is being carried out by only a few explorers. To keep up with mine closures, Manitoba needs policies that will encourage three to four times the number of new players and current players to carry out exploration and invest in our north. Presently, this is not happening and needs to be accelerated by 400 per cent; policy changes would have a significant effect and help accelerate this demand.

In Saskatchewan, the exploration and mining industry are booming. Foran Mining is proceeding with development of the large (just short of 40,000,000 tonnes) McIlvenna Cu-Zn VMS deposit with additional satellite copper deposits at Bigstone and Balsam Lakes in the Hanson Lake Area (western Flin Flon Belt) for which Voyageur Minerals Explorers have royalties on. Development of McIlvenna Deposit could offset the closure of Triple 7 Mine and keep the Flin Flon Belt robust. Uranium has become a hot item with Juniors looking for any good uranium ground to option and

explore. There is not much left to stake.

Drill companies’ availability has suddenly tightened up. SSR has done a friendly takeover of Taiga, thereby increasing SSR’s land package by 43,569 hectares, removing the JV on the Seebee mine, and removing the NSR on the Fisher Property.

ISSUES IN MANITOBA On November 26, 2021, the Manitoba Government announced it was proceeding with multiyear permits, finally putting Manitoba Explorers on par with other provinces (see press release on page 10). This is a good step which has been promoted by the MSPDA and recommended in the Downey Evan’s Report. Unfortunately, The Manitoba Mineral Exploration Advisory Committee, in a speech by Chair Shastri Ramnath, failed to acknowledge the efforts

by MSPDA in promoting the multi-year permit process but instead had the Advisory Committee take all the credit in her announcement at a recent event where the new premier, the Honourable Heather Stefanson, was meeting with a few representatives of the exploration industry. We believe, under the Professions Engineers and Geoscientist Code of Ethics, there was a significant violation by not giving significant acknowledgement to the MSPDA and to Jim Downey and Ron Evans for their previous work pushing for and recommending multi-year permitting. Approximately 10 to 12 industry representatives attended the reception out of 80 attendees. Most explorationists did not receive an invitation and neither did the MSPDA, although I understand the southern MPDA did. It was most unfortunate that the MSPDA was not invited, which is reflective of an ongoing concern of the MSPDA of non-inclusion, lack of openness, and input into mineral policy by restricting access to Ministers and the Premier by the MSPDA and MPDA by the Chair of the Advisory Liaison Committee. This Liaison Committee does not represent the exploration commu-

nity and has repeatedly not addressed many of the issues put forth by industry players. It is MSPDA’ s position that the Liaison Advisory Committee is a government arm presenting itself as a representative of the exploration community on issues of policy and permitting. Its effect has been to throttle the voice of industry’s concerns. The MSPDA believes this needs to change and recommends having the Advisory Liaison Committee

disbanded or restructured. We believe that the MSPDA, the southern Manitoba MPDA, and the Manitoba Mining Association are the true Liaison Committees and the true representatives of Manitoba exploration practitioners.

Historically, these are the organizations who have provided mineral policy guidance and sensible pragmatic solutions to the government. Certainly, the Liaison Committee could have been sig-

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nificantly more effective and transparent with all major exploration associations at the table. The mineral industry provides prosperity for communities with discoveries, new mines and a haven for investment and welcomes and attracts investment. Manitoba’s record on this since the creation of the advisory committee has been essentially non-existent.

We hope that Manitoba’s multi-year permitting is a fresh start to a brighter future for our industry and won’t result in a barrage of hoops explorationists will need to jump through. If so, this will result in substantial delays in getting the initial permit, which is already a problem in many parts of Manitoba. MSPDA needs a voice at the table, as we feel we can assist the government in finding solutions to our current situation, but we need a government that will listen and seriously invest in its mineral industry.

Collectively, the success of this collaboration will ultimately reap the profits of this work and could assist in funding so many well-deserved programs and infrastructure for northern communities.

SOLUTIONS TO INVESTIGATE Purpose: Increases Exploration Dollars and Discovery Rates to Replace Depleted Mines (Prosperity).

How: 1) Multi-year permits (three years with a potential two-year extension) now in progress provided extensive bureaucratic red tape does not offset the benefit. (This is the challenge)

Effect: a) Creates a level playing field with other jurisdictions; b) alleviates the need for short time frame permitting turnaround required by seasonal exploration which allows pragmatic access to areas; c) spending flow through money in a timely manner thereby avoiding tax penalties.

2) Dealing with First Nation’s Issues and Permitting Aside from receiving the tax benefits of a new mine as proposed by the DowneyEvan Report, perhaps as a standard incentive First Nation communities should receive: a) A remuneration based on a small percentage of the exploration dollars spent on the ground in their traditional territory, although this might take a change in the regulations for what money is eligible and would qualify under “flow through”, as this is often the main source of funds for exploration for Juniors. Some see this as a bribe to get a permit, but I think of it more of a show of good faith supplying a source of funds for bands for an individual to deal with permit application. Better and perhaps more long lasting would be a guaranteed technical position or positions for the FN community or the training of one or more of individuals who is subsequently are hired to work on the project. The advantage of this, unlike a Net Smelter Return on a mine

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that may never be found or developed is that it provides opportunities for FN and a steady stream of paid opportunities and employment income whether there is a discovery or not and that is important because exploration is high risk with most programs failing. It gives First Nations an incentive to welcome exploration. Most money at the exploration stage is in the services and this is just another service. b) This does not take away from employment opportunities or First Nations providing services like any contractor which can develop into long-lasting positive relationships moving through the mining cycle toward development, production, and reclamation. c) Further, should a mine be developed, socio-economic impact studies and provision of benefits to the communities and northern residents will be on top of any exploration incentive d) First Nations should be represented on any Liaison Advisory Committee to the government dealing with exploration so they too have input into the process.

To the MSPDA, this seems like a reasonable approach that is beneficial to all and could alleviate hold ups in the permitting process.

3) Treaty Land Entitlement imposed on Mining Claims This is an illegal practice wrongly implemented by bureaucrats in the Manitoba Mines Branch. Mining claims are a legal entity and must be treated fairly within the law. a) TLEs are not imposed on tourist lodges, timber allocations, parks, farmland hydro projects etc. but are imposed only on mining. Obviously, there are departments in the government who preferentially discriminate against the exploration and mining industry. b) Should a major discovery be made and the practice of overlaying TLE’s on claims and MELs continues then the

Province needs to state clearly “only at great risk does a company explore in Manitoba and may have its discovery expropriated without compensation”.

portunity. Write it into the Mining Act; nothing will provide more a welcoming feeling for the safety of investment that this.

We have a chance to do much better

c) The Province must compensate those prospectors who have had their mineral dispositions stolen by bureaucratic government incompetency regarding TLEs selection and to be reimbursed for costs and lost opportunity. This is hard-hitting, but government employees cannot neglect regulations or the law or have their responsibility for these actions be ignored without consequences. It sends a horrible message to industry of confidence in the Province’s Mining Act and undermines the very tenant of “Security of Tenor”.

None of this in new, as the MSPDA has previously promoted these solutions in various President’s Massages and letters from the MSPDA to various Mines Ministers when we had “Mine Ministers”, but most articulately in the 2019-2020 issue of the Northern Prospector Magazine.

the problems head on. One of those is

4) Stop removing high mineral potential land through parks and even reverse it.

This government continues to remove land from active exploration without due evaluation as was done under the previous MELC committee. The present advisory committee continues to be mute and is a virtual mouthpiece for the government. This sends a negative message to the investor community that a province dependent on wealth from its natural resources is progressively depleting its vast mineral potential by creating no go zones.

Further, by surrounding northern communities with parks, it creates “Bush Ghettos” where commercial development is sterilized and employment opportunities are drastically reduced. This should stand as a violation of United Nation human rights.

5) The province must guarantee that, once invested in a project, it has the right to go ahead if environmental and social economic concerns are met and that unnecessary delays must be compensated.

If project exploration is restricted from advancing that exploration company must receive compensation for lost op-

under the new leadership in Manitoba, making this a have province, but we need changes now and policies that address a transparent advisory committee with a new chair and inclusion of all Prospectors and Developers Associations that represent those actually doing the exploration and raising investment funds. 8

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PROVINCE INTRODUCES MULTI-YEAR PERMITTING FOR MINERAL EXPLORATION Change reduces red tape, helps promote development of key economic sector: Eichler

O

n November 26, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Ralph Eichler announced the Manitoba government is introducing multi-year permitting for mineral exploration projects, in response to industry recommendations to eliminate red tape to help grow and develop this important sector.

“Our government recognizes that the annual renewal of work permits adds unnecessary red tape for companies pursuing multi-year exploration activities,” said Eichler. “Our government is proud to advance this valuable recommendation from the industry-led Liaison Committee for Mining and Exploration.”

Work permits for mineral exploration outside of parks will now be valid for up to three years with the option for an additional two-year extension.

“We are pleased that the Manitoba government acknowledged the mining industry in the most recent throne speech and thank them for listening and making the recommended change to multiyear permitting,” said Shastri Ramnath, chair, Manitoba Liaison Committee on Mining and Exploration. “We believe that the only path forward is to have true collaboration between Indigenous communities, government, and industry and that all partners benefit from the province’s mineral endowment.”

tion communities to advance mineral

As noted in the Path to Progressing Together throne speech, northern Manitoba is home to an abundance of mineral resources, and the province remains committed to Crown-Indigenous consultation, collaboration and working in partnership with First Na-

province,” said Eichler, noting that the

exploration projects and increase Indigenous participation in all phases of mineral development within their traditional territories. Together, we will strengthen efforts to make Manitoba more attractive for investment and create opportunities that will benefit First Nations, northern communities, and all Manitobans.

“These regulatory changes mark a turning point toward improving mineral exploration and development in our mining and petroleum industries are already the third largest primary resource industry of Manitoba’s economy. “This improvement will ensure that industry and northern and First Nation communities are engaging early on proposed longer-term projects which will assist

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tation process, all of which will better prepare communities and industry to deliver economic benefits, especially in northern Manitoba, through goodpaying sector jobs and enhanced business opportunities and partnerships.

Working with Indigenous communities is essential as we all achieve more when working together.”

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Recommendations, please visit www.gov.mb.ca/iem/. 8

Manitoba-Saskatchewan Prospectors and Developers Association

EXECUTIVE STEPHEN MASSON MSPDA President more@mymts.net

JAN MOSIMANN

Editor-in-Chief janicemosimann@gmail.com

LYNDON MCLEAN

Editor lyndon@delcommunications.com

KEN LAPIERRE

MSPDA Vice President ken@rockcliffmetals.com

ROGER LAMAITRE

MSPDA Vice President Representative of Saskatchewan rlemaitre@uexcorp.com

EDGAR WRIGHT

Secretary/Treasurer mspda@aski.ca

ED HUBERT

Political and Regulatory Advisor

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Message from the Minister of Agriculture and Resource Development THE HONOURABLE RALPH EICHLER

A

s Minister of Agriculture and Resource Development, I would like to extend greetings on behalf of the province to members of the Manitoba-Saskathewan Prospectors and Developers Association, and to provide an update on my department’s support of the mineral exploration and mining sector in Manitoba.

Manitoba is open for business and mineral development. Mineral exploration and mining play a critical role in the economy and post-pandemic recovery of our province. As recovery continues, our government is providing a one-year extension to the Double-Assessment Credits program until December 31, 2021, including technical innovation work for mineral exploration.

Consideration for extension of time for mining claims and mineral exploration licenses (outside of treaty-land entitlement areas) continues on a case-by-case basis.

We ask clients to apply for an extension of time and provide justification about how the pandemic or any other issue has impeded their ability to complete any required work.

To stay connected with clients, the Tenure Services Team continues to deliver virtual information sessions for clients and industry to assist with using the iMaQs online system, how to manage tenure, and assessment reporting.

The $20-million Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF) continues to support projects to stimulate investment in mineral exploration and development, fo12 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

cusing on collaborative projects between industry and communities. Administered by the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce, the MMDF supports economic development and mining projects that create Indigenous partnerships, increase local employment, and stimulate investment in Manitoba. Formally launched in July 2020, as of August 2021, $3.1 million in funding currently supports a range of economic development and mining projects.

To ensure MMDF sustainability in the long term, Manitoba committed to an annual investment of up to six per cent of tax revenues collected from the Mining Tax Act. In June 2021, an additional $1 million was contributed into the fund to continue to support mineral and economic development initiatives through the program.

