Uranium exploration should be suspended in Ontario until its impact on health, the environment and aboriginal land rights is properly addressed, said a report released on June 24, 2008, by the Community Coalition Against Mining Uranium. The report emerged from a series of public meetings in Ottawa, Sharbot Lake, Kingston and Peterborough in April. It also called for a royal commission to review Ontario's Mining Act, deeming it out of date. The meetings were part of a citizens' inquiry conducted by the coalition of concerned citizens from the greater Ottawa Valley and the Kingston areas. (Ottawa Citizen June 25, 2008)

> Download Staking our Claim for a Healthy Future, Report of Citizens' Inquiry into the Impacts of the Uranium Cycle, held in April 2008 in Eastern Ontario, convened by the Community Coalition Against Uranium Mining, June 24, 2008 (1.8M PDF)

Peterborough City Council opposes uranium mining in Otonabee River watershed

On June 16, 2008, Peterborough City Council called for the province to suspend uranium exploration. Council unanimously approved the resolution to ask the province for a moratorium until all environmental and health issues related to uranium mining are resolved. (The Peterborough Examiner June 17, 2008)

City council wants the province to halt uranium exploration, mining and related processing in the Otonabee River watershed to protect the city's water supply. Council, sitting as committee of the whole last night, supported a motion presented by an anti-nuclear group -Safe and Green Energy . It's an opportunity for council to take a leadership role for protecting the city's water source, Coun. Doug Peacock said. "There has been widespread acceptance of this approach across the province," he said.
Safe and Green Energy states 19 Ontario municipalities have already passed resolutions calling on the province to place a moratorium on uranium mining and exploration in eastern Ontario. (The Peterborough Examiner June 10, 2008)

Serpent River First Nation says "no" to uranium exploration

There is a battle brewing between a North Shore First Nation and the Ontario government when it comes to exploring for minerals in the area. The chief of Serpent River First Nation

(SRFN) said his band members do not want to see any uranium exploration of any kind on or near their territory.
"It has come to the point where we must insist on decisive action from the Ontario government on a list of matters pertaining to development in our traditional territory including the exploration of minerals, especially uranium," said SRFN Chief Isadore Day (Wiindawtegowinini). "I'm concerned that private sector proponents for development are moving faster than government responses to consultation requirements for First Nations." "It poses real challenges between industry and First Nations when government moves slower in First Nation negotiations than it does when pushing through proponent approvals for expropriation of Crown Lands." He went on to say, "What's worse is that consultation and accommodation requirements are not even in the form of mutually agreed policy between the Crown and the First Nations, and yet government is approving land expropriation in favor of development in traditional lands." (Mid-North Monitor May 6, 2008)

Ottawa council calls for uranium moratorium in eastern Ontario

Ottawa city council is urging Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty to temporarily ban uranium prospecting, exploration and mining in eastern Ontario and the Ottawa River watershed. The council voted 18-1 on Feb. 27, 2008, in favour of a motion calling on the province to impose the moratorium immediately and to keep it in effect until all environmental and health issues related to uranium mining are "resolved," and until there are settlement plans for all related aboriginal land claims. (CBC Feb. 27, 2008)

Uranium exploration in Northern Frontenac County

Some aboriginals conclude agreement on uranium exploration in Frontenac County

After a year and a half of protests against proposed uranium mining north of Sharbot Lake, some aboriginals have struck an agreement with a mining company and the Ontario government to allow exploratory drilling.
On Dec. 1, 2008, representatives for the Shabot Obaadjiwan, the Snimikobi Algonquins, the Algonquins of Ontario, Frontenac Ventures Corporation and the province appeared in Superior Court in Kingston to finalize the details of the deal. Frontenac Ventures' lawyer, Neal Smitheman, said the agreement means that "some exploration work can be commenced in the future" and that the work "is subject to input from a steering committee being set up as part of the agreement involving both representatives of Frontenac and the Shabot Obaadjiwan."
Another aboriginal group involved in the longstanding protests against the mining proposal is calling the deal a "sellout." "This is a really good example of how some people sell out," said Bob Lovelace of the Ardoch Algonquins. (The Whig Standard Dec. 2, 2008)

