Prince George, B.C. – With Terrane Metals prepared to start preliminary  construction  of the Mount Milligan mine this summer, the communities expected to benefit most from its construction and operation gathered this morning in a show of support for the project.

Flanked by Prince George Mayor Dan Rogers, and Chief Derek Orr of the McLeod Lake First Nation, Terrane President Robert Pease talked about the plan to start some work on the project this summer. “Once in operation, this project will inject $80 million a year in the regional economy” says Pease.

The project is still waiting for a couple of federal permits, notably, one from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Those permits are expected this summer, but other work can be done until those permits are granted.

The mine will have a positive impact for communities like Mackenzie where Mayor Stephanie Killam says the mine will officially diversify the community’s economy. Vanderhoof is looking forward to having local businesses bid for contracts, and Ft St. James is hoping it will be a step towards retaining their youth. Sandra Harwood, Mayor of Ft. St. James, says her community’s youth are leaving in an effort to achieve their goals elsewhere “ In the 80’s Placer Dome was on the verge of operating this mine but then the price of gold plunged, and they walked away. I have people coming up to me daily asking ‘are you sure this is going to happen this time’ I tell them yes, I am sure.”

Prince George Mayor Dan Rogers says this project will build opportunities for future generations.

For Chief Derek Orr the project means economic opportunities, jobs and growth for the people of this First Nation. Terrane and McLeod Lake  have yet to finalize an agreement, but Orr has been publicly supportive of the project ”I am happy to support the project.  We want to be part of the regional economy.”

Mayor Harwood said the  gathering   this morning wasn’t to  announce anything new, it was to share a good news story “I know good news stories aren’t usually very exciting, but this one is.”

Robert Pease says the  project will cost about $915 million. The company has recently secured financing for  $100 million and Pease says they have plenty of irons in the fire to raise the rest.