Indigenous Relations & Social Contribution
Fortune Minerals Limited is committed to and understands that it must work to develop successful relationships in the Indigenous communities and lands on which the Company works. Fortune understands the importance of early and meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders.
The Tlicho First Nation is the primary Indigenous group living in the vicinity of the NICO deposit in the Northwest Territories. Fortune strives to develop productive working relationships with all residents within the operating areas around the Company’s projects and is involved in ongoing consultation to ensure sensitivity to the protection of First Nation lands and water, Traditional Knowledge, history and culture.
Fortune understands the influence that its projects have on the livelihoods and ongoing quality of life in the communities that the Company operates, and the Company is committed to making a lasting contribution.
The Northwest Territories government plans to expand its infrastructure and power supplies to spur Northern economic development.The NICO mine and concentrator are a potential customer for this new capacity, providing a cleaner and lower cost alternative for electricity to communities and industry. Fortune also contributed to the development of the Tlicho Highway by providing early survey work, environmental studies and the initial engineering to stimulate its development. This all-weather road opened to the public in 2021and connects the community of Whati to the main highway between Edmonton and Yellowknife. The establishment of this road mitigates risks with winter ice road construction and use, enabling four-season delivery of fuel and bulk supplies, and improving the delivery of services and quality of life in this previously isolated community.It also supports diverse economic growth opportunities such as tourism, hydro-electric power expansion, and mineral exploration and development in the Tlicho region. These types of initiatives support the long-term sustainability of northern communities and improve the viability of other projects in the area.
Fortune has embedded policies in purchasing and employment practices to support its commitment to ensuring local communities and First Nations benefit from our projects.