A 30 per cent income tax credit (Manitoba Mineral Exploration Tax Credit) recognizes investment in eligible flow-through mining expenditure for the exploration of minerals in Manitoba, in addition to the 15 per cent federal income tax credit available to qualifying individual investors.

Manitoba remains home to many areas of underexplored mineral wealth. The new Investment Attractiveness team will be developing a comprehensive Manitoba Mining Readiness Strategy, in collaboration with industry and Indigenous partners, to maximize this potential by supporting new and existing mining operations throughout the province. The strategy will include all aspects of mining operations from prospecting to mine development and expansion. As part of the strategy,

Manitoba will also be creating a marketing plan to attract new mining development to the province, resulting in more jobs and increased economic growth, especially in the north.

First Nations participation in the mining industry continues to advance in positive ways through the Manitoba-First Nations Mineral Development Protocol and Action Plan. The Department’s new Integrated Planning branch is now supporting these initiatives, along with Indigenous engagement and Crown-Indigenous consultation.

The Department continues to engage through the industry-led Manitoba Liaison Committee on Mining and Exploration (MLC-ME) to advise government on priority issues. The work being done by MLC-ME includes making recommendations for sustainable development, reconciliation, and offering solutions in essential areas such as Indigenous relations, permitting, government capacity and incentives.

I look forward to continuous engagement with MLC-ME to ensure this important work continues.

Regulatory system advances are underway.

The Department has created the Programs and Permits branch to lead a client-centric approach. This branch will ensure effective, efficient, consistent and transparent administration of programs, permits and licences. We are also reviewing legislation and policy to determine areas for potential improvements of the permitting process.

Manitoba is rich in natural resources and various critical minerals and is well-

In 2020-21, the Manitoba Geological Survey participated in the co-development of the Pan-Canadian Geoscience Strategy (PGS) with the Geological Survey of Canada and other Canadian geological survey organizations to provide positive direction for the sector.

positioned for minerals sector growth to support the green industry. Key minerals and critical metals mined in the province include zinc, nickel, silver, copper, gold, uranium, and cesium, with historical production and reserves of lithium. The Manitoba Critical Minerals team supports the national Critical Mineral Task Force on critical minerals and the battery supply chain.

Other significant mineral resources with high potential in Manitoba include platinum-group elements (platinum, palladium, and rhodium), rare-earth elements, uranium, titanium, vanadium, chromite, silica, tungsten, graphite, diamonds, and

potash. This list of commodities guides the

mental Geoscience Accord, and sup-

Manitoba Geological Survey in providing

ports the Canadian Minerals and Metals

relevant geoscience information and helps

Plan. The long-term vision for the PGS

to focus and de-risk exploration and deci-

is to “provide geoscience information for

sion-making.

the responsible development of Canada’s

In 2020-21, the Manitoba Geological Survey participated in the co-development of the Pan-Canadian Geoscience Strategy (PGS) with the Geological Survey of Can-

geological resources and serve the public good” – a strategy that will help to explore options for advancing public geoscience coordination and funding.

ada and other Canadian geological survey

I look forward to working closely with

organizations to provide positive direction

everyone across the sector. Thank you all

for the sector. This federal-provincial-ter-

for your ongoing hard work and unshaken

ritorial collaborative effort, co-ordinated

commitment to reposition Manitoba as a

through the National Geological Surveys

global leader in mineral exploration and

Committee aligns with the Intergovern-

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MANITOBA MINING ACTIVITY

Manitoba invests in future mining

By Paul Adair

C

oming out of the pandemic, the current state of mining in Manitoba finds itself at a crossroads. The province’s outstanding worldclass deposits of critical metals, close proximity to supply inputs and markets, excellent transportation providers, and a skilled workforce at competitive wages are just a few of the reasons to remain optimistic for the future; yet a number of challenges persist.

“The provincial government has welcomed engagement from MAMI and members to provide input on future regulatory changes and direction, but more work is required on permitting and regulations that provide greater certainty as well as faster approval processes for permits,” says John Morris, Co-Director at the Mining Association of Manitoba Inc. The Government of Manitoba has introduced several incentives that promote mineral exploration and mining in the province, such as the Mining Tax Act, which allows mining companies to deduct processing allowances from profits when calculating taxes owing. Since

14 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

2020, the province has also invested more than $3 million toward mining projects that spur economic development, in addition to advancing reconciliation to attract capital into the province.

“Providing incentives for mining companies to develop operations in the province helps reinforce Manitoba’s position as a mining-friendly jurisdiction,” said Finance Minister Scott Fielding at a recent event in Snow Lake. “Since the mining sector is a major employer, especially in northern Manitoba communities, and a key driver of the economy, stimulating industry development ultimately benefits the entire province.”

Shortly, the Government of Manitoba will also announce further changes aimed at modernizing the province’s aforementioned permitting system.

“The biggest challenge that we have is related to permitting; this is the message that we have heard loud and clear from the mining industry,” says Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Ralph Eichler. “Once we get the permitting issue out of the way by the end of

the year, we feel that we will be well-positioned to move forward in allowing the industry to do what it does best − and that’s mining and exploration. I’m really excited about where we’re going over the next four to five years − and beyond.”

VALE INVESTS IN THOMPSON MINE Located 650 kilometres north of Winnipeg, the Thompson orebody was first discovered in 1956 by Vale (then known as Inco). After decades of prosperity, however, the Thompson mine has seen significant decline in recent years; so much so that, in 2019, Vale suggested that it was losing $300,000 per day at the mine, and the company was unable to continue operations under the status quo. This admission by Vale spurred a comprehensive review of its Manitoban mining operations, which many saw as dire sign of things to come for the City of Thompson.

It was a relief then, that Vale last summer announced an investment of $150 million to extend mining activities at the Thompson mine by a decade, with the

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potential of mining continuing in the region past 2040.

“This is the largest single investment we have made in our Thompson operations in the past two decades,” said Mark Travers, Executive Vice-President for Base Metals with Vale. “It’s significant news for our employees, for the Thompson community, and for the province of Manitoba. The global movement to electric vehicles, renewable energies, and carbon reduction has shone a welcome spotlight on nickel – positioning the metal we mine as a key contributor to a greener future and boosting world demand. We are proud that Thompson can be part of that future and part of the low-carbon solution.”

The Thompson Mine Expansion is a two-phase project and is part of Vale’s ambitious turnaround for the region.

Phase 1 includes critical infrastructure such as new ventilation raises and fans, increased backfill capacity, and addition-

al power distribution, which is expected to improve current production by up to 30 per cent. In addition to the expansion, Vale is also looking to continue an extensive drilling program to further define known orebodies and search for new mineralization in the region.

HUDBAY EXPANDS OPERATIONS IN SNOW LAKE In October, Hudbay held a grand opening for its New Britannia gold mill and outlined its plans to significantly expand its operations in Snow Lake over the next few years.

“Hudbay’s expansion of its Snow Lake operations over the next few years is good news for northern communities, the mining industry and the province as a whole,” said Eichler. “We congratulate Hudbay on the opening of the New Britannia Mill, which will process ore on site and help keep more jobs in northern Manitoba.”

The New Britannia expansion will include the refurbishment of the gold plant and the addition of a new copper flotation facility, which will help to ensure increased production at the Snow Lake operations for years to come. This decision to push most of Hudbay’s millwork and processing to the Snow Lake area will tremendously benefit local economies, as well as the entire province.

“The opening of the New Britannia mill is an important milestone for Hudbay,” said Richard Trudeau, Director, Human Resources, External and Indigenous Affairs, Hudbay Minerals Inc. “Hudbay’s story began here in Manitoba and, nearly a century later, our commitment to Manitoba continues. Today marks the start of an exciting new chapter for our company, the town of Snow Lake, and the province. We look forward to sharing many successes in the years to come.” 8

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SASKATCHEWAN EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT

The future looks bright as Saskatchewan builds to meet growing mineral demand

W

hile Saskatchewan may be well-known in Canada for its boundless Rider pride, endless horizons, and swaying fields of golden wheat, the province can also stake a claim as one of the best places in the world for mining, and Saskatchewan is perennially found near the top of the Fraser Institute’s annual survey of mining companies ranking top

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mining jurisdictions. The province took third place in 2020, climbing eight spots from 2019.

The popularity of Saskatchewan as a mining investment destination is a sign of its rich portfolio of mineral resources and the tremendous potential for new discoveries, as well as a world-class sector specific expertise in exploration and production. The province also maintains

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18 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

By Paul Adair

very high quality and easily accessible geosciences information from the Ministry Saskatchewan Geological Survey, which is often utilized as an important resource to attract and support exploration efforts.

A NEW PLAN FORWARD In 2017, Saskatchewan launched a new Mineral Development Strategy and established a number of ambitious targets to increase the size and sustainability of the mining sector. The province has also introduced the Saskatchewan Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (SMETC) program, which offers a 10 per cent tax credit to Saskatchewan taxpayers who invest in eligible flow-through shares issued by mining or exploration companies, and the Targeted Mineral Exploration Incentive (TMEI), which provides financial assistance in the form of a grant to eligible exploration companies that undertake exploration drilling for base metals, precious metals, and diamonds in a defined geographical region of the province.

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these kinds of initiatives are today bearing fruit.

Earlier this summer, Australia’s BHP Group Ltd. – one of the world’s largest miners − approved the development of the Jansen Potash Mine, marking the single largest economic investment ever made in the history of Saskatchewan.

BHP will be investing a total of $12 billion to complete the Jansen project, which is expected to create approximately 3,500 jobs during construction and, once in operation, will support more than 600 direct jobs, as well as many other indirect opportunities.

And in northern Saskatchewan, companies such as Dension Mines, Fission Uranium, and NexGen Energy have all made progress at each of their respective advanced-stage uranium projects, and there has been recent increased staking activity for uranium in and around the Athabasca Basin.

“Potash and uranium markets are projected to continue to grow well into the future, and there’s been a lot of progress made on projects in other areas, and with other minerals. Last year, we even experienced something of a gold rush in the province,” says Energy and Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre. “There are a lot of exciting things happening right now, and we feel the future of mining in this province looks very bright.”

RARE-EARTH RISING Rare-earth elements (REEs) like lanthanum, neodymium, and gadolinium have become increasingly important due to their use in high-growth technologies that support a more sustainable future, such as in wind turbines and electric vehicles (EVs), as well as for all forms of electronics.

Yet, while Canadian rock formations account for 12 per cent of the world’s REE measured resources, none are currently being processed here at home.

This is soon set to change in Saskatch20 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

“ Saskatchewan has a globally recognized mining industry, workforce, and culture with local companies already beginning to explore REE deposits both in Saskatchewan, and in surrounding provinces and territories.” ewan, thanks to a 2020 announcement of $31 million in provincial funding for a first-of-its-kind rare-earth processing facility in Saskatoon. When operational in late 2022, the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC)’s separating facility will help establish a REE supply chain and become an industry model for future commercial REE resource expansion in the province.

“Saskatchewan has a globally recognized mining industry, workforce, and culture with local companies already beginning to explore REE deposits both in Saskatchewan, and in surrounding provinces and territories,” said the Minister Responsible for SRC, Jeremy Harrison, at the funding announcement. “This facility will allow the REE industry to grow

“Specializing in TOUGH CORING Conditions”

and create both immediate and longterm jobs.”

In September 2021, Cheetah Resources, the Canadian subsidiary of Vital Metals, also announced that it would be building a $5.2 million rare-earth extraction plant adjacent to the SRC processing facility. Cheetah’s plant will take REEs from the Nechalacho project in the NWT to produce a missed rare-earth carbonate product, which will be then separated at the nearby SRC facility into high-purity individual rare-earths oxides for specific market uses.

Closer to home, the construction of the SRC facility has already helped boost exploration in the Athabasca Basin region, such as at Denison Mine’s REE-enriched

Maw Zone, Appia Energy’s high-grade REE and gallium project east of Uranium City, and Mont Strategies at Hoidas Lake.