> View Ontario Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs release Nov. 28, 2008
> Download Accommodation Agreement with the Algonquins of Ontario, Nov. 27, 2008 (1.4M PDF - CCAMU)
> Download Accommodation Agreement with the Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation and the Snimikobi (Ardoch) First Nation, Nov. 27, 2008 (1.5M PDF - CCAMU)

Ontario court calls native uranium mining protest punishment 'too harsh'

First Nation leaders who were jailed and fined for protests against uranium mining last summer will now have a chance to appeal the decision. On July 7, 2008 Ontario's highest court ruled that the contempt of court sentences against the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation and Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation were "too harsh." Robert Lovelace, a retired Ardoch Algonquin First Nation chief and his co-chief Paula Sherman, along with six others, were each sentenced to six months in jail over disputes with mining companies. Lovelace was fined $25,000, while Sherman was fined $15,000. (Ottawa Citizen July 7, 2008)

Charges against protesters opposing uranium exploration in Northern Frontenac County withdrawn

On June 2, 2008, retired Ardoch Algonquin First Nation chief Robert Lovelace and 10 other protesters appeared in Kingston's courthouse for alleged contempt incidents from last fall and were not included in the original proceedings. Three of the other protesters who appeared were members of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation; another is a member of the Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation; the other six were not of aboriginal descent. Frontenac Ventures agreed to withdraw charges. (Ottawa Citizen June 3, 2008)

Algonquin leader released from jail

Robert Lovelace, a retired Ardoch Algonquin First Nation chief jailed on contempt-of-court charges on Feb. 15, 2008, has been released after the Ontario Appeal Court in Toronto reduced the six-month sentences of seven aboriginal protesters jailed over disputes with mining companies to time served. (Ottawa Citizen May 28, 2008)
On Dec. 4, 2008, the Supreme Court Of Canada has upheld the ruling that freed native leader Bob Lovelace from jail. (The Whig Dec. 6, 2008)

Jailed Algonquin leader calls for end of colonialism

The property rights of all Ontario residents are being threatened by archaic mining laws that allow companies to stake land anywhere they like, aboriginal protesters said on May 26, 2008, before a swelling crowd that gathered on the front lawn of the provincial legislature to demand change.
The group called for the release of Bob Lovelace and also played a recording he made from jail to share with the crowd. In it, Lovelace called for an end to "colonialism" and compared the situation of Canada's aboriginals to that of organized labour and apartheid South Africa. "Our time is now and I say that any political party or government in Canada that defends and perpetuates colonialism is not fit to govern," he said to much applause. (Canadian Press May 27, 2008)

Jailed Algonquin leader begins hunger strike

Bob Lovelace, who turned 60 in jail, announced that he will begin a hunger strike tomorrow to press the government to respond to Ardoch's request for good faith negotiations. "I do not want my children and grandchildren to have to go through what we are going through" he said. "Starting tomorrow I will consume only water in the hopes that our cry for justice will be heard by Mr. McGuinty and Mr. Bryant." (CCAMU May 15, 2008)

Musicians, authors and actors call for release of jailed aboriginal leaders

Author Margaret Atwood, actor Cathy Jones and musician Sarah Harmer are among 20 prominent Canadians calling on Premier Dalton McGuinty to immediately free seven jailed aboriginal leaders and stop controversial mineral exploration across the province (of Ontario). In a letter being sent to McGuinty on April 22, 2008, the group - which also includes former UN ambassador Stephen Lewis - pleads the case of jailed aboriginals trying to stop mining in their traditional northern territory, and says mining shouldn't take precedence over people's homes and health.
Six members of the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) First Nation, including Chief Donny Morris and Deputy Chief Jack MacKay, were sentenced to six months in jail last December after ignoring an injunction allowing Platinex to start drilling on traditional aboriginal territory 600 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, Ont. Retired Algonquin chief Bob Lovelace was also sentenced to six months in jail for his role in opposing a uranium project in eastern Ontario.
"We support the right of a community to say NO to mineral exploration and mining projects that threaten the health of people and ecosystems in Ontario," states the letter. (CBC Apr. 21, 2008)

