First Nations, Billiton sign Jansen potash agreement

Kawacatoose, Day Star and Muskowekwan First Nations have signed an opportunities agreement for the Jansen potash project with BHP Billiton. There will also be assistance for building First Nation businesses by giving entrepreneurs and community-owned business development access to opportunities at the project. The agreement will also see the sharing of environmental management practices and governance processes to co-manage implementation of the agreement. “First Nations are forging new relationships with industry in order to reinvest in our community,” said Chief Darin Poorman of Kawacatoose First Nation, in a news release. BHP Billiton has currently committed close to $3.8 billion (US) for the Jansen potash project, with both mining shafts expected to be completed in 2016 and surface infrastructure in 2017.