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BHP Billiton - Government of the Northwest Territories Socio-Economic Agreement

Date: 1 October 1996
Sub Category:Socio-Economic Agreement (Canada)
Place:
State/Country:Northwest Territories, Canada
Alternative Names:
  • BHP Socio-Economic Agreement
  • BHP Ekati Diamond Mine Socio-Economic Agreement
  • Subject Matter:Mining and Minerals | Economic Development | Employment and Training
    Summary Information:
    The BHP Billiton - Government of the Northwest Territories Socio-Economic Agreement (the Agreement) was signed by BHP Billiton and the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) in October 1996. It acknowledges the potential impact of the Ekati Mine Project on local communities. The objective of the Agreement is to promote the development and well-being of the residents of the Northwest Territories (NWT), and in particular, those in the mine's neighbouring communities.

    The central objective of the Agreement is to monitor the socio-economic effects of the Mine Project, and to promote social, cultural and economic well-being.

    The Parties to the Agreement agree to minimise any adverse impacts of the Mine Project on NWT communities. The GNWT is responsible for the creation and operation of an industrial monitoring program. The program will use public statistics and surveys conducted with mine employees to determine the impacts of the project both on individuals' lives and on the community. The results are to be published in an annual report. Similarly, BHP Billiton is to issue its own annual report of business and employment opportunities. Parties are required to consult with local communities in order to mitigate any negative impacts, and to identify the ways in which increased benefits might be produced.

    The Parties are to use 14 indicators for health and well-being in order to assess the project's impact. These include such things as crime levels, numbers of injuries, suicides, complaints of family violence, housing indicators, income levels, educational outcomes, employment levels and social assistance cases. BHP Billiton is required to collect attitudinal survey data from its employees. The survey and the indicators are to be included in the GNWT's annual report.

    Related Entries

  • BHP Billiton Ekati Mine Project Environmental Agreement 1997
  • BHP Billiton Ekati Mine Project Impact and Benefits Agreements 1996 - 1998
  • Organisation
  • Government of the Northwest Territories - Signatory
  • Lutsel K'e Dene Band
  • BHP Billiton - Signatory
  • Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (Can)
  • BHP Independent Environmental Monitoring Agency
  • BHP Billiton Diamonds Inc
  • Akaitcho Treaty 8 Council
  • Ndilo Band Council
  • Event
  • BHP Billiton Ekati Mine Project Environmental Impact Statement 1995
  • People
  • Inuit of Kuglugtuk
  • Dettah Band

  • References

    Report
    Government of the Northwest Territories (2000) 2000 Report of the Government of the Northwest Territories under the BHP Socio-economic Agreement
    Resource
    Kevin O'Reilly (1998) The BHP Independent Environmental Monitoring Agency as a Management Tool

    Glossary

    Mining Agreement (Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 (Cth)) (Australia) | Socio-Economic Agreement (Canada)

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