Regions: Sahtu Settlement Area
Principal Investigator: | Ponsford, Ian (2) |
Licence Number: | 17648 |
Organization: | Fireweed Metals |
Licensed Year(s): |
2025
|
Issued: | Jan 21, 2025 |
Objective(s): The objective of the research project remains the same as submitted under application #5975: To collect baseline data related to potential future developments of the Mactung Property. Baseline surface water quality, hydrology, and fish habitat data will be collected in anticipation of regulatory authorization requirements that may be necessary to proceed with any potential future activities planned for the site, including the development of a new access road.
Project Description: This licence has been issued for the scientific research application No. 6070. The objective of the research project remains the same as submitted under application #5975: To collect baseline data related to potential future developments of the Mactung Property. Baseline surface water quality, hydrology, and fish habitat data will be collected in anticipation of regulatory authorization requirements that may be necessary to proceed with any potential future activities planned for the site, including the development of a new access road. The attached table provides an update on the data collected during 2024 as part of the research project. The plans for 2025 includes the continuation of the data collection program at the six stations described above. Water quality grab samples, in-situ water quality data, and streamflow measurements will continue to be collected and recorded by environmental field staff monthly during the open water season. Sampling may also be conducted during the winter months if open water remains present at any of monitoring locations. Additionally, monitoring and sampling associated with fish and fish habitat assessment, and benthic, chlorophyll, periphyton and sediment surveying will continue to occur during select field sampling events and stations, as deemed appropriate. Fireweed is intending on seeking licensing for electro-fishing at WQ5A in 2025. Currently, sampling data is being stored as described in the ‘How will the data be stored over the short and long terms?’ section of this application. Data will continue be QA / QC’d and stored in the electronic database/sever for the duration of the baseline monitoring program. Data will eventually be utilized to characterize the baseline biophysical conditions of the Site to assess the extent of change resulting from future activities. Fireweed proactively engages with Indigenous rights holders potentially affected by its exploration operations and mineral development projects. The proposed research project falls within the Tulita District of the Sahtú Settlement Area, as defined by the Sahtu Dene and Métis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement. Starting in 2022, and particularly since acquiring Mactung in mid-2023, Fireweed has been engaging with Sahtú – Tulita District communities and organizations on an ongoing basis. A short summary of this engagement was provided under application #5975. In addition to the previous engagement initiatives described under application #5975, the following communications were undertaken by Fireweed relating to Licence #17599: 1. A project introduction letter was sent by Fireweed to the review organizations on July 22, 2024. The letter described the scope, methodology and location of the proposed research project and offered a teleconference call should the parties wish to discuss the application or the Mactung Project further. The letter is attached to this application under the ‘dialogue with communities and/or agencies’ section. 2. Received a thank you for the information from the President of the Fort Norman Metis Community on July 22, 2024. 3. Fireweed replied to questions from Sahtu Land and Water Board on July 22, 2024, confirming: a. No activities will trigger a Land Use Permit; and b. Sites will be accessed via helicopter for the duration of the sampling program. 4. Corresponded with Tulita Land Corporation regarding vendors conducting the research and their suggested procurement process between July 22-23, 2024. 5. Fireweed met with the Sahtu Renewable Resources Board on July 29, 2024, to discuss the research project; a. Fireweed sent a meeting follow-up e-mail on August 2, 2024, providing the opportunity for any further questions to be addressed. No response was received. Fireweed will provide a mid-year update to Indigenous rights holders, with a summary of the related progress on activities conducted under the NWT Research Licence. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from: February 05 - December 31, 2025