BLACKWATER PROJECT UPDATE Working to Make A Positive Contribution This fall marks an important milestone for New Gold’s Blackwater Project. Since acquiring the property a little more than a year ago, the teams on the project, including over 170 local residents, have completed sufficient geological and environmental field work and have finalized technical and social studies to enable the completion of a Preliminary Economic Assessment or PEA. Results of the assessment are encouraging enough to justify moving forward with the more detailed evaluations required to complete a Feasibility Study, which is scheduled for completion by the end of 2013. Shortly after completion of the PEA, we submitted our Project Description to the federal and provincial governments, an important document as it is required to initiate the federal and provincial environmental review of the proposed project. As excited as we are to be working toward a project that has the potential to create employment and contract opportunities for residents of Vanderhoof, Burns Lake, Fraser Lake, Fort St. James and the surrounding area, we believe strongly that a foundation of responsible resource development is keeping those in the area of the project well- informed of our activities and plans and also keeping ourselves informed of the concerns and aspirations of those communities. I hope that this Update, and a first round of Open Houses planned in late October, contribute to that effort. In addition to the direct employment from the local region for the project site, we have focused on buying locally and contracting locally. We have also created just over 30 new jobs in Vanderhoof with the opening of a sample preparation laboratory. We are pleased to have signed two Exploration Cooperation Agreements with local First Nations, which have led to employment, contracting and community and personal development opportunities in those and other First Nations communities. While exploration work will slow down a little over the next few months, environmental studies are ramping up as we move toward an anticipated mine construction starting in a little over two years, with operations anticipated to start in 2017. The Blackwater Project will hold Open Houses in Vanderhoof, Burns Lake, Fraser Lake and Fort St. James from October 22 to 25. We will be there to share information, answer your questions and learn more about how we can work together to build a positive legacy for your family and your community. We hope to see you there. At New Gold, we understand that fundamental to our success is the support of the communities around us. We will strive to maintain transparent relationships which are responsive to community aspirations and work to ensure sustainable development that contributes positively to the economic and social development of the region, without jeopardizing the environment for our future generations. Sincerely, Bob Gallagher President, Chief Executive Officer & Director New Gold Inc. Building Stronger Communities New Gold is an intermediate mining company that owns four producing mines in Australia, Canada, the USA and Mexico and two development projects—the Blackwater Project in Canada and the El Morro joint-venture project in Chile. At our sites, we are committed to environmental protection and social responsibility. We know our growth and success depend on the economic, social and environmental sustainability of each of the communities in which we live and work. Find out more at our Open Houses Learn more about the Blackwater Project at our Open Houses. We can update you on future opportunities, show you maps of the project location and answer your questions. Refreshments will be served. Drop by to meet the team between 6 - 8:30 pm. We look forward to seeing you!. October 22 - Fort St. James Music Makers Hall, 255 West 2nd Avenue October 23 - Vanderhoof Friendship Centre, 219 Victoria St E. October 24 - Burns Lake Heritage Centre, 540 Hwy 16 October 25 - Fraser Lake Fraser Lake Legion, 165 Chowsunket St GROWING NEW GOLD RESPONSIBLY Blackwater Project
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BLACKWATER PROJECT UPDATEWorking to Make A Positive Contribution
This fall marks an important milestone for New Gold’s Blackwater Project. Since acquiring the property a little more than a year ago, the teams on the project, including over 170 local residents, have completed sufficient geological and environmental field work and have finalized technical and social studies to enable the completion of a Preliminary Economic Assessment or PEA. Results of the assessment are encouraging enough to justify moving forward with the more detailed evaluations required to complete a Feasibility Study, which is scheduled for completion by the end of 2013. Shortly after completion of the PEA, we submitted our Project Description to the federal and provincial governments, an important document as it is required to
initiate the federal and provincial environmental review of the proposed project.
As excited as we are to be working toward a project that has the potential to create employment and contract opportunities for residents of Vanderhoof, Burns Lake, Fraser Lake, Fort St. James and the surrounding area, we believe strongly that a foundation of responsible resource development is keeping those in the area of the project well-informed of our activities and plans and also keeping ourselves informed of the concerns and aspirations of those communities. I hope that this Update, and a first round of Open Houses planned in late October, contribute to that effort.
In addition to the direct employment from the local region for the project site, we have focused on buying locally and contracting locally. We have also created just over 30 new jobs in Vanderhoof with the opening of a sample preparation laboratory. We are pleased to have signed two Exploration Cooperation Agreements with local First Nations, which have led to employment, contracting and community and personal development opportunities in those and other First Nations communities.
While exploration work will slow down a little over the next few months, environmental studies are ramping up as we move toward an anticipated mine construction starting in a little over two years, with operations anticipated to start in 2017.
The Blackwater Project will hold Open Houses in Vanderhoof, Burns Lake, Fraser Lake and Fort St. James from October 22 to 25. We will be there to share information, answer your questions and learn more about how we can work together to build a positive legacy for your family and your community. We hope to see you there.
At New Gold, we understand that fundamental to our success is the support of the communities around us. We will strive to maintain transparent relationships which are responsive to community aspirations and work to ensure sustainable development that contributes positively to the economic and social development of the region, without jeopardizing the environment for our future generations.
Sincerely,
Bob Gallagher President, Chief Executive Officer & Director New Gold Inc.
Building Stronger Communities
New Gold is an intermediate mining company that owns four producing mines in Australia, Canada, the USA and Mexico and two development projects—the Blackwater Project in Canada and the El Morro joint-venture project in Chile.
