Osisko Mining (OSK-T) Binding Term Sheet With Miyuukaa to Transport Hydroelectric Power to Windfall Project
Dec 8, '22 - NR
Osisko Mining is pleased to announce that it has signed a binding term sheet with Miyuukaa Corp. ("Miyuukaa"), a wholly-owned corporation of the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi ("CFNW"), with respect to the construction of proposed transmission facilities and the transport of hydroelectric power to the Windfall Project, located in the Abitibi greenstone belt, Eeyou Istchee James Bay, Québec.
Miyuukaa will finance, build, own and operate a 69 kV dedicated transmission line that will transport hydroelectricity to the Windfall project. The power line from the Waswanipi substation to Windfall minimizes the environmental footprint and is located 100% on CFNW traditional lands covered by the James Bay Northern Québec Agreement.
As an end user, Osisko will pay service fees to Miyuukaa. The binding term sheet outlines the general and financial terms of the agreement between Osisko and Miyuukaa, which is for the purpose of ensuring delivery of hydroelectricity over the life of the planned Windfall mill as required. Terms will be further outlined in a definitive agreement to be entered into between Osisko and Miyuukaa, which is expected to be completed in the coming month.
This agreement solidifies the collaborative approach between Osisko and the CFNW to sustainably develop energy infrastructure, which will create robust employment opportunities for members of the CFNW. Using hydroelectric power through the final stages of exploration and throughout the planned construction and operations phases will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the Windfall Project's dependency on fossil fuels.
Work is expected to commence in January on existing access roads, in preparation for brush clearing and construction of the transmission line, while awaiting permitting. The work is projected to take 12 months to complete, with the hook-up date anticipated in H1 2024.
Osisko's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman John Burzynski stated: "We are proud to announce today's landmark agreement with Miyuukaa, and to begin preparations for work on the line which will deliver hydroelectricity to Windfall. The advent of power at Windfall will allow us to move away from diesel generated electricity for our exploration activities. Hydroelectric power availability for the anticipated construction of the Windfall Mine will make a significant difference in both the cost and environmental impact of our future planned activities. Today's agreement with Miyuukaa is aligned with both Osisko's and CFNW's vision towards the development of infrastructure and natural resource in a sustainable fashion within their traditional territory."
Irene Neeposh, Chief of the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi commented: "The Cree First Nation of Waswanipi will always prioritize the protection of its territory and of the traditional way of life of its members but this does not prevent us from also participating in the economic development of our land. Cree ownership of this transmission line is a great example of what can be achieved when resource development companies engage honourably and meaningfully with Indigenous nations and the concerns of all parties are addressed upstream and conciliated. By owning and operating this key infrastructure for the region, with Osisko as a partner, the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi continues on its path to controlling the development of its traditional territory."
John Kitchen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Miyuukaa commented: "Today's agreement with Osisko highlights the benefits of what can be achieved when First Nations are involved in the decision making. The electrification of the Windfall project in collaboration with the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi is part of the vision behind the Grande Alliance agreement signed in February 2020 between the Grand Council of the Crees, the Cree Nation Government and the Government of Québec. A vision that calls for a collaborative, long-term, balanced socio-economic development in a spirit of respect for Cree values in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Territory. The Kuikuhaacheu Transmission Line, to be built by Miyuukaa, is a generational asset that will provide for training, employment and business opportunities for decades while respecting our Cree way of life. Emotions are hard to contain when thinking about the positive impact this will have on the CFNW youth, the core of our members."
About the Windfall Gold Deposit
The Windfall gold deposit is located between Val-d'Or and Chibougamau in the Abitibi region of Québec, Canada. The mineral resource estimate on Windfall (with an effective date of June7, 2022 ) (the "Windfall Resource Estimate") and the mineral reserve estimate on Windfall (with an effective date of September 1, 2022) (the "Windfall Reserve Estimate") are described in the news release of Osisko dated November 28, 2022 and entitled "Osisko Mining Delivers Positive Feasability Study for Windfall". The Windfall Resource Estimate, assuming a cut-off grade of 3.50 g/t Au, comprises 811,000 tonnes at 11.4 g/t Au (297,000 ounces) in the measured mineral resource category, 10,250,000 tonnes at 11.4 g/t Au (3,754,000 ounces) in the indicated mineral resource category and 12,287,000 tonnes at 8.4 g/t Au (3,337,000 ounces) in the inferred mineral resource category. The Windfall Mineral Reserve, assuming 3.5 g/t operating, 2.5 g/t incremental, and 1.7 g/t development cut-off grade, comprises 12,183,000 tonnes at 8.06 g/t Au (3,159,000 ounces) in the probable mineral reserves category. The key assumptions, parameters, limitations and methods used in the Feasibility Study for Windfall, including the related Windfall Resource Estimate and Windfall Reserve Estimate, will be further described in a technical report (the "FS Technical Report"), which is being prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). The FS Technical Report will be filed on SEDAR ( www.sedar.com) under Osisko's issuer profile within 45-days from November 28, 2022, in accordance with NI 43-101. The Windfall gold deposit is currently one of the highest-grade resource-stage gold projects in Canada and has world-class scale. Mineralization occurs in three principal areas: Lynx, Main, and Underdog. Mineralization is generally comprised of sub-vertical lenses following intrusive porphyry contacts plunging to the northeast. The resources are defined from surface to a depth of 1,600 metres, including the Triple 8 (TP8) zone. The reserves are defined from surface to a depth of 1,100 metres. The deposit remains open along strike and at depth. Mineralization has been identified at surface in some areas and as deep as 2,625 metres in others with significant potential to extend mineralization down-plunge and at depth.
About Osisko Mining Inc.
Osisko is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious metal resource properties in Canada. Osisko holds a 100% interest in the high-grade Windfall gold deposit located between Val-d'Or and Chibougamau in Québec and holds a 100% undivided interest in a large area of claims surrounding the Urban Barry area and nearby Quévillon area (over 2,400 square kilometres).
CONTACT INFORMATION:
John Burzynski
Chief Executive Officer
Telephone (416) 363-8653 |