Three Sharbot Lake uranium protesters avoid jail

Three people accused of protesting at a prospective uranium mining site in eastern Ontario in defiance of two court injunctions will not go to jail. The three protesters appeared before Justice Douglas Cunningham on March 18, 2008, in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to face contempt of court charges in connection with the occupation last year of a property near Sharbot Lake, about 60 kilometres north of Kingston. Charges against two of the protesters were withdrawn. A third protester agreed to stay away from the property in question in exchange for avoiding jail time. (CBC Mar. 18, 2008)

Hundreds protest Ardoch Algonquin leader's jailing

A peaceful protest at the Quinte Detention Centre in Napanee on Feb. 23, 2008, drew about 400 people to protest the sentencing of Robert Lovelace. More than 400 people marched on the Quinte Detention Centre in Napanee Saturday, banging drums and waving placards in protest of the jailing of a retired Ardoch Algonquin First Nation chief on charges of contempt. (Ottawa Citizen Feb. 23, 2008)

Nishnawbe Aski Nation demands Ontario settles Ardoch Algonquin land dispute

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN)

Grand Chief Stan Beardy demands the Premier of Ontario negotiate a settlement regarding the ongoing land dispute on traditional Ardoch Algonquin First Nation (AAFN) territory, rather than using the courts to delay a political solution.
"The solution to unsettled land claims is not jail time or fines," said NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy. "We're in a situation where First Nation people are being criminalized for practising constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights - our way of life on the land. These extreme positions by Ontario to support court proceedings rather than negotiating settlements could seriously jeopardize new meaningful relationships not only in Algonquin territory, but across the province."
Nishnawbe Aski Nation is a political territorial organization representing 49 First Nation communities part of James Bay Treaty 9 and Ontario portions of Treaty 5. (Nishnawbe Aski Nation Feb. 20, 2008)

Amnesty International condemns sentencing and fine of Algonquin leader

Amnesty International condemned the sentencing and $25,000 fine of a member of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation for his role in the Algonquins' protest and occupation over uranium mining on disputed land near Sharbot Lake. The group said the blame for the situation rests with the provincial government. "Indigenous leaders and their supporters are facing stiff punishments for doing what they feel is necessary to protect rights that may one day be upheld in court or in the land claims process. Meanwhile the provincial government is ignoring its own legal obligations without any accountability," said Craig Benjamin, Amnesty International Canada's Campaigner for the Human Rights of Indigenous Peoples. In a release, the group called on the province to work with aboriginals to reform provincial laws and policies and commit to a negotiated resolution of the dispute. (The Kingston Whig-Standard Feb. 19, 2008)
> View Amnesty Canada release Feb. 19, 2008

Algonquin leaders sentenced to six months in jail for blocking uranium exploration site

Leaders of an eastern Ontario First Nation community have been sentenced to six months in jail for defying a court order and blocking a prospective uranium mining site last summer and fall. Paula Sherman and Robert Lovelace, co-chiefs of the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation, were sentenced by a Kingston, Ont., judge on Feb. 15, 2008, after being found guilty of contempt of court.
Paula Sherman then announced that she would obey the court injunctions in order to avoid serving time, as she is the single mother of three children. That means she must stay away from the site and not participate in any protests there. The judge agreed, but said Sherman must still pay her fine of C$15,000. (CBC Feb. 15, 2008)

Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation will obey court order concerning uranium mining site near Sharbot Lake, while Ardoch Algonquin First Nation will continue defying it

Two eastern Ontario First Nations communities are no longer united in defying a court order concerning a prospective uranium mining site near Sharbot Lake. Chief Doreen Davis and another senior official from the Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation told an Ontario court Tuesday that they plan to honour the order, which gives the mining exploration company Frontenac Ventures Corp. unfettered access to the site about 60 kilometres north of Kingston, Ont. (CBC Feb. 13, 2008)

