Rio Tinto signs a historic agreement with Cheslatta Carrier Nation in support towards economic development of the community

Rio Tinto, which developed a reservoir to power the aluminium smelter in Kitimat, B.C., has signed a New Day agreement with the Cheslatta Nation, promoting the social and economic well-being of the Cheslatta.

Rio Tinto’s Kitimat aluminium smelter relies on electricity generated at its hydro-electric plant at Kemano, about 80km from the town.

The development of the community will be through training, employment, business opportunities and environmental stewardship.

Cheslatta Chief, Corrina Leween, said: "To create a sustainable economy for the present and the future generations are the biggest benefits that I see out of the agreement.”

"We were always hopeful that we would see this day and it has happened."

Leween also said: “Cheslatta students will also have access to scholarships, with Rio Tinto and the Cheslatta working to develop internships. Information will also be shared with Cheslatta members on job positions and procurement opportunities within the company’s hydroelectric operations, as well as on potential Cheslatta candidates and suppliers.”

“The agreement also provides for the creation of the Nechako Reservoir Stewardship Program, a joint initiative that will leverage local knowledge to maintain the Nechako Reservoir watershed ecosystem while promoting recreation and tourism opportunities.”

Water from the Nechako Reservoir, which stretches 230 km from its source to the water intake tunnel and covers a surface area of nearly 900 square kilometres, is channelled to the hydro-electric plant through an 18-kilometre tunnel bored through the mountains.

It is this hydro-electric power that ensures BC Works maintains its competitive edge on the world’s aluminium market, which Aluminium Association of Canada president and CEO Jean Simard said in January is forecast to experience a slowdown in the next decade in the face of stiff competition from China’s burgeoning aluminium industry.

Rio Tinto’s Aluminium division CEO, Alf Barrios, said: “The agreement would ensure long-term certainty between the Cheslatta Carrier Nation and Rio Tinto’s hydroelectric operations in the watershed.”

Barrios added, “We believe that working in partnership with Indigenous peoples is essential to achieve responsible and sustainable resource development that benefits us all.”