| The BHP Billiton Ekati Mine Project Impact and Benefits Agreements (IBAs) are a series of agreements negotiated between BHP Billiton, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and the Dogrib Nations of Treaty 11, Métis, Inuit and Akaitcho Treaty 8 Nations. They are a pre-condition to federal approval for the large scale diamond mining operations which commenced in October 1998. The Agreements establish the terms under which Inuit people will benefit from the operation of the Ekati mine. Pursuant to the IBAs, BHP must submit an annual report to the signing nations including information regarding the company’s environmental monitoring programs. BHP is required to consult Aboriginal communities with respect to any activities which risk disturbance to land used for burial grounds or other traditional purposes. As the mine is in an area of unsettled land claims, the IBAs permit benefits to flow to Aboriginal groups whose traditional lands include the area where the mine is located. The IBAs deal with a range of issues including employment and training of Aboriginal people, profit-sharing, compensation, and environmental regulation. The specific terms of the IBAs remain confidential. |
