Cooperation Agreement
On March 15, 2005, the Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) signed a 10-year Cooperation Agreement on the management and remediation of Giant Mine. This was renewed on July 13, 2015. This agreement provided a mechanism for coordination and cooperation between the two governments for remediation and care and maintenance activities at Giant Mine.
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) is overseeing the care and maintenance at Giant Mine. INAC and the GNWT worked together to develop a Remediation Plan to address the entire cleanup of the site. The top priority for both governments is ensuring the health and safety of the public, and the protection of the environment.
Other highlights of the 10-year Cooperation Agreement include:
- both parties agree that the underground freezing method is the preferred option for addressing the arsenic trioxide waste stored underground at Giant Mine
- both parties agree to act as co-proponents for regulatory applications and overseeing site care and maintenance activities
- the Government of Canada acknowledges long-term responsibility for the arsenic trioxide waste stored underground at Giant Mine
- the GNWT will provide $23 million as its contribution to care and maintenance and surface remediation
- working together to engage with communities and organizations with respect to the Giant Mine Remediation Project
- the GNWT will provide the federal government, through the appropriate tenure instrument, with unrestricted surface access and occupancy on the site
- both parties agree to maximize northern economic development opportunities in carrying out the Giant Mine Remediation Project
- both parties agree the surface will be remediated to industrial standards.