COPPER-GOLD: AuRico, Tse Keh Nay sign IBA for Kemess underground project

BRITISH COLUMBIA – AuRico Metals of Toronto and the Takla Lake, Tsay Keh Dene and Kwadacha (Tse Keh Nay or TKN) have signed an impact benefit agreement covering the Kemess underground copper-gold project 430 km northwest of Prince George. The project received environmental approval in March 2017. [caption id="attachment_1003718515" align="alignright" width="403"] Developing the Kemess underground will cost close to US$400 million despite taking advantage of all the surface infrastructure built for the Kemess South mine. Credit: AuRico Metals.[/caption] The IBA sets out a framework for the long term, co-operative relationship between the company and the First Nations over the life of the project. The TKN will participate through training, employment, business opportunities, environmental protection, and other means. The TKN originally opposed development of the Kemess underground mine because AuRico proposed to put the tailings from in Amazay Lake. After consultation and compromise, the company moved the tailings storage facility to the mined out Kemess South pit. The Kemess underground deposit has probable reserves of 107.4 million tonnes grading 0.27% copper and 0.54 g/t gold and containing 629.6 million lb. of copper and almost 1.9 million oz. of gold. The feasibility study for the Kemess underground project can be viewed at www.AuRicoMetals.ca.