“The rare-earths potential north of the Athabasca Basin is attracting significant sector interest for a wide range of reasons,” says Eyre. “Many of the reasons are geopolitical in nature and involve the US absence in that space, not to mention China’s super-dominance, but also because we have the capabilities and capacity here in Saskatchewan, not to mention the resources. REEs are more and more showing up on the radar of companies around the world, and we are very well placed here in the province to help meet that demand.” 8

Bud Chisholm (306) 270-4894

Bus. (306) 975-1523 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

21

SRC’S RARE EARTH PROCESSING FACILITY SET TO BOOST RESOURCE SECTOR IN SASKATCHEWAN AND ACROSS CANADA

By Lyndon McLean

of the building, which will be leased to SRC. “Saskatchewan’s new Rare Earth Processing Facility will be a catalyst to stimulate the resource sector in Saskatchewan and across Canada, providing the early-stage supply chain needed to generate cash-flow, investment, and

C

onstruction of the first stage of the Saskatchewan Research Council’s (SRC) Rare Earth Processing Facility, which includes a

monazite processing unit (MPU) and a solvent extraction unit (SXU), is underway.

katchewan, forming an industry model for future commercial REE initiatives and supply chain development.

industrial growth of the sector,” Premier Scott Moe said. “It will also help ensure the competitiveness of Saskatchewan as we focus on our economic recovery and

The facility will be built near SRC’s other

grow our province over the next decade.”

laboratories and facilities in the north

“Saskatchewan has a globally recognized

industrial area of Saskatoon. The MPU

mining industry, workforce and culture

is expected to be operational ahead of

with local companies already beginning

schedule, in early 2023, and the fully in-

katchewan announced $31 million in

to explore REE deposits both in Sas-

tegrated facility is expected to be opera-

funding for the facility – delivering on

katchewan, and in surrounding prov-

tional by mid-2024. SRC is continuing to

inces and territories,” Minister Respon-

a key element of the 2030 Growth Plan.

make progress with the facility’s design

sible for SRC Jeremy Harrison added.

The facility will be the first of its kind in

and the procurement of the highly spe-

“This facility will allow the REE industry

Canada and will begin to establish a ra-

cialized plant equipment. A private sec-

to grow and create both immediate and

re-earth element technology hub in Sas-

tor landlord is handling the construction

long-term jobs.”

In August 2020, the Government of Sas-

24 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

WHY DOES CANADA NEED AN REE PROCESSING FACILITY? The value of the current REE resource industry in Canada is small but growing, dominated by small venture-funded mining companies geographically dispersed across Canada. The industry is growth-constrained due to little or no formal supply chain infrastructure, no commercial processing facilities, and no coordinated commodity marketing or agreed upon product quality standards.

A key element of the new facility is the commercial processing plant, which will include concentration and separation stages and treat monazite sands at approximately 80 to 90 per cent concentration. Monazite is a source of mainly light REEs (especially cerium, lanthanum, praseodymium, and neodymium). Intermediate mixed rare earth product will be produced from the MPU and then converted in the SXU to produce separated rare earth oxides, as the market requires.

Global demand for REEs will increase significantly in the coming decade as demand for electric vehicles, renewable power generation and all forms of electronics increases.

The conversion of REE ore to individual REE products is done in two main stages. The first is the concentration of ore to a mixed REE product. The second is the more complex separation stage that converts the mixed REE product to commercial pure-grade individual REEs. The facility will address both stages of REE processing.

THE CASE FOR SRC AND SASKATCHEWAN The Saskatchewan Research Council has decades of experience in concentration and separation technologies of REEs from various minerals, as well as operational experience. Jack Zhang and Baodong Zhao of SRC’s Rare Earth Element Division are co-authors of various

papers and a book on rare earths separation. SRC has developed and piloted many REE concentration and separation processes for mining companies in Canada and across the world.

Saskatchewan is a world-class mining jurisdiction that has a vibrant and sustainable uranium industry. This industry also produces a REE-rich solution waste stream (mainly heavy REEs) that can be an additional feed source for the plant, as markets require.

SRC is Canada’s second-largest research and technology organization. With almost 300 employees, $137 million in annual revenue and nearly 75 years of experience, SRC provides services and products to its 1,500 clients in 27 countries around the world.

More information on SRC and the new facility is available at http://www.src.sk.ca/REE. 8

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1390 Government Road West Box 517 Kirkland Lake, ON P2N 3J5 | Telephone: 705.567.6663 | Fax: 705.567.4925

2021-2022 Northern Prospector

25

ALCES LAKE AIMS TO PUT

APPIA ON THE MAP

A

ppia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on critical materials, namely rare-earths and uranium. Appia is exploring for high-grade critical rare-earth elements and uranium in the Athabasca Basin area of northern Saskatchewan, as well as developing the Elliot Lake uranium mining camp in Ontario.

is targeting at or near-surface, high-grade uranium and its associated mineral system on properties that are near existing infrastructure and holds three 100 per cent interest claims blocks.

The company has recently concluded a radiometric and VTEM (Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic) surveys over two of the three properties with a view to future drilling.

Since 2017, Appia has focused its drilling and exploration program on the flagship Alces Lake rare earths property in northern Saskatchewan. Located approximately 40 kilometres northeast of Uranium City, this rare-earths discovery is hosted entirely in monazite and has been called one of the world’s best rare-earths prospects. Along with the rare-earths, there is also associated gallium in the monazite, another very valuable critical mineral. The occurrence of gallium throughout the monazite adds significant value to the future resource potential of Alces Lake. The additional benefit of monazite is that it contains a high percentage of the key rare-earths, neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), which are so-called critical rare-earth elements as they are key in the manufacture of small, strong, and powerful permanent magnets used in everything from cellphone speakers to wind turbines to traction motors in electric vehicles.

Appia is conducting the company’s single largest exploration drilling program at Alces Lake. From 2017 to 2020, the company drilled almost 5,000 metres of diamond drill core. In 2021, the company estimates that it will drill more than 7,500 metres in 103 drill holes using two diamond drill core rigs. The 2021 program also included extensive field geology, sampling, mapping, and ground geophysics, as well as airborne magnetic, EM, and radiometric geophysical surveys, which in part resulted in Appia doubling the claims area at Alces Lake. Appia has also installed a winterized camp, allowing exploration to continue well into (or through) the winter months.

On the uranium side, the company is also continuing an exploration program in the prolific eastern Athabasca Basin area. Appia 26 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

On the drilling side, Appia is delineating the WRCB (WilsonRichard-Charles-Bell) discovery area, which has expanded to include the Dylan, Ivan, Dante and Wilson North discoveries.

Approximately 5,000 metres of diamond drill core is expected to be drilled in this area by the end of program. As drilling has progressed, the company recently announced the discovery of

massive and semi-massive monazite at Wilson North. The Alces Lake deposit is unusual in that the monazite is not the typical fine-grained distribution – Appia has massive and semi-massive clusters all through the property (including at surface) as well as the more typical monazite distribution. Appia is planning to have an NI 43-101 report prepared after the end of the 2021 exploration campaign.

Appia has identified two new exploration areas on the Alces Lake project through aerial geophysics being the Western Anomaly as well as Oldman River. A number of the Western Anomaly prospects including Diablo and Sweet Chili Heat have been drilled in 2021, with further planned exploration drilling in 2022 to delineate these potential discoveries. The company has also just completed a significant drilling program on the Oldman River prospect. To date, Appia has more than 1,000 samples in the lab for analysis. These assay results will be released as received and analyzed by the company.

Looking into the future, Appia still has a lot of exploration drilling to be done at Alces Lake, including further potential extension of the WRCB discover and additional exploration drilling of targets on-trend with WRCB at the Augier and Strocen zones.

Being located in Saskatchewan, the company is a natural source of future feedstock for the new Saskatchewan Research Council’s rare-earth processing facility, which is expected to be partially operational in early 2023 and fully operational in 2024. With this being Canada’s only rare-earth processing facility, successful exploration and development at Alces Lake could put Appia and Saskatchewan “on the map”, as the western world seeks to develop a critical materials supply chain to exclude China. 8 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

27

FAR RESOURCES PROVIDES AN UPDATE ON THE ZORO LITHIUM PROJECT AND THE NEWLY ACQUIRED JEAN LAKE LITHIUM-GOLD PROJECT

E

stablished nine years ago by Keith Anderson, Far Resources is a junior mineral exploration company headquartered in Vancouver, BC, according to John Gammack, CEO and president, who was involved in the startup with Anderson.

Anderson jumped into the lithium business in the Snow Lake area in Manitoba, but it wasn’t as popular as it is now.

“Lithium kind of fell a little bit; the appetite was not there, although they knew it would come back, which it did,” says Gammack.

Far Resource’s Zoro Lithium Project is located in east-central Manitoba, 20 kilometres east of the historic mining town of Snow Lake. The property consists of 16 claims with a total of 3,603 hectares and the recently acquired five-claim, 1,002-hectare Jean Lake property (Figure 1). Exploration has advanced on the property with an integrated program of prospecting, innovative soil geochemical surveys and five diamond drill programs totalling almost 8,500 metres in 60 holes. More than $5 million in exploration expenditures has been spent on the

property and this has caught the attention of the investment community.

“Snow Lake, as Far Resources is concerned, is a highly prospective and developing area for lithium exploration and development, as well as for its historic and ongoing gold and base metal endowment,” says Mark Fedikow, P. Geo., Far Resources geologist.

“We now have 13 pegmatite dikes on the Zoro property that need continued assessment including diamond drilling,” Gammack says. “We will revisit our historic Dike 1 where we have an inferred resource of 1,074,567 tonnes grading 0.91 per cent Li2O at a 0.3 per cent cutoff. We’re going to be moving forward with the exploration there, with the intent of increasing tonnage and grade of Li2O. It’s going to take a little bit of time but we are committed to achieve our goal.” Far Resources is currently developing their Zoro winter drill program by integrating databases from previous exploration programs and plans to be drilling in 2021-2022.

“Far Resources is pleased to be working in the Snow Lake area,” Fedikow says. “It’s a historic and currently active mining town, and we’ve received a lot of assistance from the local community. They offer a knowledgeable work force, modern rotary and fixed-wing transportation, core preparation and storage facilities, and a political framework that understands the value of exploration and mining. It is the kind of support necessary to run a successful exploration and development program.”

The company recently completed a prospecting program on the newly acquired Jean Lake property. This program was designed to provide a preliminary assessment of the lithium and gold potential on the property by searching for additional spodumenebearing pegmatite dykes and reviewing the geological setting of historic high-grade gold mineralization on the property while also collecting representative confirmatory assay samples.

“We’re going to be submitting rock samples to assay labs from the recently uncovered historic Beryl pegmatite and from historic and new gold mineralized zones; we’re quite excited about this property,” Gammack says, adding Jean Lake had work done on it in 1942 when a previous company trenched and then drilled eight holes.

“Jean Lake is not an easy place to work; there’s a lot of accumulated dead fall and eight inches of moss after more than 80 years of growth. You have to get dirt under your fingernails, but it’s exciting.” 8

28 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

cent Cu. PBM-138 is located 210 metres vertically above and along strike to the north o 129-W2 which intersected 67 metres of 2.73 per cent Cu and a 34-metre step-out from P 131, which intersected 20.53 metres of 2.58 per cent Cu.

CALLINEX ANNOUNCES PROMISING RESULTS IN THE RAINBOW DEPOSIT

I

n September, Callinex Mines Inc. announced additional drill results from the ongoing 30,000-metre drilling campaign to expand the high-grade copper, gold, silver, and zinc Rainbow Deposit. The Rainbow is located at the 100 per cent-owned Pine Bay Project within a mineral lease, less than 250 metres from a high-voltage hydroelectric powerline and 550 metres from a historic shaft with direct road access to processing facilities in Flin Flon.

RAINBOW DEPOSIT CORE: PBM-138 37m OF 6.0% COPPER

PBM-138 INTERSECTION FROM 660M TO 697M

PBM-138 intersected the Orange Zone and returned 37 metres of six per cent copper (Cu), 0.35 g/t gold (Au), 6.13 g/t silver (Ag), 0.09 per cent zinc (Zn) or 6.33 per cent copper equivalent (CuEq), including two high-grade one-metre intervals which returned over 18 per cent Cu. PBM-138 is located 210 metres vertically above and along strike to the north of PBM-129-W2 which intersected 67 metres of 2.73 per cent Cu

RAINBOW ORANGE ZONE LONG SECTION

Max Porterfield, President and CEO, stated, “We continue to be impressed with assay coming out of the Rainbow as Callinex expands the high-grade copper deposit. The company recently mobilized one of the two drill rigs to define how close the Rainbow deposit comes to surface. To date the Rainbow deposit has been intersected from 300 metres vertical depth down to 890 metres.”

