A number of years ago, KGHM International developed the plan for the Ajax Mine, which would be located in the area around the city of Kamloops, BC. This was the first project in BC which was required to form a  consultation plan for the First Nations people, and since then the company has formed a partnership with them as well.  The EAO (Environmental Assessment Office) requiring this plan proves the First Nations people to be a political factor in this situation. Although things seemed to be going on fairly smoothly (apart from opposition from some of the people of Kamloops), the First Nations people have once again been excluded from business dealings as KGHM has changed some of the plans for the mine without consulting them. 

While it would have been quite easy for the KGHM to include the First Nations in making such decisions, they have now alienated the people they have been trying to work with. The First Nations people have since had to request more time to review the changes to the project.  This demonstrates a situation which easily could have been avoided had KGHM simply consulted the First Nations people before announcing the changes in their plans.  Although having the First Nations as a partner is very good for KGHM and Ajax Mine’s public image, stories like this can counteract the positive connotations surrounding the company’s name and image.

Sources

http://www.ajaxmine.ca/first-nation-partnership

http://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/first-nations-bands-want-time-ajax-file/

http://www.ajaxmine.ca/content/497/KGHMAjaxProjectLogo_1200x900.png

http://armchairmayor.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/minedraw.jpg