MERRITT, B.C. — The Lower Nicola Indian Band will receive a share of the mineral tax on the Highland Valley Copper mine thanks to an agreement with the province.
The band will receive annual payments as part of the revenue sharing agreement, and an initial payment of more than $500,000.
Lower Nicola Indian Band Chief Aaron Sam says these revenues will contribute to a better quality of life for all community members within the band.
A second agreement will see the band work with the mine to develop job opportunities and aid in environmental and cultural heritage planning.
Greg Brouwer, general manager for Teck Highland Valley Copper Operations, says it’s important to maintain a strong relationship with the Lower Nicola Indian Band.
“It’s really important that we include local communities in our future and in our planning,” Brouwer said, “and very importantly, so they can share in the benefits through employment and contracting. It’s really great to see that today we’ve been able to sign off on this agreement with the Lower Nicola Indian Band.”