2021-2022 Northern Prospector

29

Additionally, PBM-133 intersected the Orange Zone with 2.62 per cent CuEq over 7.71 metres

PINE BAY PROJECT RAINBOW DEPOSIT LONG SECTION

and a 34-metre step-out from PBM-131,

Two drill holes, PBM-135 and PBM-136,

of 18,700 metres out of a fully funded

One rig intersected is currently thedrilled up-plunge ofexthe Rainbow 300 which 20.53 drilling metres of to 2.58testwere to test the extent down plunge 30,000-metredeposit budgeted above drill program. per centvertical Cu. metres depth. A second drill rigmineralization is operating test regional targets to tent of belowtodiscovery Callinexexploration will continue to provide results PBM-111,Deposit, the deepestwhile intersection for thewith duration of the 2021 drilling camtheMax north and along strike of the hole Rainbow vectoring borehole Porterfield, President and CEO, to date at the Rainbow.

Drill holes PBMpaign.Callinex Mines (TSXV: CNX) stated, “We continuesurveys. to be impressed electromagnetic Since the Company commenced its 2021 explorationInc. campaign, 27 135 and PBM-136 have been interpreted (OTC: CLLXF) is advancing its portwith assay results coming out of the holes (including five wedges) have been announced for a total of 18,700 metres out of a fully Rainbow as Callinex expands the highto have gone above and below the plunge folio of base and precious metals rich funded 30,000-metre budgeted drill program. Callinex will continue to provide results for grade copper deposit. The company reline. Additional drilling is required to deposits located in established Canathecently duration ofone the 2021 drilling mobilized of the two drill rigs campaign. further delineate the deposit at depth. dian mining jurisdictions. The portfolio

to define how close the Rainbow deposit comes to surface. To date the Rainbow Table 1: Pine Bay Drill Results deposit has been intersected from 300 metres vertical depth down to 890 metres.”

From To

Drill Hole Additionally, PBM-133 (m)

intersected the (m) Orange Zone with 2.62 per cent CuEq over 7.71 metres (1.70 per cent Cu, 0.52 PBM-113g/t Au, 8.25 g/t Ag and 1.29 per cent Zn) 861.00 866.00 W3including 3.21 metres of 3.48 per cent Cu, 0.70 g/t Au, 12.18 g/t Ag and 0.98 PBM-132 658.00 per cent Zn. 652.00 30 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

One rig is currently drilling to test the up-plunge extent of the Rainbow deposit above 300 metres vertical depth.

A second drill rig is True operating to Cu test

is highlighted by the rapidly expanding Rainbow Discovery at its Pine Bay Project located near existing infrastructure in the Flin Flon Mining District.

Zn

regional exploration targets to the additional information, Interval (m) Width g/t Ag g/t per ForAu north and along strike(m) of the Rainbow cent please contact:

per cent

Deposit, while vectoring with bore-

Max Porterfield

hole electromagnetic surveys. Since the

President and Chief Executive Officer

Company commenced its 2021 explora-

Callinex Mines Inc.

tion campaign, 27 holes (including five

T: (604) 605-0885

5.00

3.72

1.38

6.00 have been announced 5.14 for a total 1.38 wedges)

0.06

2.04

4.338 E:0.17 info@callinex.ca

Sg

CuE

per cen

0.08

3.00 1.47

0.13

3.19 1.58

funded 30,000-metre budgeted drill program. Callinex will continue to provide results for the duration of the 2021 drilling campaign.

Table 1: Pine Bay Drill Results Drill Hole

From

To

(m)

(m)

TABLE 1: PINE BAY DRILL RESULTS

True Interval (m) Width (m)

Cu

Zn

CuEq

per Au g/t Ag g/t per cent cent

Sg

per cent

PBM-113861.00 W3

866.00

5.00

3.72

1.38

0.06

2.04

0.08

3.00 1.47

PBM-132

652.00

658.00

6.00

5.14

1.38

0.17

4.33

0.13

3.19 1.58

PBM-133

506.00

513.71

7.71

7.02

1.70

0.52

8.25

1.29

3.51 2.62

513.71

3.21

2.92

3.48 0.70

12.18

0.98

4.02 4.44

903.50

0.50

0.38

2.50 0.54

6.97

0.76

2.97 3.22

1006.00

4.00

2.97

0.53 0.06

2.00

0.16

2.92 0.65

PBM-138 660.00

697.00

37.00

33.25

6.00 0.35

6.13

0.09

3.89 6.33

including 671.00

672.99

1.00

0.90

18.81 1.11

19.43

0.58

4.36 19.96

including 684.00

685.00

1.00

0.90

18.30 0.35

16.24

0.18

3.82 18.74

including 510.5 PBM-134

Assays pending

PBM-135

903.00

PBM-136 1002.00 PBM-137

Assays pending

Callinex Mines Inc. (TSXV: CNX) (OTC: CLLXF) is advancing its portfolio of base and precious metals rich deposits located in established Canadian mining jurisdictions. The portfolio is highlighted by the rapidly expanding Rainbow Discovery at its Pine Bay Project located near(OTC: existing infrastructure in theits Flinportfolio Flon Mining Callinex Mines Inc. (TSXV: CNX) CLLXF) is advancing of District. base and precious

metals rich deposits located in established Canadian mining jurisdictions. The portfolio is FWS_NorthProspectorAd_4.625x2.125_2021.pdf highlighted by the rapidly expanding Rainbow Discovery at its Pine Bay Project located near1 7/28/2021 4:28:29 PM existing infrastructure in the Flin Flon Mining District.

SUITE 300, 6 ROSLYN ROAD, WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA

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31

MMDF: FOSTERING COMMUNITY RESILIENCE IN NORTHERN MANITOBA The Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF) recently celebrated its one-year anniversary since launching in July 2020. In just over a year, the provincial fund administered by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce has approved over $3.5M in funding for mining and economic development projects across Northern Manitoba.

“This year our focus for MMDF is not only on funding strategic economic development projects in Northern Manitoba, but also on supporting the longer-term goal of creating an environment where sustainable economic development projects can thrive,” says Chuck Davidson, MMDF Board Chair and President of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. “Achieving this involves a commitment to ongoing collaboration with northern communities, industry and government.”

As the successor of the Manitoba Government’s Mining Community Reserve Fund, MMDF prioritizes economic development projects in areas of the province that may be experiencing challenges related to recent or upcoming closures of key employers in the mining industry. Many communities in Northern Manitoba tell a story of resilience when confronted with such challenges.

Jessica Ferris, Program Manager of the fund, notes that with the challenges many northern communities face, they each have their own unique opportunities. “Economic development in the North is complex. It is not just enabling communities to diversify their regional economies and supporting industries that have played a role in sustaining communities in Northern Manitoba for many years. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to economic development in Northern Manitoba. Each community or region has their own distinct context, development goals and priorities for the future. We are here to provide support and build capacity so that communities can realize their goals.”

To further support communities and industry in advancing their projects, MMDF is launching several initiatives aimed at making things easier and streamlined and providing additional support to applicants.

NEW WEBSITE AND ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESS Our new website will act as a hub for information on program updates, approved projects and community/industry resources. The website will have an online application portal designed to make the application process seamless for applicants. (Note: hard copy applications are still available for communities that lack internet connectivity.)

GRANT WRITING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Our Grant Writing Assistance Program provides financial assistance for early-stage economic development projects initiated by northern communities and/or community-based organizations. Applicants can apply for micro-grants of up to $5,000 to go towards expenses related to project development, proposal writing or application coordination.

PROJECT ACCELERATOR In February 2022, MMDF will invite youth in the North to pitch their community project or business idea in front of our Application Review Committee for the chance to win a start-up grant to help their idea get off the ground.

In the past year, MMDF has gained momentum in assisting economic development projects while staying true to its original goal to support economic development and mineral exploration in Northern Manitoba.

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT CITY OF FLIN FLON MMDF is providing $98,000 towards the City of Flin Flon’s project that will create an investment attraction toolkit for the region. This project will build the resources for the city to increase their efforts to attract new investors and industries to the community.

“We are cognizant that the long-term prosperity of our community must be anchored on diversified economic activities. We are thus moving full steam ahead in ensuring that we have a clearly articulated toolkit to attract, guide and expedite diversified developments in our city.”

“The core value of our city rests in its geographic uniqueness, which straddles the best of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. It is our firm belief that when one community prospers in our region, so do its other two sister communities. The positive spillover effect is profound! It is for this reason that our Regional Economic Development Commission was given birth to drive cooperation and lead development.”

-Ken Pawlachuk Councillor, City of Flin Flon Member, FDC Regional Economic Development Commission

-Nicole Hartman Chief Administrative Officer, City of Flin Flon Member, FDC Regional Economic Development Commission

ROCKCLIFF METALS CORP. MMDF is supporting Rockcliff Metal’s regional exploration project in the Snow Lake Area. This project involves advancing exploration work at their Copperman, Rail and Tower properties.

“The generous grant provided by the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund has allowed us to complete work programs, accelerating our understanding of the geological potential of Rockcliff’s mineral

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO CONTACT MMDF PLEASE VISIT MBCHAMBER.MB.CA

properties in the Snow Lake region. The work programs executed were supported by local drill contractors, as well as the Norway House Cree Nation through camp services provided. Manitoba continues to be a great place for mining exploration and development companies to do business.”

-Ken Lapierre Founder and VP Exploration of Rockcliff Metals Corp.

REIMAGINING THE HISTORIC RICE LAKE GOLD DISTRICT

By Scott Anderson, Ph.D., P.Geo, Vice President, Exploration for 1911 Gold Corporation high-resolution aeromagnetic and LiDAR surveys, acquisitions of additional prospective ground, data compilations, and a field exploration campaign of mapping, prospecting, and surficial geochemistry.

1911

Gold Corporation (TSX-V: AUMB) (OTCQX: AUMBF) is a junior gold explorer and producer that holds more than 63,000 hectares of mineral dispositions in Tier-1 jurisdictions with proven potential for worldclass gold deposits, including the Rice Lake and Snow Lake districts in Manitoba and the Timmins district in Ontario.

The company’s consolidated, district-scale (58,000 hectares) land position in the underexplored Rice Lake greenstone belt, coupled with the permitted and operational 1,300 tonnes-perday mill and tailings facility (the True North complex) at Bissett, Manitoba, are critical strategic assets, setting 1911 Gold apart from its peers. Together with a significant revenue stream from the reprocessing of historical tailings, which produces 4,500 ounces of gold per year to fund ongoing operational and corporate costs, the company’s assets present a significant value proposition for shareholders.

The regional exploration of the Rice Lake project is the company’s focus. The project covers a 90-kilometre strike length of the under-explored Rice Lake greenstone belt, which is the western extension of the prolific Red Lake greenstone belt approximately 100 kilometres to the east along strike in Ontario.

The project also includes a 70-kilometre segment of a crustalscale break referred to as the Wanipigow Fault, which defines an ancient craton margin and is an important regional control on orogenic gold deposits.

Commencing in 2019, 1911 Gold initiated the aggressive regional exploration program of its Rice Lake project, including

34 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

Using a systematic, science-based exploration approach, the company has efficiently advanced several projects to first-pass drill testing. To date, 1911 Gold has completed 87 drillholes, totalling 25,111 metres to test 14 different targets throughout the Rice Lake property, with select highlights listed below (please refer to the 1911 Gold website for additional details).

EXPLORATION DRILLING HIGHLIGHTS: • 26.4 g/t Au over 2.0 metres (DDH TS-20-003) from the Tinney Shear target • 9.3 g/t Au over 2.6 metres (DDH CG-20-001) from the Cougar target • 6.2 g/t Au over 2.6 metres (DDH EO-20-002) from the EdnaOtter target • 6.0 g/t Au over 3.3 metres (DDH BL-20-005) from the Bidou South target • 8.1 g/t Au over 5.7 metres (DDH EO-21-005) from the EdnaOtter target • 11.3 g/t Au over 1.6 metres (DDH EO-21-005) from the EdnaOtter target • 7.1 g/t Au over 2.5 metres (DDH EO-21-016) from the EdnaOtter target Fieldwork in 2021 included detailed geological mapping, prospecting, and soil and vegetation sampling across six project areas, with the goal of identifying drill targets with potential to host significant gold deposits. The next phase of exploration drilling, planned for Q4 2021 – Q1 2022, will follow up on results from the successful Phase 1 and Phase II drilling programs, and will also test newly-developed targets at several projects that have seen only minimal previous exploration drilling.

