By Adam Berls

natural resources forum

McLeod Lake Indian Band and Defense Metals Corp enter into partnership for rare earth elements mine east of Bear Lake

Jan 17, 2024 | 2:18 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — A new mining project in Northern BC is in the works as the McLeod Lake Indian Band and Defense Metals Corp. announced their partnership for the Wicheeda Project, a rare earth elements project east of Bear Lake. The band purchased a equity stake in Defense Metals and Chief Harley Chingee is looking forward to the opportunities that project can provide.

“It solidifies the project in terms of our participation and the environmental assessment, as well as the economic opportunities that are going to be coming from that. So I think the opportunities are going to be good for the nation.” – Chief Harley Chingee, McLeod Lake Indian Band

McLeod Lake Indian Band and Defense Metals have entered into a Co-Design Agreement, which will set a new standard for collaborative project development Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Josie Osborne was present for the announcement and she believes that this could set a trend for other projects.

Craig Taylor, CEO of Defense Metals, said:

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“We’re proud to partner with MLIB and these strategic exemplify a shared vision and commitment to realizing the full potential of the Wicheeda Project and the positive impact it will have on the global Critical Minerals Transition.”

Rare earth elements are used in components of many devices such as smartphones, computers, TV’s and the batteries of hybrid and electric cars. This project could end up annually producing as much as 10% of global production.

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X: @AdamBerls

Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com