Gold project developer Marathon Gold has concluded a socio-economic agreement (SEA) with the Miawpukek First Nation for the development of the Valentine gold project, in central Newfoundland.
Marathon president and CEO Matt Manson and Miawpukek chief Mi’sel Joe and representatives of the Miawpukek Band Council signed the agreement.
“The investment in people and Indigenous communities is an important component of the development of Newfoundland and Labrador’s rich mineral resource potential. These SEA agreements are the first of their type for mining businesses on the island of Newfoundland, and they reflect our commitment to prioritize Indigenous economic development, employment and community wellbeing,” said Manson.
The SEA respects Miawpukek’s historic and cultural connections to the lands and waters while establishing a framework for a long-term positive working relationship between Marathon and Miawpukek. The SEA will cover the life of the Valentine gold project.
The agreement addresses matters such as access to employment and contracting opportunities by Miawpukek members and businesses, education and training, environmental stewardship and monitoring, cultural investment, and ongoing engagement.
The project comprises a series of mineralised deposits along a 20-km trend.
A December 2022 feasibility study outlined an openpit mining and conventional milling operation over a 14.3-year mine life with a 22% after-tax rate of return and an average gold production profile of 195 000 oz/y for the first 12 years.