Algonquins resume blockade at Sharbot Lake uranium site

Protesters from two First Nations communities have resumed blocking a prospective uranium mining site in eastern Ontario. The Ardoch Algonquin and Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nations returned to the site near Sharbot Lake, Ont., after mediation talks with the Ontario government that began last fall broke down. Robert Lovelace, co-chief of the Ardoch First Nation, said the protesters are standing outside the gate to the site because they are concerned the mining exploration company Frontenac Ventures Corp. will start test drills there, as it is legally entitled to do. (CBC Feb. 7, 2008)

Talks between province and aboriginal groups about proposed uranium mining in Eastern Ontario end without resolution

Negotiations over the future of Eastern Ontario lands marked for uranium mining by a private corporation have fallen apart, leaving those involved ready "to secure our territory," says a spokesman for one of the two aboriginal groups involved in the debate. Since September 2007, mediated talks have been ongoing between the province and two aboriginal groups, the Ardoch Algonquin and Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nations communities, which oppose a plan by Frontenac Ventures Corporation to mine for uranium in the Sharbot Lake area. Robert Lovelace, a retired chief who is acting as a negotiator for the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation, told the Citizen Wednesday that the talks ended earlier this week after the sides could not come to a resolution. (Ottawa Citizen Feb. 6, 2008)

Hunger strike against Frontenac uranium mine project reaches day 24

Donna Dillman is commited to carry on a hunger strike to pressure the Ontario government towards calling an inquiry into the environmental impact of uranium mining. (The Frontenac News Nov. 1, 2007)

Ontario Algonquins suspend uranium site occupation

Two First Nations communities have temporarily left a prospective uranium mining site in eastern Ontario they have occupied since June 2007 after reaching an agreement with the Ontario government to begin mediation talks.
Consequently, on Oct. 19, 2007, their protest camp at the site was unoccupied and about 100 people from the two First Nations were instead gathered along the road outside its closed gate. The Algonquins are allowing Frontenac Ventures to do minor work at the site, but will not allow them to do any drilling. (CBC Oct. 19, 2007)

Judge orders Algonquins to leave uranium exploration site immediately

A judge has granted Frontenac Ventures Corporation an injunction ordering a group of aboriginal protesters off the site of a proposed uranium mine in eastern Ontario. The decision by Associate Chief Justice Douglas Cunningham of the Superior Court of Justice

means the protesters must leave the property immediately and allow Frontenac workers access to the site. (Canadian Press Oct. 1, 2007)

Judge orders Algonquins to leave uranium exploration site

A judge has ordered a group of Algonquins blocking access to a proposed uranium mine north of Sharbot Lake to leave the property immediately. Justice Gordon Thomson of the Ontario Superior court issued a written interim injunction on Aug. 27, 2007, ordering the protesters to leave the property and allow the company, Frontenac Ventures Corporation, on the land. The interim injunction stands until a full hearing can be heard, beginning Sept. 20, 2007. The lawyer for the Ardoch Algonquins said his clients are "not going to leave". (The Kingston Whig-Standard / The Ontario Citizen Aug. 28, 2007)

Firm files CDN$ 100 million suit against Algonquins over blockade of proposed uranium mine site

On July 25, 2007, Frontenac Ventures Corporation filed a $100-million lawsuit against the local Algonquin nations and their leaders and are seeking an injunction to remove the protesters blockade from the entrance of a proposed uranium mining site north of Sharbot Lake. The suit was filed in the Superior Court of Ontario

, and will be heard in Kingston on July 30, 2007. (The Kingston Whig-Standard July 26, 2007)
On July 30, 2007, the lawyers representing the two sides were asked by a judge to try to reach a temporary compromise until a full trial can take place in September 2007. They'll attempt that compromise on August 2, 2007. (The Kingston Whig-Standard July 31, 2007)

