The Canadian Press reported that Labrador Iron Mines Holdings Ltd. has reached an agreement with representatives of the Inuit people regarding its mining operations in Labrador west.

The deal with the NunatuKavut Community Council, reached last week during the Northern Lights conference in Ottawa, addresses such matters as environmental and cultural protection, jobs, training, aboriginal contracting and other financial aspects.

The NunatuKavut Community Council represents the southern Inuit of Labrador, an aboriginal population of about 6,000 within the communities that line the southern coastal and interior waterways of Labrador.

Mr Chris Montague president of NCC said that "I am delighted that we have reached a mutually beneficial agreement with LIM.”

He said that "The company should be commended for its forward thinking and co-operation. It demonstrates the fact that corporations and aboriginal groups can respectfully work together for the good of all, our membership and their shareholders."

Mr Rodney Cooper president and chief operating officer of Labrador Iron Mining, said the agreement with NCC forms "an integral part of LIM's approach to dealing respectfully with all aboriginal groups living in or adjacent to, or with traditional activities in, the general area of our mining and exploration activities."

Labrador Iron is engaged in the production and development of its 100 per cent owned Schefferville area direct shipping iron ore properties in the Labrador Trough of western Labrador and northeastern Quebec.

(Sourced from www.canadianbusiness.com)