Also in 2021, the company significantly advanced its Apex Gold Property near Snow Lake Manitoba, completing claim staking, line-cutting, an IP geophysical survey and a field exploration program, consisting of geological mapping, prospecting, and surficial geochemistry. This work has generated several very compelling targets in areas that haven’t been tested by historical drilling, and the company looks forward to a maiden exploration drilling program in the coming months.

company is well positioned to execute on its plan to generate significant value through discovery of a Tier-1 gold resource while leveraging its existing infrastructure to quickly advance new discoveries into production. 8

With its growing pipeline of quality projects and targets, 1911 Gold is positioning itself for continued exploration success, with the goal of identifying and developing additional sources of ore to augment the existing mineral resource within the True North deposit, estimated (March 2018) to contain approximately 1 million ounces of gold in the measured, indicated, and inferred categories.

The company’s Rice Lake land package is located within the traditional territory of the Hollow Water First Nation, signatory to Treaty No. 5 (1875-76), and the company continues to benefit from open, cooperative, and respectful relationships that have been maintained with all stakeholders over the years. 1911 Gold is committed to excellence in health, safety, environmental and governance standards, including timely information-sharing and supporting Manitoba-based businesses to maximize local economic benefits.

With an experienced management and technical team, clear corporate strategy, clean balance sheet, well-funded exploration program, strong project portfolio in an established operating jurisdiction, and systematic approach to exploration, the 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

35

NEW AGE METALS COMMENCES MAIDEN DRILL PROGRAM AT ITS LITHIUM TWO PROJECT

N

ew Age Metals Inc. (NAM) recently announced that the maiden drill program on its Lithium Two Project − part of its Manitoba lithium division − has commenced. The company plans to drill a minimum of

1,500 metres, and the program will consist of drilling eight shallow holes to a maximum depth of 200 metres below sur-

face.

The program is financed by Mineral Resources Ltd. (MRL), the world’s fifth largest lithium producer, as per the agreement between NAM and MRL. NAM has also contracted geological consultancy Axiom Exploration to manage the drill program on its behalf, and Manitoba-based Rodren Drilling will complete the work.

Lithium Two hosts a historic non-NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource of 544,000 tonnes at 1.4 per cent Li2O to a depth of 60 metres (Source: Manitoba Mineral Index Cards). This amount has not been confirmed by a qualified person at this time.

The Eagle Pegmatite is the primary target for the maiden drill program. It is exposed on surface and was last drilled in 1948.

Southeast Manitoba regional project map, including New Age Metals lithium project portfolio. The Lithium Two Project is located approximately 20 kilometres north of the Tanco Mine.

36 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

Surface sampling programs at the Eagle Pegmatite conducted

by NAM has yielded assays up to 3.8 per cent Li2O. NAM has an active exploration agreement with the Sagkeeng First Nation and will be working in partnership with members of Sagkeeng. NAM is the largest mineral claim holder in the Winnipeg River Pegmatite Field. All the claims are held by Lithium Canada Development, a wholly owned subsidiary of NAM. “This maiden drill program in Manitoba is a significant milestone for the company,” says Harry Barr, chairman and CEO. “We have fulfilled our stated objectives for the lithium division to date by acquiring a robust land package in southeast Manitoba, and recently completing our option/joint venture agreement with Mineral Resources. Our agreement equips us with the necessary funding and expertise to strategically explore and develop the greenstone belt that we’re operating in. The preparation for this program has been extensive and has included various rounds of surface exploration as well as UAV borne drone geophysics.”

LITHIUM TWO PROJECT The Lithium Two Project covers 137 hectares and is located approximately 20 kilometres north of the Tanco Mine, which is owned and operated by Sinomine Rare Metals Co. Lithium Two is geologically situated in the Cat Lake portion of the Winnipeg River Pegmatite Field and is road accessible. This pegmatite field is hosted in the Archean age Bird River Greenstone Belt and into the surrounding granites. To date, three pegmatites have been identified on the Lithium Two Project.

The Eagle pegmatite is exposed at surface as a series of lenticular spodumene-bearing dykes, over approximately 823 metres with widths up to 30 metres. The Eagle Pegmatite has a general strike of 77 degrees and a near vertical dip. The FD No. 5 Pegmatite is surface exposed over an area of 27 and 15 metres and is poorly exposed away from the main showing. The unit strikes at 80 degrees with a near vertical dip to the north. The FD No. 5 Pegmatite appears to have not been previously drill tested.

Surface sampling over the two pegmatites during the 2016 field season yielded assays for the Eagle Pegmatite up to 2.44 per cent Li2O and assays up to 3.04 per cent Li2O for the FD No. 5 Pegmatite.

The program is financed by Mineral Resources Ltd. (MRL), the world’s fifth largest lithium producer, as per the agreement between NAM and MRL. DRILL PLAN The purpose of the maiden drill program is to first confirm the historical resource that was identified at the Eagle Pegmatite on the Lithium Two Project in 1948. An initial eight holes are planned to be drilled to the 200-metre level. The company is permitted to drill additional holes should preliminary results justify doing so.

In advance of the drill program, an archaeological assessment has been completed by White Spruce Archaeology on the Lithium Two Project that has identified three areas of archaeological potential. Drilling activity will occur outside of a 25-metre buffer around the identified areas. All drill trails will stay outside of the identified areas. The recommendations for the Lithium Two Project have been reviewed and agreed by the Archaeological Assessment Services Unit, Historic Resources Branch, Ministry of Sport, Culture and Heritage.

ABOUT NAM New Age Metals is a junior mineral exploration and development company focused on the discovery, exploration, and development of green metal projects in North America. The company has two divisions: a Platinum Group Metals (PGM) division and a Lithium/Rare Element division.

The PGM Division includes the 100 per cent owned, multimillion-ounce, district scale River Valley Project, one of North America’s largest undeveloped Platinum Group Metals projects, situated 100 kilometres northeast from Sudbury, Ontario.

The company completed a positive preliminary economic assessment on the project in 2019 and is fully financed to complete a pre-feasibility study on the project. A technical report is slated to be published by the end of the first half of 2022. In addition to River Valley, the company is the 100 per cent owner of the Genesis PGM-Cu-Ni Project.

NAM’s Lithium Division is one of the largest mineral claim holders in the Winnipeg River Pegmatite Field, where the company is exploring for hard rock lithium and various rare elements such as tantalum and rubidium. In 2021, drone geophysics were completed on at least five of the company’s seven projects, and in October, a maiden drill program on the company’s Lithium Two Project was initiated. On September 28, the company announced a partnership with Mineral Resource Limited, the world’s fifth largest lithium producer to explore and develop the company’s lithium project portfolio.

Our philosophy is to be a project generator with the objective of optioning our projects to major and junior mining compa-

nies to potentially develop them through to production. NAM is actively seeking an option/joint venture partner for its roadaccessible Genesis PGM-Cu-Ni Project in Alaska.

ABOUT LITHIUM RESOURCES LIMITED Mineral Resources Limited is an innovative and leading mining services company, with a growing world-class portfolio of mining operations across multiple commodities, including iron ore and lithium. MRL has a diversified commodities portfolio located in the Pilbara and Yilgarn regions in Western Australia.

The company has developed two hard rock lithium operations in Western Australia, making them one of the world’s largest owners of hard rock lithium mines.

Investors are invited to visit the New Age Metals website at www.newagemetals.com, where they can review the company and its corporate activities. Any questions or comments can be directed to info@newagemetals.com, Harry Barr at hbarr@ newagemetals.com, Cody Hunt at codyh@newagemetals.com, or you can call (613) 659-2773. 8

Serving the mining industry for over 40 years.

204-338-7953

info@customheli.com

www.customheli.com 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

37

HOW SASKATCHEWAN IS LEADING THE CHARGE IN A RESPONSIBLE, ZERO-EMISSIONS MINING REVOLUTION

By Dan Myerson

I

f we are going to seriously tackle the climate crisis and meet our decarbonization targets, we are going to need to mine a lot of copper and other essential commodities for climatesaving technologies such as electric cars. We believe that

a responsible approach to mining, one that is firmly rooted in ESG principles, actually lowers the cost of production and de-

38 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

livers better returns to investors, not to mention the massive benefits to the local communities, the environment, and ultimately the planet.

Foran’s wholly owned flagship deposit, McIlvenna Bay, is situated on the western edge of the Flin Flon Greenstone Belt in Saskatchewan and is home to a host of essential resources, in-

cluding copper, zinc, gold, and silver. McIlvenna Bay is the second-largest undeveloped VHMS deposit located in the Hanson Lake District and offers significant potential for development as it is in the world’s premier mining jurisdiction, as well as having access to road and rail infrastructure and low-cost, renewable hydroelectric power. It is here where we are developing the world’s first carbon neutral copper mine.

Our team has recently embarked on a significant drilling program, reaching over 22,000 metres to help support the publication of the feasibility study set to be issued before the end of this year. The results, so far, has provided consistently wide intervals of mineralization − up to 40 metres − with an average deposit width of 17 metres, which should result in efficient mining operations and lower operating costs. There is now further exploration underway, with our program transitioning to focus on testing regional exploration targets and the expansion to three drills at the Bigstone deposit, while another drill remains at McIlvenna Bay to focus on up-dip expansion. These step-out intercepts highlight the opportunity we have to add value and ultimately grow the resource at McIlvenna Bay. We also have the additional backing of a $100 million strategic investment by Fairfax to help advance our regional exploration campaign and funding to move the project to the development phase.

By capitalizing on some of the technological innovations of recent years, we believe we can deliver a copper development

project that is carbon neutral, significantly kinder to the environment, and much safer to operate from day one through the use of renewable energy, fleets of remote electric vehicles and equipment, as well as innovative new environmental technologies and materials for dealing with tailings and mine site construction. Furthermore, by offsetting the carbon emitted in the exploration phase, we aim to ensure that it accounts for the entire impact of the project from development, through to operations, to eventual closure. We have partnered with the leading carbon measurement and sustainability advisory firm, Synergy Enterprises, to accurately record the development’s emissions and purchase verified offsets for the carbon emitted from all exploration activities over the past 10 years at the deposit.

Whilst our vision is global, our commitment is local. We are working in close partnership with local communities and businesses to provide goods and services we need as the project advances to production. We want to ensure that the local communities will benefit from stable revenues and a circular economic approach that creates high-value jobs and transferable skills within the mining profession, technology sector and environmental conservation which can long outlive the life of a mine.

Ultimately, we need to find a way of producing the commodities we need for a sustainable future in a responsible and sustainable way, and Saskatchewan is answering the call. 8

MINING REDEFINED

In the heart of Saskatchewan, Canada, we are developing the world’s first carbon-neutral copper mine.

ir@foranmining.com Follow us on social media @ForanMining

www.foranmining.com

We believe that environmentally conscious land use, the creation of circular economies in local communities and the use of renewable energy, battery electric vehices and leading edge technology, all provide better returns on investment in the long term and a better future of us all.

We have offset our GHG emissions to date, making us the world’s first carbon-neutral copper development project.

Follow our progress as we create a new blueprint for the future of mining.

TSXV: FOM, OTCQX: FMCXF 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

39

FATHOM NICKEL MOVING FORWARD WITH ALBERT LAKE PROJECT

By Brad Van Den Bussche, President & CEO Albert Lake Ni- Cu- PGE Project Field camp near the historic Rottenstone Mine.

F

athom Nickel Inc. (CSE:FNI), through its wholly owner subsidiary Fathom Minerals Ltd., holds 27 mineral claims covering an

tonnes was mined from the Rottenstone

the extensive database acquired with the

deposit grading 3.23 per cent Ni, 1.63 per

original property acquisition. Compila-

cent Cu, and 9.63 g/t combined Pt, Pd,

tion work identified a set of geophysi-

aggregate area of 90,144 hectares which

and Au (Saskatchewan Mineral Deposit

cal and geochemical “fingerprints” used

Index # 0958), making it one highest-

to guide exploration moving forward.

grade nickel mines known in Canada.

In Q1 /Q2 2021, Fathom obtained its

From 1969 to 2015, multiple sporadic

listing on the CSE through an IPO and

exploration programs were conducted,

raised over $11 million. Fathom is mov-

mainly concentrated in the vicinity of

ing forward with an aggressive drilling

the historic Rottenstone Mine. Fathom

and exploration program focused on de-

acquired the core 11,000 hectares in

fining ultramafic pathways and the con-

2015 and subsequently grew the project

centration of nickel-copper- platinum

to the current 90,144 hectares through

group element mineralization associat-

staking, which resulted in a control-

ed with these ultramafic pathways. The

brothers in 1928 and resulted in the dis-

ling land position along the perspective

Rottenstone deposit is one occurrence

covery of the Hall deposit on the shore

trend. Since acquiring the project in

along an ultramafic pathway and geo-

of Rottenstone Lake, later renamed to

2015, through 2020 as a private compa-

chemical data in drill core is suggestive

the Rottenstone deposit. Between 1964

ny, Fathom focused on compilation, in-

of other well mineralized Rottenstone-

and 1969 a total of slightly over 26,000

terpretation and geologic modelling of

type deposit(s) possibly occurring along

make up its Albert Lake Project, located approximately 135 kilometres north of La Ronge, Saskatchewan. The Albert Lake Project is centred around the historic Rottenstone Mine, a past producer of high-grade nickel-copper-platinum group elements.