Ontario Algonquins reject financial "compensation" offer from uranium company

Aboriginal protesters occupying the site of a potential uranium mine in eastern Ontario have rejected the mining company's offer of financial compensation. Officials and lawyers from Frontenac Ventures Corp. met with members of the Shabot Obaadjiwan and Ardoch Algonquin First Nations on July 17, 2007, and offered $10,000 to the communities to end their protest. But Randy Cota, Ardoch's co-chief, told the company "our land and our principles are not for sale." The company's lawyers then threatened legal action to gain access to the site. The protesters have occupied the site since June 29, 2007. (CBC July 18, 2007)

Algonquin First Nation protests against uranium exploration in Northern Frontenac County in eastern Ontario

The Algonquin First Nation, along with non-natives, have occupied a proposed mining site on Hwy. 509 at Robertsville, north of Sharbot Lake, since June 28, 2007. On the afternoon of July 8, 2007, nearly 300 protesters held a march against uranium mining in the Crotch Lake region. (Ottawa Citizen July 8, 2007; Ottawa Sun July 9, 2007)

Days of protest put uranium exploration at North Frontenac in eastern Ontario on hold

A uranium mining company has put its operations on hold in an eastern Ontario community, leaving residents with mixed feelings. Frontenac Ventures

left North Frontenac Township, about 110 kilometres southwest of Ottawa, last week, after local First Nations threatened to hold a day or multiple days of protest. Frontenac plans to develop uranium deposits in the area. Both the Sharbot Lake Algonquin First Nation

and the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation

say they are opposed to the development, which involves mainly Crown land that is the subject of ongoing land claim negotiations with the provincial and federal governments. George White, president of Frontenac Ventures, said Chief Doreen Davis of the Sharbot Lake Algonquin First Nation asked the company to withdraw until the days of protest are complete. (CBC June 25, 2007)

Elliot Lake deposits (Denison Mines Inc.)

> View deposit info

On June 19, 2007, Denison Mines Inc. announced that a historic resource of 78,846 tonnes U at a grade of 0.06% U still is contained in its deposits in the Elliot Lake area.
The Elliot Lake mining complex operated by Denison was closed in 1992. "Denison notes that it has no plans at this time to commence mining operations at Elliot Lake; however, the Company will continue to review the project in light of the continuing strength in the uranium market."

Eco Ridge, Elliot Lake Property (Pele Mtn.)

> View deposit info

Uranium explorer Pele Mountain Resources switches to cannabis business: On June 19, 2018, Pele Mountain Resources Inc. announced that it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent with Bhang Corporation , a privately-held Nevada corporation, to acquire a 100% interest in Bhang via a business combination transaction that would constitute a reverse take-over and change of control of Pele.
Bhang is a California-based intellectual property company which licenses rights to a full range of cannabis and hemp products, including chocolates, gums and oral sprays, isolates, vapes and vape cartridges and accessories. Upon completion of the Transaction, the combined entity will continue to carry on the business of Bhang.
On May 27, 2019, Pele Mountain Resources Inc. announced a name change to Bhang Inc.

Pele Mountain Resources abandons Eco Ridge rare earth and uranium mine project: On June 1, 2017, Pele Mountain Resources announced the sale of its Eco Ridge project "due to continuing weak uranium and rare earth prices".

In view of depressed uranium market, junior uranium company expands business model to sustainable energy development (!): Rather than switching business to selling bibles or growing cannabis, Pele Mountain Resources Inc. adopts another course to continue business while the uranium market remains unfavourable: On Sep. 19, 2016, the company announced that it has signed a Sustainable Energy Development Agreement with the City of Elliot Lake, Ontario: "The Agreement sets out a framework for Pele and the City to negotiate and enter into mutually beneficial long-term energy services agreements to increase the City's energy efficiency and to facilitate growth and diversification of the City's economy. Initial projects will focus on the City's electricity usage and cost reduction at its own facilities."

