Uranium miner Paladin Energy on Monday announced that its Canadian subsidiary, Fission Uranium, had signed a mutual benefits agreement (MBA) with the Buffalo River Dene Nation (BRDN).
The agreement, the first of its kind for the Patterson Lake South (PLS) project, outlines the framework for cooperation between Fission and BRDN over the lifespan of the uranium project in Saskatchewan’s south-western Athabasca basin.
The agreement establishes how the two parties will collaborate to ensure the economic and social benefits of the PLS project are shared with the BRDN community. It also secures BRDN’s support and consent for the project across all stages, from development through to decommissioning and reclamation.
Paladin pointed out that the MBA served as a signal to provincial and federal regulators that BRDN supported the project and that mechanisms for continued engagement were in place as PLS advanced through permitting and licensing.
“We are pleased to stand behind the Fission team in signing this important agreement with BRDN and our goal is to be a long-term partner in Saskatchewan, a good neighbour, and a positive force in the community and we look forward to continuing to work together with BRDN,” said Paladin Energy CEO Ian Purdy.
In a statement, BRDN Chief Billette highlighted the significance of the agreement. "This agreement, negotiated over several years, ensures that all stages of Fission's project in our traditional territory will provide Buffalo River Dene Nation members with training, employment, and business opportunities for member- and nation-owned businesses. Most importantly, it includes commitments to environmental stewardship and sustainability, helping ensure our land and resources are protected for future generations. We are grateful to have reached this point and look forward to working together in the years ahead."
Paladin acquired Fission Uranium in December. 