Mineral exploration in the Albert Lake project area was initiated by the Hall

40 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

the ultramafic pathway identified and possibly other similar ultramafic pathways. Drilling has identified numerous ultramafic intersections in and around the historic mine workings and in areas well removed from the historic Rottenstone Mine. The company continues to identify these zones and advance discoveries to define resources.

The Albert Lake property lies within the Rottenstone Domain of the Proterozoic Trans-Hudson orogenic belt. The TransHudson Orogen is a major orogenic belt that stretches from the United States through Canada and extends to Greenland and defines the boundary between the Hearne and Superior cratons. The Albert Lake property geology is dominated by a northeast striking, northwest dipping meta-tonalite-trondhjemite-pelitic migmatite complex of Paleoproterozoic age. MacLachlan (2003, 2005) divided the immediate Albert Lake property area into granitoids and supracrustal rocks.

The supracrustal rocks, the oldest rocks occurring on the Albert Lake property, include pelite, psammite, migmatitic psammitic to pelitic metasedimentary rocks, a variety of supracrustal rocks including layered calc-silicate, melanocratic biotite-hornblende-plagioclaserich metasedimentary/metavolcanic rocks, and amphibolite. The ultramafic intrusions, host to the Rottenstone deposit, the Tremblay-Olson showing, and other known ultramafic occurrences occur within metasedimentary rocks (the supracrustal rocks). The Rottenstone deposit is interpreted to be typical of a deep-rooted, mantle derived, magmatic Ni-Cu+PGE ultramafic hosted, sulphidic type of mineral deposit. One possible deposit scenario for the Rottenstone deposit suggests that it is one of several pods of metal enriched ultramafic bodies occurring within the supracrustal rocks at the Albert Lake property. These pods of metal enriched ultramafic bodies are believed to be structurally controlled.

Albert Lake Ni-Cu-PGE Project located within the prolific Trans-Hudson Corridor.

* Fathom Nickel inc. was created with a corporate vision/mandate to: * Build a resource exploration & development company to supply raw materials to the rising demand of the battery/EV market;

partner to enable the needed access to capital to deliver; and * Maintain a highly aligned management team with a best-in-class track record.

For further information and details

* Source high-grade opportunities in top tier mining jurisdictions; * Be an overachiever in ESG activities; * Align with strategic capital market

on Fathom Nickel, please refer to the website at fathomnickel.com and our SEDAR filings. Management would be happy to discuss the company and projects directly if preferred. 8

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www.PortableSpaceHeater.ca www.QualitySpaceHeaters.ca 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

41

BIT SERVICE BRINGS INNOVATION TO CANADA’S MINING INDUSTRY

F

ar too often in the mining world, when it comes to maintaining and servicing our capital assets, the stance is taken that innovation or improvements on current methods aren’t worth the time if the current method

seems to work. This isn’t meant to be a harsh comment on maintenance staff, but rather comes because of these individuals being forced to stretch limited human and financial resourc-

es to serve the needs of growing mines in tough conditions.

scraper blades on the belt, but the individual scraper segments on each scraper blade also provide their own tension and articulation, allowing for the required flexibility to both remove adhered material and articulate over and avoid damaged areas and splices.

These same belt scrapers have the further and important benefit of reducing the need for specialized tools and equipment when it comes time to maintain them. In fact, the worn scraper

One of these areas of improvement is in the maintenance and protection of the conveyor belt system. When not optimized, they are subject to sticky material adhesion issues and material spillage at transfer points, as well as at areas showing tracking misalignment. For years, our personnel observed this when

blade segments don’t require tools to change them with new blade segments. This is an amazing development for maintenance staff in terms of reducing the time for the job, increasing safety, and eliminating a source of frustration. Let’s be clear: in a wet, sticky application like those present in processing plants,

visiting underground sites, seen as an issue the mines had just

the less fasteners there are to contend, with the better.

evolved to deal with in creative ways. We recently met and

Here we have just touched on the innovative primary scrapers

partnered with STARCLEAN®, and we were amazed by the

from STARCLEAN®; however, the same level of innovation has

technological advances they’d made in the areas of conveyor

been brought to secondary scrapers, transfer point seals, return

tending equipment.

scrapers, and self-aligning rollers. This is a complete system de-

The biggest reason we hear from maintenance planners and engineers that they don’t employ belt scrapers for removing adhered material is that they employ mechanical rather than vulcanized belt splices or have belt coverings with some slight separation. In either case, the comments were that they had tried a scraper in the past and the aggressive nature of the

signed to eliminate material spillage, reduce dust and fines, and keep the belt free of adhesion, extending its service life.

We at Bit Service are excited to be able to bring innovations like these to the Canadian mining industry, as the value provided far outweighs the investment in the installed equipment. This is a win for the maintenance staff at the mine, providing them the

scraper would compromise the splice or peeled belt cover, risk-

chance to deploy personnel to other trouble areas of the mine.

ing tearing the belt. This is where we were so impressed with

If you would like to know more about how we can help you

the unique design of the STARCLEAN® primary scraper; not

apply this innovative technology to material handling systems,

only do they employ a variable tensioning system to keep the

reach out to us at Bit Service and we can discuss your options. 8

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42 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

Damaged belt or mechanical belt splices?

Let us introduce you to STARCLEAN® and their innovative conveyor belt cleaners.

Each individual blade of the conveyor belt cleaner adjusts perfectly to the belt surface and can therefore react independently to uneven conveyor belt surfaces.

The indivdual adjustment offered by the TWIST-SWING® function of the STARCLEAN® conveyor belt cleaner guarantees flawless belt cleaning.

The unique TWIST-SWING® technology ensures that each individual scraper blade of the STARCLEAN® belt cleaner always adjusts optimally to the belt surface. The scraper blades evade obstacles or uneven surfaces and still maintain optimum tension providing consistent cleaning and belt protection. The tool-free maintenance of the scraper blades allows for fast and safe maintenance to keep the cleaner in optimal condition.

As a proud partner and distributor for STARCLEAN® , We are ready to help solve your fines spillage and belt cleaning issues.

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SUPPORTING NORTHERN RECOVERY MMDF provides funding for mining and economic development projects that create opportunities for Indigenous partnerships, increase local employment, and mobilize economic development in Northern Manitoba.

If you are part of an Indigenous community, municipality, business or not-for-profit and want to help the North grow, APPLY TODAY at

www.candig.com

mbchamber.mb.ca.

2021-2022 Northern Prospector

43

NORTHERN RESOURCE TRUCKING MAKES MOVES IN MANITOBA

N

orthern Resource Trucking has always been a trailblazing company. In 1986, the Lac La Ronge Indian Band in northern Saskatchewan envisioned a future in which First Nations businesses were actively involved

with the resource development taking place in the province.

GROWING TOGETHER Northern Resource Trucking believes that the best way to go forward is grow forward, together. Cooperation and partnership with First Nations is the best way for

Northern Resource Trucking was developed with the sole pur-

all provinces to maximize the potential for growth and

pose of servicing the growing uranium industry in northern

development in Canada’s natural resource sector. And

Saskatchewan, but its partnership with Saskatchewan First Na-

they’re willing to put their money where their mouth is!

tions sets it apart from its competitors.

BLAZING NEW TRAILS Northern Resource Trucking is the product of a partnership between Kitsaki Development Corporation and Trimac Transportation, which kept business in northern communities, created jobs for those who wanted to stay in the north, and

The First Nations Mining Economic Development (FNMED) Inc. has combined the forces of nine Manitoba First Nations with the transportation experts at Northern Resource Trucking to create Piwapisk Hauling Limited Partnership, a powerful new partnership in natural resource development.

provided investment opportunities that kept money in those

Together with Northern Resource Trucking, their vi-

communities.

sion is to develop a sustainable and productive mining

Today, NRT’s unique business model has garnered attention

economy in the First Nation communities of Manitoba.

from groups in Manitoba and Ontario. With impressive growth

Exploration in Manitoba is looking very promising −

and development in Manitoba’s resource sector, NRT is setting

from gold and diamonds to sphagnum peat bogs − and

its sights on new opportunities east of the border.

FNMED and NRT are ready for it!

44 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

“ We haul commodities out to be processed or manufactured into products for all kinds of industries, and often the materials to build the facilities for the processing.

And then we haul the finished goods to their final destination. It’s unique to be a company that well-rounded.”

BIG PLANS In fact, NRT is so invested in Manitoba’s mining and transportation future that it has opened a new Winnipeg Branch, which is developing business in Manitoba and northwestern Ontario.

NRT now hauls industrial chemicals from Winnipeg to various points in western Canada; Lime from Faulkner, Manitoba to the Ruttan Mine for Manitoba Orphaned and Abandoned Mines; hazardous waste from numerous points in western Canada to a processing site near Winnipeg; grinding media from Kamloops to the Pure Point Gold mine at Red Lake, Ontario; propane for

dustries, and often the materials to build the facilities for the processing. And then we haul the finished goods to their final destination. It’s unique to be a company that well-rounded.”

As exploration in Manitoba continues to expand, Northern Resource Trucking looks forward to growing with Manitoban businesses looking to provide supplies and equipment to resource development projects in the north and across Canada.

NRT’s one-of-a-kind experience and expertise in northern transportation and First Nations partnerships will provide an edge over the competition.

FCL and Superior Propane to various points in southern Mani-

“Our experience, skills and equipment have us well-positioned

toba and northwestern Ontario; and a veriety of freight from

in the marketplace,” says NRT President Dave McIlmoyl. “We

Winnipeg to western Canada and from western Canada back

offer the dedication of a smaller company with the portfolio of

to Winnipeg.

services of a large, domestic carrier. We’re the whole package,

“I see us as an end-to-end carrier,” says Glen Ertell, Vice President of Operations at NRT. “We haul commodities out to be processed or manufactured into products for all kinds of in-

delivering quality with every run wherever it goes and a safety record that’s among the best in North America.”

And blazing new trails is what NRT does best. 8 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

45

BOOSTING YOUR WORKPLACE RESILIENCE By the Mining Family Matters team

M

ining and resources workers don’t necessarily need to be any more resilient than employees in other industries. Lots of workplaces are tough. However, if you’re working away, or doing shift work, or even just working in daily extreme conditions, things can sometimes get you down a little more than normal.

skills, and a generally optimistic view of the workplace and your position in it. When working in a tough or tricky environment, it’s very important not to fall into unhelpful thinking patterns.

Common thinking traps are magnifying or catastrophizing (blowing a problem out of proportion), personalizing (making the problem all about you), and over-generalizing.

If you want to build your general resilience, consider these factors.

Keep your emotions in check: Emotional regulation is about recognizing your feelings (or emotions) but not being swept away by them. Basically, it means recognizing that you are angry, upset, or excited, but keeping these feelings in check so they don’t feel overwhelming. Knowing yourself is important for emotional regulation. For example, know what situations are likely to bring up strong emotions for you.

Work out your values: We all have them, but some of us don’t stop to think what they are. Identifying your core values will help you to make positive decisions and guide your behaviour when the going gets tough. Start by listing all the people you have ever admired (real people as well as fictional characters from movies, books) and name the specific characteristics you admire. Examples are compassionate, assertive, strong, intelligent, innovative and calm. Refer to your values when facing a tough time professionally or personally.

Set goals: Goals keep you moving forward. Short-term, medium-term and long-term goals help to keep your mind occupied with problem-solving at challenging times. Enlisting the support of a trusted manager, supervisor, workmate or friend in setting and reaching goals can also help.

Adjust your thinking style: Believe it or not, this is a skill that can be learned.

Thinking well is not just about thinking “happy thoughts”, but about realizing you have control over what you think about and how you think about it.

A good thinking style includes positive problem-solving 46 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

Control your impulses: This is like emotional regulation but refers to behaviours, not feelings. Good impulse control means that you’re able to think and feel strongly about something but keep your behaviours in check. It’s not just about keeping your cool when you feel angry, but also about being able to act assertively and confidently even when you don’t feel confident.

