VANCOUVER – Gatling Exploration (TSXV:GTR)(OTCQB:GATGF) announced that it has entered into an Exploration Agreement with Matachewan and Wahgoshig First Nations relating to the Company’s Larder project on January 1, 2019, as amended by Amending Agreement dated January 11, 2021.
The Agreement sets out the framework by which the Company and the First Nations Groups will work together in a spirit of partnership and cooperation to build a positive and mutually beneficial working relationship. Specific objectives of the Agreement include:
- Establishing a cooperative and collaborative working arrangement between the Company and the First Nations Groups;
- Promoting timely dialogue and communication to foster an open, direct and respectful relationship among the parties;
- Establishing a relationship through which the First Nations Groups can identify opportunities for their businesses and citizens to participate in the Company’s activities; and
- Enhancing the First Nations Groups’ capacity to participate in opportunities related to the exploration activities, which may include training during the life of the project.
Under the terms of the Agreement, the parties will also establish a timetable and commence negotiations toward an Impact Benefit Agreement.
Jason Billan, the Company’s CEO, stated, “This major milestone for Gatling marks the culmination of more than two years of relationship building and discussions between the company and the Matachewan and Wahgoshig First Nations, and sets forth a solid foundation for continued cooperation as the Larder project advances further along the value chain. We are pleased to have the Matachewan and Wahgoshig First Nations Groups as positive supporters and key stakeholders of the Larder gold project, with strong alignment to our shareholders. We look forward to laying the groundwork, following the signing of the exploration agreement, as we head towards an Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) in due course.”
Gatling Exploration is a Canadian gold exploration company focused on advancing the Larder Gold Project, located in the prolific Abitibi greenstone belt in Northern Ontario. The Larder property hosts three high-grade gold deposits along the Cadillac-Larder Lake Break, 35 km east of Kirkland Lake. The project is 100% controlled by Gatling and is comprised of patented and unpatented claims, leases and mining licenses of occupation within the McVittie and McGarry Townships. The 3,370 ha project area is positioned 7 km west of the Kerr Addison Mine, which produced 11 million ounces of gold. All parts of the Larder property are accessible by truck or all-terrain vehicles on non-serviced roads and trails.
