OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – March 5, 2012) – Canadian Zinc Corporation (TSX:CZN)(OTCBB:CZICF) (the “Company” or “Canadian Zinc”) and Parks Canada are pleased to announce a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) regarding the operation and development of the Prairie Creek Mine and the management of Nahanni National Park Reserve.
The Prairie Creek Mine is located in the Mackenzie Mountains of the Northwest Territories, within the watershed of the South Nahanni River and in proximity to but outside the Nahanni National Park Reserve, which currently encircles the Prairie Creek Mine.
“We are pleased to have this new memorandum of understanding with Parks Canada which will ensure our continued cooperative relationship,” said John F. Kearney, Chairman of Canadian Zinc Corporation. “Canadian Zinc accepts the value of Nahanni National Park Reserve to Canadians and will manage the development of the Prairie Creek Mine so the mine does not, in its own right, negatively affect the management and operations of the Park Reserve.”
“Parks Canada is committed to the ongoing protection and world class visitor experiences of Nahanni National Park Reserve and recognizes and respects the rights of Canadian Zinc to develop the proposed Prairie Creek mine,” said Alan Latourelle, CEO of Parks Canada. “In working collaboratively with Canadian Zinc to achieve our respective goals, we are able to balance environmental protection with economic development in the north and maximize benefits to Canadians.”
The MOU, which is valid for three years, replaces the previous MOU signed between the Parties in 2008. In the MOU:
Nahanni National Park Reserve:
Recently expanded to cover over 30,000 km2, Nahanni National Park Reserve protects a portion of the Mackenzie Mountains Natural Region and is an outstanding example of northern wilderness rivers, canyons, gorges and alpine tundra. Centred on the river valleys of the South Nahanni and Flat rivers in the southwest part of the Northwest Territories, Nahanni offers the adventurous visitor an unparalleled wilderness experience.
The Nahanni National Park Reserve is a jewel in Canada’s network of 43 national parks, 167 national historic sites, and four national marine conservation areas managed by Parks Canada on behalf of all Canadians. As a world leader in managing protected areas, Parks Canada works to ensure that Canada’s historic and natural heritage is presented and protected for the enjoyment, education and appreciation of all Canadians, today and in the future. Parks Canada sets the stage and invites Canadians, as well as people from around the world, to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery of our treasured natural and historic places.
Prairie Creek Mine:
The Prairie Creek Mine is partially developed with an existing 1,000 tonne per day mill and related infrastructure.
On December 8, 2011, the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board issued its Report of Environmental Assessment and Reasons forDecision for the Company’s proposed Prairie Creek Mine. The Review Board concluded that the proposed development of the Prairie Creek Mine is not likely to have any significant adverse impacts on the environment or to be a cause for significant public concern. The Review Board concluded that an environmental impact review of this proposed development is not necessary and that the Prairie Creek Mine project should proceed to the regulatory phase for approvals.
Parks Canada
Robert Kent
Field Unit Superintendent, Southwest NWT
(867) 872-7900
(867) 872-3910 (FAX)
Parks Canada Agency
Media Relations
(819) 953-8371
Image of Virginia Falls (Nailicho), Nahanni National Park Reserve courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.