Sio Silica, an Alberta-based sand mining company, has offered Brokenhead Ojibway Nation a 5% share of profits, up to $20 million annually, from its proposed sand-extraction operation in southeastern Manitoba. This offer is part of a revised effort to obtain an environmental licence after their initial plan was rejected in 2024 due to water quality and geological stability concerns. The First Nation is consulting its members, with some opposition.
Sand mining company offers 5% of profits, up to $20M a year, to Manitoba First Nation
AlbertaManitobaWinnipegManitoba Progressive Conservative PartyNew Democratic PartyCarla DevlinFeisal SomjiHeather StefansonTangi BellTaylor GalvinMining regulationMetals and minerals industryFirst Nations peopleEnvironmentSocietyStudents
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Sio Silica, an Alberta-based sand mining company, has offered Brokenhead Ojibway Nation a 5% share of profits, up to $20 million annually, from its proposed sand-extraction operation in southeastern Manitoba. This offer is part of a revised effort to obtain an environmental licence after their initial plan was rejected in 2024 due to water quality and geological stability concerns. The First Nation is consulting its members, with some opposition.
Trending- 1 2023: The Tories lost the election to the NDP.
- 2 2024: Sio Silica's original application for an environmental licence was rejected by the NDP government.
- 3 Last fall: Sio Silica began holding a series of meetings with Brokenhead members.
- 4 Monday night: Sio Silica officials displayed a presentation at Winnipeg's Club Regent hotel.
- 5 This calendar year: Sio Silica intends to file a new environmental licence application.
- Potential significant financial benefits for Brokenhead Ojibway Nation
- Ongoing debate and opposition to the project within the First Nation and non-Indigenous groups
- Revised drilling plans by Sio Silica
- Ethical concerns regarding Carla Devlin's dual role as Sio Silica president and East St. Paul mayor
- Previous conflict-of-interest violations by former PC cabinet ministers related to the project
What: Sio Silica offered Brokenhead Ojibway Nation a five percent share of profits, up to $20 million annually, from its proposed sand-extraction operation in southeastern Manitoba.
When: Recently (offer made, meetings held since last fall), Monday night (presentation at Club Regent hotel), Tuesday (interviews), 2024 (initial plan rejected), two decades ago (Brokenhead reserve established).
Where: Southeastern Manitoba, Winnipeg (Club Regent hotel), East St. Paul (Carla Devlin's mayoralty), Brokenhead Ojibway Nation reserve lands.
Why: To gain support and obtain an environmental licence for its sand-extraction project after an initial rejection, and as part of efforts towards 'economic reconciliation' with First Nations.
How: Sio Silica held a series of meetings and presentations with Brokenhead members, offering financial benefits, employment, training, and educational opportunities. They also amended their plans to involve more gradual drilling.