New Name: Minago Critical Minerals Project
The name change reflects the recent additions of other critical minerals that are generally associated with nickel deposits, known as platinum group metals (PGMs), which include Platinum, Palladium, Ruthenium, and Rhodium along with previously confirmed Magnesium. PGMs have been classified by Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States as critical minerals and are priorities for development as part of Canada’s critical minerals strategy.
Chief Larson Anderson commented that “These 6 critical minerals are found in almost everything Canadians use daily. NHCN is stepping up for future generations to create a brighter future that protects the environment and supports the new green economy in Canada and the world. The Minago Critical Minerals Project will enable Norway House Cree Nation to break the cycle of poverty while producing the critical minerals that Canada and the world require to transition to a green economy.”
The search for additional project value has been extended beyond the nickel/PGM deposit to the 111 million tonnes of overlying dolomite waste rock that will be generated in mining the nickel/PGMs. The dolomite is a significant source of Magnesium, which represents 11 to 12% of the dolomite. Norway House Cree Nation is now advancing partnerships, further testing and a feasibility study on potential Magnesium production.
Since purchasing Minago in November 2024, Norway House Cree Nation has been advancing the project ensuring to protect the air, land, and water while delivering maximum benefits to the region. This approach supports the First Nation philosophy of “using the entire animal” and not wasting any of the resources found at the site.
Norway House Cree Nation is preparing their membership for active participation in future project development and operation through training in heavy equipment operation, drilling and blasting, crushing and as exploration drillers, helpers, and geological assistants.
Funding for training programs has been provided by Indigenous Services Canada, Prairies Canada, and the Manitoba Mining Development Fund.
The scale of the Minago Critical Minerals Project remains to be fully understood. A 3- year exploration plan is awaiting approval from the Manitoba government to conduct part of this work.