Constance Lake, Zenyatta settle

Constance Lake and Zenyatta Ventures Ltd. announced an exploration agreement July 18 regarding exploration and pre-feasibility activities on the Albany Project.
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Zenyatta,” said Constance Lake Chief Roger Wesley. “It reflects the mutual respect that has developed between us and we look forward to building a strong relationship to realize the benefits and opportunities from the mineral exploration on the Albany Project in our traditional territory.”
Constance Lake will participate in an implementation committee and receive, along with certain other First Nations, preferential opportunities for employment and contracting.
Zenyatta will also contribute to a social fund for the benefit of Constance Lake children, youth and Elders.
“We recognize the Aboriginal treaty rights and the importance of the traditional lands to the First Nation people,” said Aubrey Eveleigh, president and CEO of Zenyatta. “We also realize that mineral exploration must contribute to the benefit of all parties involved.”
Eveleigh said Zenyatta looks forward to working cooperatively with Constance Lake, other First Nations and local communities on the Albany Project.
“We feel that active participation and a close relationship with First Nation communities creates sound business opportunities,” Eveleigh said. “The company is focused and committed to northern Ontario and has always accepted responsibility for strong community relations.”
Constance Lake and Zenyatta had been involved in a mediation process, which a judge had been appointed to oversee.
During Constance Lake’s initial April 29 court hearing seeking to stop Zenyatta from further exploration drilling in its traditional territory, Ontario Superior Court Justice Sidney N. Lederman ordered the three parties to attempt to resolve the issue.
Zenyatta announced the start of a drill program in the Albany Project in February. Zenyatta is targeting nickel, copper and platinum group metals in its Albany Project claims, which cover 300,000 acres northwest of Hearst in Constance Lake’s traditional territory.