Stay healthy: Physical health is important for any career, and especially in mining and resources, which can be more physically demanding and located in harsher environments.

And on a final note, take extra care if you’re driving home at the end of a long shift. Remember that nothing is as important as getting home safely. Road safety experts warn us to avoid getting behind the wheel when we’re tired; not to drive when we’re normally asleep; to take 10-minute breaks every two hours; and get plenty of fresh air.

Since 2010, Mining Family Matters has provided professional, practical advice to miners and their families around the world.

In Canada, 32-page printed guides helping mining families to survive and thrive are available for companies in English and French. For information and further expert advice on careers, mental health, relationships and parenting, visit the Mining Family Matters website at www.miningfm.com. 8

OCTANT AVIATION: YOUR CANADIAN AVIATION EXPERTS

F

or mining companies operating in Canada’s North, air transport is essential for flying workers in and out, delivering cargo, and providing medevac flights. Reliable air carrier and airport service, and the safety of those services are all vital to the mining companies’ operations.

OCTANT Aviation is a consulting firm specializing in air transport. Our team of more than 30 highly skilled professionals is the only one in Canada to offer a full spectrum of air transport expertise to help ensure the success of your mining projects.

Our experience with complex environments and on-the-ground realities allows us to cater to your specific needs and offer you the most cost-effective solutions in remote air transport operations.

Our experts are here to support the mining industry with its air transport operations.

PRE-PROJECT: • Advise on airfield design and construction costs • Identify the most suitable site • Analyze aviation needs and select aircraft accordingly • Compare ownership and charter scenarios • Conduct business-case and return-oninvestment study

CONSTRUCTION: • Carry out pre-feasibility assessment • Prepare plans and specifications for construction and issue call for tenders • Oversee regulatory compliance of the new infrastructure • Purchase airport equipment • Set up the airport’s operational logistics • Develop instrument approach procedures

AIR TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT AND SERVICES: • Evaluate prospective carriers

• Draft bid specifications • Negotiate air transport contracts • Audit carrier performance & safety • Manage and optimize air transport contracts • Provide 24/7 reservations, dispatch, and flight-monitoring services

AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT: • Prepare mandatory documents: operations manual and emergency response plan • Provide air traffic controller and airport personnel • Train ground services team (refuelling, deicing, GPU, etc.)

• Provide restricted radio operator-certified training • Implement airport management software • Conduct emergency exercises • Oversee infrastructure management 8

47

THE FUTURE OF GLOVES IN THE MINING INDUSTRY

T

he COVID-19 pandemic has forced leaders across every market sector to refine their strategic objectives, modify their

execution plans, and rethink their priorities. The mining sector is no exception. The COVID-19 pandemic has also reinforced the critical importance of worker safety. Who would have thought two years ago that “PPE” would become a household term? At the same time, a recent wave of natural disasters with a high-potential link to climate change is reminding the world that there might be a climate crisis that demands our urgent attention. Both issues have huge implications for the mining sector.

Sustainable PPE sits where worker safety and increased demand for sustainable materials intersect. The industrial glove

POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED CONTENT In the US and Canada, 53 billion empty water bottles are thrown away each year.

For perspective, that’s enough wasted water bottles to completely cover the city of Los Angeles, California – every year. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the preferred material for bottled water production and is highly recyclable.

Watson Gloves and other reputable suppliers are leveraging the recyclability of PET water bottles to make work gloves. As an example, Watson’s technology platform, WasteNot™, takes recycled plastic water bottles - breaks them down into small pellets which are then melted down and extruded into yarn. The result is 100 per cent postconsumer recycled content yarn made

industry is leading the charge with in-

from wasted water bottles. The amount

novative technologies that offer recycled

of Wastenot™ yarn used to make one

content and materials with enhanced

pair of seamless knit gloves is equivalent

biodegradability to both reduce land-

to one 500mL bottle, and the equivalent

fill waste and create biofuel that can be

of one to three plastic bottles is used in

harnessed for clean energy production.

the fabric to make performance gloves.

These emerging technologies provide an

Utilizing recycled PET bottles for glove

opportunity to turn PPE purchases into

production prevents landfilling, reduces

sustainability wins.

soil contamination and air and water

48 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

pollution, all while requiring less energy for production than virgin polyester.

ENHANCED BIODEGRADABILITY There has been a lot of media coverage around disposable nitrile gloves as essential PPE for COVID-19 response. It’s estimated that pandemic response has generated a 45 per cent spike in demand representing increased consumption of almost 140 billion single-use gloves.

Most of these gloves will eventually make their way into a landfill, where they’ll degrade over hundreds of years.

A typical nitrile glove will take 200 years to decompose in a landfill.

New technologies provide accelerated biodegradation of nitrile gloves.

One example, the Reclaim™ technology platform developed by Watson Gloves is an additive to the nitrile compound used in the production of single-use gloves. The degradation technology only activates once the glove is exposed to landfill conditions (combined high heat, high moisture, no light, and limited oxygen). The result is nitrile gloves that will degrade in less than 12 years (ASTM-D5526) – all without any loss

in glove performance. Further, these gloves release CH4 (methane) gas when decomposing that can be reclaimed as a source for clean inexpensive energy.

Most modern landfills capture methane

creasing sustainability commitments by companies and available advancing technology means that we can expect sustainable PPE will be a longstanding industry trend.

For more information on these technologies and our portfolio sustainable gloves, please visit www.watsongloves.com. 8

and other greenhouse gasses and either burn the gas or use it to create energy.

We now have a new circular economy for nitrile glove waste. Gloves are worn and disposed at point of use, collected, and transported to municipal landfills that are designed to capture off gassing of methane as that trash decomposes – ultimately that methane gas is used to

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generate clean energy that powers our homes, businesses, and communities.

Reclaim™ additive technology is now being applied to both the yarn and the palm coating to produce fully biodegradable seamless knit gloves. These technologies are just the start of a new category of PPE offerings with sustainability benefits.

Going forward, the combination of in-

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2021-2022 Northern Prospector

49

WE NEED MINING, MINING NEEDS YOU

By Alex Parsons, Mining Industry Human Resources Council

T

o build a safer, greener, and more connected world, we need mining. And mining needs you.

key directions – requiring collaboration among industry stake-

The Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) launched the National Youth Mining Career

1.

Increasing Youth Engagement: Engage youth and key

Awareness Strategy 2021-2026: Transformation, Innovation and Diversity following a two-year study on the context, challenges, and solutions for attracting youth to the industry. The National Strategy includes engaging with youth, building career awareness among young job seekers, and producing highquality research to assist with evidence-based program development.

“With growth in the sector, looming retirements, and an already tight labour market, the industry will be challenged to attract and develop an anticipated need of over 100,000 new workers over the next decade,” says MiHR’s Executive Director Ryan Montpellier. “Significant effort is required to raise awareness of mining careers amongst youth and other under-represented groups to secure the labour supply required to meet industry demand given forecasted labour shortages. In support of the federal government’s Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan (CMMP), the National Strategy aims to attract and develop highly qualified personnel to the mining industry.”

To realize its goals, the National Strategy operates based on five 50 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

holders: stakeholders in the conception and implementation of mining career awareness initiatives.

2. Transforming Perceptions: Transform youth perceptions of the mining sector and mining sector careers.

3. Reaching Younger Students: Integrate mining sector and

mining career awareness into public education curricula and classrooms at the elementary, intermediate, and secondary levels.

4.

Building Alliances Between Industry and Education:

Foster innovative industry and post-secondary education partnerships to attract and prepare youth for careers in the mining sector.

5. Promoting Diversity in the Workforce: Diversify the mining workforce by engaging with youth from underrepresented groups.

Stemming from the National Strategy, MiHR recently launched a new career awareness campaign: We Need Mining, Mining Needs You. Prominent on www.miningneedsyou.ca and MiHR’s social media platforms, the campaign features several

Canada’s mining industry needs to attract more workers to fill growing and vacant occupations. Younger students approaching or graduating from post-secondary school are prime candidates, as their techsavviness, ambition and variety of skills and qualifications fit well into the mining sector. useful resources and tools highlighting mining as an innovative, challenging, and rewarding career choice.

The website showcases some of the green technology, medical tools, and entertainment devices that depend on minerals and metals. It explores the reality of modern mining and how its use of innovation, approach to environmental sustainability, enhanced safety measures, and diversity in the workforce make the industry an increasingly dynamic sector. There is also a general knowledge quiz providing insight into the common misconceptions about mining and an interactive job pathway tool allows users to discover different entry-level occupations divided by category and see where these careers may lead. A suite of career profiles that provide in-depth information about common mining positions are linked to the pathway and can also be viewed separately.

Canada’s mining industry needs to attract more workers to fill growing and vacant occupations. Younger students approaching or graduating from post-secondary school are prime candidates, as their tech-savviness, ambition and variety of skills and qualifications fit well into the mining sector. Many young workers also have skills in other industries that are highly transferrable to mining. With over 120 occupations available, there is a place in mining for everyone.

According to MiHR’s Mining Year in Review: National Outlook 2021 report, there’s an anticipated drought in mining-related engineering. Mining, geological, and material and metallurgical engineering are the three most relevant post-secondary engineering programs to the mining industry, yet they experienced the lowest undergraduate enrolment among all engineering programs and enrolment in mining related engineering programs contracted by over 25 per cent in Canada from 2015 to 2019. Additionally, it shows youth are less likely to choose mining as a career – the minerals and metals sector ranked as the least desired sector in a 2020 survey of 3,000 Canadians aged 15 to 30. Along with increased career awareness, the mining sector is also in dire need of young workers.

To help remedy this, MiHR’s Gearing Up wage subsidy pro-

gram has helped over 1,200 Canadian post-secondary students gain mining experience since 2018. Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program, Gearing Up offers a wage subsidy up to $7,500 to employers who create work placements.

MiHR also relaunched its Green Jobs program in summer 2021 in support of the National Strategy. Another wage subsidy program – funded by the Government of Canada’s Science and Technology Internship Program – Green Jobs enables mining companies to hire job-ready youth who gain work experience in the sector through paid placements or training opportunities that focus on clean technology and innovation. Participating employers are compensated 80 per cent of each intern’s compensation to a maximum of $25,000 for job-ready youth and $32,000 for youth furthest from employment (Indigenous youth, youth in northern regions, rural and remote communities, and youth with disabilities). Its current objective is to provide 25 placements by March 31, 2022.

MiHR is also developing a career ambassador program to help connect industry speakers with classrooms and youth community groups across the country as well as mining career curriculum that can be used by teachers to help dispel myths and portray the modern mining industry.

“By choosing a career in mining, youth can help Canada become the world’s leading mining nation – setting a global example for environmental sustainability, social responsibility and technological innovation,” said Montpellier. “Through implementation of the new National Strategy, youth in Canada will become more aware that mining is essential to our way of life today and to the world we want to create tomorrow; Gearing Up and Green Jobs helps them find their way in from the ground up.”

Industry stakeholders are urged to collaborate on National Strategy objectives and take advantage of the wage subsidy programs. Together, we will build an inclusive, skilled, and sustainable Canadian mining workforce that anticipates and adapts to volatility and innovation. 8 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

51

By Lindsay Vautour

DUMAS CONTRACTING LTD. IS COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE

D

umas is a leading full-service underground mining contractor. We are proud to sustain long-term relationships with clients, providing concept to completion collaboration and “one-team” partnership

through the complete project lifecycle. “Your Project, Our Expertise, Common Ground” extends beyond being just a tagline. It represents Dumas’ commitment to develop and sustain mutually beneficial, socially responsible long-term relationships with our clients and industry partners.

At Dumas, our greatest asset is our people. We have remained committed to the safety of our clients and employees, leading COVID-19 response efforts including pre-rotation screening, contingency planning, daily temperature screening, and labour localization strategy, minimizing out-of-province travel.

We are action and results oriented with a commitment to innovation and sustainability. We are dedicated to nurturing strong, transparent, and mutually beneficial relationship with Indigenous communities throughout Canada and South America, ensuring local communities share in the social and economic benefits of our operations and training opportunities. We are currently collaborating on the restoration of a community skating rink in Snow Lake, Manitoba to enrich the winter experience for local families. 8

52 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

THE PRENEVOSTS CONTINUE TO PLAY A BIG PART IN POP’S CORE BOX PRODUCTION

P

orcupine Opportunities Program is a not-for-profit agency in Porcupine Plain, Saskatchewan. The agency has close to a 50-year history of supporting individuals experiencing disability through residential and vocational supports, with a big part of the vocational program being the production of core boxes for mining companies and drillers.

