The Nahɂą Dehé Dene Band in Nahanni Butte, N.W.T., is supportive of the initiative to resume activities at the Prairie Creek mine, which includes establishing a year-round road through Nahanni National Park Reserve. Soham Srimani, the band manager, emphasized the significance of the mine project to both the band and the community, expressing excitement for its realization.
Honey Badger Silver, the Toronto-based company that acquired the troubled silver-lead-zinc mine project in April for $12 million from a U.S. private equity firm, has established a positive relationship with the First Nation. Chief Steve Vital of Nahɂą Dehé Dene Band also welcomed the company’s commitment to constructing the road and recommencing mining operations, hoping for successful and sustainable progress this time.
Anticipating economic growth and job opportunities, Vital highlighted the potential benefits for the community, such as hotel room rentals and employment for heavy equipment operators and environmental monitors. The long history of difficulties in maintaining mining operations at Prairie Creek, dating back to its discovery by prospectors almost a century ago, has seen various companies attempting but failing to achieve sustainable mining.
Following previous ownership changes and unsuccessful attempts, Honey Badger Silver aims to revitalize the mine now, especially with the increased demand for silver. The company plans to kickstart production by constructing an all-season access road next spring, with federal funding of $25 million from the National Trade Corridors Fund supporting the road’s development.
Government officials from N.W.T. recently met with Honey Badger executives to discuss progress, with the company also invited to the Canada Investment Summit in Toronto, signifying a positive outlook for the project. The leadership of Nahɂą Dehé Dene Band believes that adhering to established permitting processes will ensure environmental protection while enabling road construction and mining operations to proceed smoothly.
Although the mine site’s establishment within Nahanni National Park Reserve has raised concerns about environmental impact, the community remains eager for the project’s advancement. The proposed all-season road connecting the mine to a barge near Nahanni Butte aligns with the community’s objectives, despite not directly contributing to immediate plans for a bridge across the Liard River.
Confident in the project’s success, stakeholders are optimistic about the upcoming mining operations. With environmental assessments completed and necessary licenses and permits in place, Honey Badger Silver is actively engaging with the Nahɂą Dehé Dene Band and Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation, ensuring ongoing dialogue and collaboration to expedite the mine’s production phase.