Avalon Rare Metals Inc. (TSE:AVL) Enters into Negotiation Agreement with the Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation
Toronto, June 17, 2011 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Avalon Rare Metals Inc. (
TSE:AVL) (NYSE:AVL) is pleased to announce that it has now entered into a Negotiation Agreement with the Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation ("Lutsel K'e") regarding the development of the Nechalacho rare earth elements deposit, Thor Lake, NWT (the "Project"). This Negotiation Agreement is similar to the agreements Avalon has entered into with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation (News Release # 10-27 December 8, 2010), and the Deninu Ku'e First Nation (News Release #11-02 February 8, 2011), the two other Akaitcho Territory First Nations impacted by the proposed development.
The Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation resides at the community of Lutsel K'e, 100 kilometres east of Thor Lake, which is within Lutsel K'e traditional territory.
The Negotiation Agreement outlines broad principles for co-operation and provides the basis for the negotiation of an Accommodation Agreement. This form of initial agreement (often referred to as a Memorandum of Understanding), is done in order to frame the negotiations towards an Impacts and Benefits type of agreement. The Accommodation Agreement (like an "Impacts and Benefits" agreement), if agreed to, will be structured to mitigate any adverse impacts of project development, define the benefits to the parties and provide greater certainty with respect to the development of the Project.
After several years of regular consultation, Avalon and Lutsel K'e have established a co-operative and respectful relationship for responsible mineral development in Lutsel K'e's traditional territory. The Company and Lutsel K'e intend to continue and broaden this relationship through these negotiations. Accommodation Agreements typically cover a number of topics such as environmental protection, business and employment opportunities, with regard to the Project. Avalon and Lutsel K'e have commenced negotiations on the Accommodation Agreement with the objective of concluding this agreement in 2011.
Several Lutsel K'e community members have been employed continuously at the Project site since Avalon began drilling there in 2007. In addition, the Company has utilized logistical services for its drilling program through Lutsel K'e joint venture businesses.
Don Bubar, President and CEO of Avalon, commented "We have already established strong business relationships with the Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation and we are very pleased to have reached initial agreement on how we can further build and strengthen these relationships. The employees we have hired to date from the community have proven to be reliable and versatile workers, providing considerable encouragement that this small community of some 700 residents can continue to be a source of additional human resources as the project advances."
About Avalon Advanced Materials Inc
Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. (TSE:AVL) (OTCMKTS:AVLNF) (formerly Avalon Rare Metals) is a Canadian mineral development company specializing in niche market metals and minerals with growing demand in new technology. The Company has three advanced stage projects, all 100%-owned, providing investors with exposure to lithium, tin and indium, as well as rare earth elements, tantalum, niobium, and zirconium. Avalon is currently focusing on its Separation Rapids Lithium Project, Kenora, ON and its East Kemptville Tin-Indium Project, Yarmouth, NS. Social responsibility and environmental stewardship are corporate cornerstones.
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