N.A. Niobium submits drilling application at Seigneurie

Executive Summary

• North American Niobium and Critical Minerals Corp. has submitted its initial Authorization for Impact-Causing Exploration Work (ATI) application to Quebec’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests (MRNF) for its Seigneurie project, a prerequisite for conducting diamond drilling.
• The company has engaged with eight stakeholder groups, including the First Nation Council of the Innus of Essipit, the municipality of Longue-Rive, and private landowners, receiving feedback on logistical considerations such as drill rig access routes.
• Concurrently, the company announced a change in senior management: Kelvin Lee resigned as CFO, Corporate Secretary, and Director, and Steven Nguyen was appointed as his successor effective immediately.

Key Details

• Permitting Status: Initial ATI application submitted to MRNF for the Seigneurie project in Longue-Rive, Que.
• Regulatory Context: The ATI is required in Quebec prior to impact-causing exploration activities, specifically diamond drilling. The MRNF review verifies stakeholder information exchanges and addresses raised questions/comments.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Eight stakeholder groups identified for the ATI process.
  • Parties notified include the First Nation Council of the Innus of Essipit, Municipality of Longue-Rive, and local private landowners.
  • Feedback received relates to potential access and logistical considerations, including suggested trail routes for drill rig access.
• Timeline: MRNF review estimated to take approximately three months, though timing is difficult to estimate due to the iterative nature of the process and the number of stakeholder groups.
• Future Requirements: Even if an ATI is granted, the company must finalize private access and land-use agreements for private property and continue long-term social acceptance efforts, particularly with the Innu community of Essipit.
• Management Change:
  • Kelvin Lee resigned as Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Secretary, and Director.
  • Steven Nguyen appointed as Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Secretary, and Director, effective immediately.

Notable Quotes

• "Establishing constructive, positive relationships with stakeholders is now a requirement under Quebec's ATI permitting framework, and it takes time," said Murray Nye, chief executive officer of North American Niobium. "We believe this is the new reality in Quebec and one that is driving meaningful, positive change for the mining industry. Our experience to date has been that people were glad to be consulted, and many, if not all, want to see responsible projects succeed when they are approached with transparency and respect."