Established in 1980, Northern Ontario Business provides Canadians and international investors with relevant, current and insightful editorial content and business news information about Ontario’s vibrant and resource-rich North. Ian Ross is the editor of Northern Ontario Business ianross@nob.on.ca.
Barring a late settlement agreement, a Sudbury junior miner appears headed to court to lock horns with the provincial government this fall in a case that might have ramifications on the Ontario Mining Act.
An Oct. 5 trial date has been booked for an Ontario Superior Court judge in Toronto to hear arguments surrounding a compensation claim by Northern Superior Resources resulting from its abandonment of its gold properties after a series of disputes with Sachigo Lake First Nation.
The outcome of the case could be precedent-setting and could impact the government’s hands-off practice of leaving it up to the resource industry and First Nations to work out exploration and benefit agreements, and resolve any differences they might have.
Company president Tom Morris expressed confidence in a favourable outcome, but was still hoping to avoid court.
“We would like to settle before going to court. We feel it’s unnecessary to go to trial; however, we are more than prepared to see this through to the end and have board approval to do that.”