The agency has several individuals in its program who have been involved in core box production from the very early days.

Of these, three brothers and their uncle Ray have been particularly engaged with this work. Ray is now retired; however, Darren, Darrell (Peewee), and Dwayne continue to be a key part of our core box team.

Darren is the oldest and will be turning 55 this year. As the senior family member, he has, over the years, kept an eye out for his younger brothers, particularly up to a few years ago when they were still living in one of our supported living homes. Darren takes great interest in cooking, gardening, and more recently with hooking rugs! He’s also a bit of a collector and has his own shed to keep the numerous items that he’s accumulated over the years.

Darren’s key role within our work team is construction of boxes. He and others work with a jig, pre-cut pieces of wood, and an air-driven stapler to construct primarily NQ and HQ boxes.

Darrell, widely known as Peewee, is the second oldest. At 54, he is still spry and active. At home, he is always volunteering to help around the house including assisting with meal preparation, cutting grass, and raking leave. He also enjoys

54 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

playing cards and other games, colouring, and watching old movies.

At work, he is also a box builder, using the jig and the staple gun to construct boxes. Darrell is very proud of what he does and quite possessive about his spot within the production line, getting quite irritated if someone else uses his station.

He has a very strong work ethic and is always ready and willing (and most often insistent) that he be allowed to work if we need to put in extra time to fill an order.

Dwayne, the youngest at 50, is good-natured and always seems to a have smile on his face. He loves to ride his bike, and he looks with dismay at the first snow and with joy at a dry road in the spring.

He also enjoys travelling and looks forward to these and other events in his life with unbridled enthusiasm, whether it be his birthday, Christmas, a dance, a trip to the lake, Canada Day, or other like occasions.

stories − some that happened, some that could have happened, and some that didn’t happen.

All in all, the Prenevost’s have played and continue to play a major role in our agency and in our core box production.

Their work, along with the comradery they experience as part of the shop team, is an important part of their world. We appreciate the opportunity to continue to provide them with this experience and would like to thank our industry partners for their continued support of our agency through core box sales. 8

Dwayne’s main work in the workshop is on cutting plywood to build the boxes.

He has a particular interest and knack for feeding the plywood gang saw, ensuring that the next piece is ready to go while his partner, that is off-bearing, is finishing up with the previous piece.

Like Darrell, he is extremely protective of his job and quite “ticked” if someone else takes his place, even for a short period of time.

Uncle Ray, our oldest participant at 72, has been retired for several years now.

He used to also build boxes and could spend most of his day on a few boxes, ensuring that they were “well stapled”.

Our production manager used to tease him that our guys doing the strapping could hardly lift his boxes due to the number of staples that he had used.

These days, Ray is very active in our day program, where he loves to colour, take part in crafts and recreation activities (including our seniors’ program), and entertain those around him with great 55

RISE AIR: STRONG ROOTS, FIRST NATIONS OWNED, AND PROUDLY SERVING THE NORTH

T

he history of Rise Air is intimately connected to the growth of the Canadian aviation industry and the development of the Northern Saskatchewan region.

75 per cent. The Prince Albert Development Corporation holds 25 per cent. Rise Air is a Certified Aboriginal Business through the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.

Formed in 2021, when Transwest Air and West Wind Aviation combined under one brand, Rise Air has built on the legacies of these two airlines and is now one of the largest independent air carriers in Canada. Rise Air has the most diverse and comprehensive fleet of fixed-wing aircraft in Saskatchewan, with specialized charters and the largest scheduled service network in the province.

Today, Rise Air employs over 200 employees in locations ranging from Saskatoon to Fond du Lac, serving the North and working and living alongside our valued customers and community partners. With a varied and ever-expanding fleet of fixed-wing aircraft, including wheels, floats, and skis, Rise Air is the only air operator in Saskatchewan capable of moving people and goods to and from virtually any location in the province and beyond. By taking advantage of the efficiencies unique to our broad spectrum of expertise and experience, Rise Air continues to offer high-quality tailored aviation solutions that serve, support, and promote the growth and success of Saskatchewan.

Transwest Air was formed in 2000 through the merger of Saskatchewan-based Athabaska Airways and La Ronge Aviation Services. The joining of the two airlines to form Transwest Air was undertaken by the sons of the original owners, Jim Glass and Pat Campling Jr. Their mission was to support the development of Northern Saskatchewan by safely and consistently delivering the best possible value to our customers.

West Wind Aviation was created in 1983, quickly growing from a one-aircraft operation into a diverse organization with a range of aviation-related services, including a charter, workforce transportation, and scheduled service through its now defunct Express Air and Pronto Airways divisions.

In 2016, West Wind Aviation purchased Transwest Air and their operations gradually merged over this past year to form Rise Air, a proud 100 per cent First Nations-owned airline.

Athabasca Basin Development, representing the seven communities in the Athabasca Basin, is the majority shareholder at 56 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

Scheduled commercial flights, with larger aircraft equipped with washrooms and flight attendants, serve the communities of Saskatoon, Prince Albert, La Ronge, Stony Rapids, Fond du Lac, Uranium City, and Wollaston Lake. Rise Air also has decades of experience providing contract charter flights, including mine personnel shift changes and provincial court party transportation. Numerous accredited maintenance bases across the province means that medevac transportation, corporate and charter travel, and freight hauling are just a few of the many services Rise Air can provide safely, efficiently, and reliably, 365 days a year.

Visit riseair.ca for more information. 8

XPLOR 2021: A RESOUNDING SUCCESS FROM START TO FINISH

E

very year, the Quebec Mineral Exploration Association (QMEA) holds its Xplor convention to advance the mining

Perreault, and Joanie Caron. They dis-

of the event, rewarded several compa-

cussed a wide range of topics with par-

nies and members of the industry for

industry as a whole. However, the ongo-

and Northern Quebec, gold synthesis in

ing pandemic has complicated matters considerably and forced the organizers

ticipants, allowing them to learn more about financing and markets, James Bay Abitibi, exploration applied to critical and strategic minerals (CSMs), geomet-

their involvement in the development of mining exploration in Quebec. The QMEA would like to congratulate the winners in each category (https://aemq. org/en/about-recognition-award/). Spe-

to redouble their efforts and creativity.

allurgy as a key element of a successful

Driven by the success of the previous

mining project, and Quebec as a stable,

edition, the QMEA managed to pull out

safe, and responsible global supplier of

all the stops and offer a second outstand-

CSMs. There was definitely a wealth of

ing virtual convention. The program-

content, and this is only the tip of the

ming committee is proud of this year’s

iceberg! Much more information was

success, which brought together many

presented during the convention.

With the incredibly successful 2021 edi-

RECOGNITION AWARDS

ing toward 2022. We hope to be able to

renowned speakers and exciting topics.

“The virtual format is a good challenge for a large-scale event like ours, but

The Recognition Awards Gala, which

once again, we rose to the occasion with

was held at the end of the first four blocks

cial mention to all the finalists!

SEE YOU AT XPLOR 2022!

The QMEA is proud to offer a quality event to its members, year after year. tion now behind us, we are already lookhold next year’s event in person.

See you then! 8

a high-quality Xplor convention,” says Valérie Fillion, Executive Director of the QMEA.

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AN EVENT WITH NO SHORTAGE OF QUALITY CONTENT The convention, which took place on October 25, 27, and 28, consisted of six presentation blocks featuring a host of speakers, including Alden Greenhouse,

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57

AME ROUNDUP 2022 IS ALMOST HERE! At AME Roundup, deals are made, talent is discovered and trends are set AME Roundup 2022 will feature an amazing array of talented speakers, including Opening Ceremonies Keynote speaker Christine Sinclair

R

ediscover one of the largest gatherings of the global mineral exploration industry – both in person AND online!

Connect with colleagues from around the world to exchange ideas and inspire new discoveries: exploration projects that identify resources critical to our everyday life, sustain vibrant regional communities for generations to come, and respect the environment around us.

“The theme for AME Roundup 2022 is: Engage. Connect. Evolve. As society recovers and evolves from the disruption caused by the pandemic, so does our industry. At AME Roundup, you will discover how mineral exploration is evolving into a diverse, dynamic sector, embracing new technologies, forging community partnerships, and engaging the next generation,” said Kendra Johnston, AME president and CEO. “AME Roundup is where deals are made, talent is discovered, and trends are set.”

Hosted by explorers for explorers, AME Roundup is the premier gathering place for thousands of geoscientists, prospectors, financiers, investors, suppliers, governments, and Indigenous partners to engage, share knowledge, and stay on the forefront of the opportunities and challenges shaping our industry.

One of those is climate change. Essential minerals and metals discovered and developed in British Columbia and 58 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

24 PM

beyond by B.C.-based companies are necessary for the global transition to a low-carbon, clean energy future. Unlock opportunities to contribute to a climate-smart future at AME Roundup through relevant and timely content, delivered by knowledgeable speakers, engaging exhibitors, and inspiring presenters.

Join in person at the Vancouver Convention Centre West AND access live and on-demand virtual programming from anywhere in the world from January 31 to February 3, 2022.

AME Roundup 2022 registration is available here, with options for both inperson and online programming.

Stay up-to-date on conference details, including program announcements, short courses, speakers and networking opportunities at roundup.amebc.ca or follow our AME Roundup social media channels: @AMEroundup on Twitter @ameroundup on Instagram ame-roundup on LinkedIn #AMERoundup2022 Passes are available for in-person and virtual access to the conference or a virtual-only pass to experience the conference online. On-demand virtual programming will be available for six months following the conference. 8 2021-2022 Northern Prospector

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Pandemic impacts NWT mining sector in 2020 ATAC continues to deliver new discoveries at the Rackla Gold Property

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Corporation Métaux Précieux du Québec en route vers la découverte de la prochaine mine d’or à la Baie-James Québec Precious Metals Corporation progressing well to find the next gold mine in James Bay, Québec

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• MPDA member property profiles • Manitoba mining activity • Mining essential to kick-start Canada's low-carbon tech revolution

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Manitoba Mi neral Development Fu supports susta nd inable economic de velopment The future loo ks Saskatchewa bright as n builds to me et continued mineral dema nd

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INDEX TO ADVERTISERS 1911 Gold Canada Corporation.

Corporation............................................................................................. 35 Aggressive Drilling Ltd............................................................................................................

Ltd............................................................................................................ 21 Alex MacIntyre & Associates Ltd..........................................................................................

Ltd.......................................................................................... 25 AME BC. BC...................................................................................................................................... 61 Bit Service Company Ltd..

Ltd......................................................................................................... 43 Can Dig Mini Excavators Inc..

Inc.................................................................................................. 43 Custom Helicopters Ltd..

Ltd........................................................................................................... 37 Dimatec Inc.......................................................................................................................

Inc.......................................................................................................................22 22 & 23 Dumas Contracting Ltd...........................................................................................................

Ltd........................................................................................................... 53 Earthex Geophysical Services.

Services................................................................................................. 14 Exploration Tents & Arctic Camp Supplies.

Supplies............................................................ 11, 41, 49 Foran Mining Corporation.

Corporation...................................................................................................... 39 FWS Group of Companies.

Companies...................................................................................................... 31 Graham....................................................................................................................................

Graham .................................................................................................................................... IBC Heli-Lift International Inc..

Inc......................................................................................................... 3 Hitachi Mining............................................................................................................................

Mining............................................................................................................................ 5 Major Drilling............................................................................................................................

Drilling............................................................................................................................ 10 Manitoba Chambers of Commerce.

Commerce....................................................................................... 43 Northern Resource Trucking.

Trucking.................................................................................................. 19 NorthStar Air. Air............................................................................................................................. 16 Octant Aviation Inc..................................................................................................................

Inc.................................................................................................................. 47 Osprey Wings Ltd.....................................................................................................................

Ltd..................................................................................................................... 18 PDAC............................................................................................................................................ 15 PDAC Porcupine Opportunities Program Inc..

Inc........................................................................54 .....................................................................54 & 55 Prairie Crane................................................................................................................................

Crane................................................................................................................................ 9 Prairie Helicopters Inc............................................................................

Inc............................................................................7Rax 7Rax Enterprises Inc RAX Enterprises Inc..

Inc................................................................................................................. 13 Rise Air. Air........................................................................................................................................ 17 Rockcliff Resources Inc..

Inc.............................................................................................................. 8 SaskTel........................................................................................................................................IFC SaskTel ..................................................................................................................................... IFC Watson Gloves.

Gloves...................................................................................................................... OBC

62 2021-2022 Northern Prospector