Name change for Pele Mountain Resources' subsidiary holding Eco Ridge property: On Dec. 10, 2015, Pele Mountain Resources Inc. announced the "repositioning" of its wholly-owned operating subsidiary that holds its Eco Ridge property in Elliot Lake, Ontario, changing its name from First Canadian Uranium Inc. to Eco Ridge Development Corporation.

Development of Eco Ridge rare earth and uranium mine project suspended due to market conditions: On Feb. 17, 2015, Pele Mountain Resources Inc. announced that the company now pursues a "monazite recycling strategy" rather than the development of its Eco Ridge mine: "For almost a decade, Pele has advanced its flagship Eco Ridge Mine Rare Earth and Uranium Project in Elliot Lake. However, market conditions have not supported the development and construction of relatively high CAPEX hard-rock mining projects, such as those proposed by Canada's aspiring rare earth developers, including Pele. The decline in rare earth and uranium prices since 2011, along with the bear market in resource stocks, also contributed to Pele's strategic pivot toward monazite recycling."

On Sept. 12, 2013, Pele Mountain Resources Inc. announced that an updated economic review of its Eco Ridge Mine Rare Earth and Uranium Project "concludes that the recent increase in Mineral Resources [as announced on June 10, 2013] extends mine life and improves project economics. While this improvement is offset by a reduction in rare earth price forecasts, the net result demonstrates that Eco Ridge economics remain positive."

On Sept. 5, 2012, Pele Mountain Resources Inc. reported the receipt of a letter of support from the Council of the City of Elliot Lake, Ontario, for the development of Pele's Eco Ridge Mine Rare Earths and Uranium Project.

Pele Mountain Resources is shifting the focus of its Eco Ridge Mine project near Elliot Lake following the release of its updated NI 43-101 preliminary economic assessment (PEA). Al Shefsky, president of Pele Mountain Resources, says the company is shifting its primary focus from uranium to rare earth metals. The uranium would become the Eco Ridge project's secondary focus. (Elliot Lake Standard May 3, 2012)

On Apr. 16, 2012, Pele Mountain Resources Inc. announced results of an updated NI 43-101 Preliminary Economic Assessment (the "PEA") on its Eco Ridge Mine Project. The PEA "demonstrates that Eco Ridge has excellent potential to become a profitable producer of rare earths and U₃O₈" [emphasis added]. Other than the previous PEA, the updated PEA assumes conventional milling rather than heap leaching.

On July 5, 2011, Pele Mountain Resources Inc. announced results of a NI 43-101 Preliminary Economic Assessment (the "PEA") on its Eco Ridge Mine Project. The PEA "demonstrates that Eco Ridge has potential to become a profitable producer of rare earth oxides and uranium oxide". The PEA, actually released on Sep. 7, 2011, details that the ore is to be processed by rather uncommon underground heap leaching (60%) and by surface heap leaching (40%).

On May 17, 2011, Pele Mountain Resources Inc. announced that the Province of Ontario has granted two mining leases to Pele's wholly owned subsidiary, First Canadian Uranium Inc., for its Eco Ridge Mine Rare Earths and Uranium Project. The Mining Leases give Pele the exclusive right to mine the Eco Ridge deposit and include surface rights that allow for siting of project infrastructure and processing facilities. The Mining Leases are for a period of 21 years (commencing on March 1, 2011) and are renewable.

On Sep. 9, 2008, Pele Mountain Resources Inc. announced that the Company has submitted the Project Description for its Eco Ridge Mine to the federal government's Major Projects Management Office and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). The submission of this document initiates the official permitting process for the Company's planned uranium mine and processing facility near Elliot Lake in Northern Ontario.

On March 29, 2007, Pele Mountain Resources Inc. announced the continued advancement of technical, economic, and environmental scoping studies at its 100-percent owned Elliot Lake Uranium project in Northern Ontario. The focus of the ongoing studies is to establish the basis for economically viable, safe and environmentally compliant mining and processing facilities at Elliot Lake.

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Coalition group demands stop of uranium mining in Ontario until study is done on impact