At our sites, we are committed to environmental protection and social responsibility. We know our growth and success depend on the economic, social and environmental sustainability of each of the communities in which we live and work.
Find out more at our Open Houses
Learn more about the Blackwater Project at our Open Houses.
We can update you on future opportunities, show you maps of the project location and answer your questions. Refreshments will be served.
Drop by to meet the team between 6 - 8:30 pm. We look forward to seeing you!.
October 22 - Fort St. James Music Makers Hall, 255 West 2nd Avenue
October 23 - Vanderhoof Friendship Centre, 219 Victoria St E.
October 24 - Burns Lake Heritage Centre, 540 Hwy 16
October 25 - Fraser Lake Fraser Lake Legion, 165 Chowsunket St
GROWING NEW GOLD RESPONSIBLY
Blackwater Project
Project Decription Submitted
The Blackwater Project recently submitted its Project Decription to the BC Environmental Assessment Office and Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency. This document signifies the project has requested an environmental review.
Once the BC Environmental Assessment Office and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency accept the project for review, it will enter into the “pre-application” phase of the environmental review process. During this phase, the project team will work with independent environmental consultants, a working group made up of local, provincial and federal governments and Aboriginal peoples representatives and regulators to identify the information required and studies that must be completed as part of the project’s application for environmental approval. The environmental review process includes opportunities for public review and comment.
Preliminary Economic Assessment Complete
The project’s Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA), which provides an early estimate of the economic viability of the project, is now complete. The PEA uses data gathered during exploration work to provide an early snapshot of the project. Further detail will be provided in the Feasibility Study, scheduled to be developed in 2013. The PEA will be available for review at www.newgold.com/blackwater.
New Gold’s New Afton Mine Receives Mining and Sustainability Award
New Gold’s New Afton Mine, near Kamloops, has received the 2011 Mining and Sustainability Award.
This annual award is provided jointly by the Mining Association of BC (MABC) and the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas to recognize demonstrated commitment to leadership in sustainability.
New Afton, which opened this summer, was also awarded the Corporate Advocate for Aboriginal Business award by the Industry Council for Aboriginal Business (ICAB). This award acknowledges New Afton’s leadership and support of Aboriginal business and economic development.
New Gold Opens Project
Office and Prep Lab in Vanderhoof
This summer, New Gold opened a Project Office and Sample Prep Lab in Vanderhoof. Together, the lab and office employ over 30 local residents. Prep lab workers are responsible for the layout, crushing and pulverizing of the core samples that come from the Blackwater Project’s exploration site.
Drop by to say hello to Project Office staff Janice Baker, Kathie LaForge, and Amber Teed.
IN THE NEWS
Kathie LaForge, Community Manager
Janice Baker, Administrative Assistant
Amber Teed,First Nations Coordinator
The office is open weekdays from 8:00am to 4:30pm.
Blackwater Project Office 139-1st Street East Vanderhoof, BC 250-567-3276
Blackwater ProjectPAGE 2
Local People Hired for Exploration, Construction and Operations
During the exploration phase, about 66 percent of the Blackwater Project workforce has been hired from the local region, including 23 percent Aboriginal peoples.
New Gold is committed to hiring local people whenever possible. Following the environmental review process, New Gold expects to hire 1,000 to 1,500 (peak) construction workers and a full-time permanent workforce of about 500 people.
Nathan Patrick works as a crusher at the prep lab. “This job benefits me in a lot of ways,” said Nathan. “I can help my family out when they need it. I can start building my credit up so I can start getting nice things for myself and my family and sometime in life start a family, knowing I can support them.”
First Nations Exploration Cooperation Agreements Signed
New Gold has signed two Exploration Cooperation Agreements with First Nations regarding opportunities for employment, contracting, training and education. We are also in the early stages of engagement with our other First Nations partners.
New Gold is committed to maximizing benefits to local communities and Aboriginal peoples. Although the project is still in the early phase, New Gold has:
• Provided 50% funding for a Drill Core Technician / Field Exploration program
• Hosted Nazko First Nation youth at the Blackwater Project as part of the award-winning BladeRunners employment program
• Provided contract opportunities to Aboriginal businesses
• Supported traditional land use studies
Local Contractors Benefit
Troy Stringer, from Giver a Yank Towing, is one of many local contractors who have benefited from New Gold’s exploration work.
“New Gold has definitely helped me diversify my business, from hauling supplies to the site, to bringing vehicles back from the camp. I started off with just myself and have now expanded my fleet and crew,” said Troy Stringer, owner of Giver a Yank Towing, based in Vanderhoof. “The influence the company has had in the community is very positive.”
New Gold is working with community partners to expand existing training programs and establish new programs to ensure local workers and contractors can benefit from project-related opportunities.
Nathan Patrick, Sample Prep Lab Crusher
ON THE JOB
PAGE 3
New Washrack for Vanderhoof
New Gold is committed to the sustainable social and economic growth of the region and plans to be involved as a community partner for the life of the Blackwater Project.
Congratulations to the Vanderhoof 4-H Club on their purchase of a new washrack and to Nechako Valley Search and Rescue who have made us all a little safer through the purchase of a new wheeled stretcher. Congratulations also to the 14 athletes and 5 Nechako Valley Community Service Society staff who recently travelled to Operation Trackshoes in Victoria.
The Blackwater Project is located about 160 km southwest of Prince George and 110 km southwest of Vanderhoof. The project is in an area that has seen active exploration since silver, lead and zinc were discovered there in 1973.
You can contact us anytime by dropping into the Project Office at 139-1st Street East, Vanderhoof BC, emailing [email protected], or calling 250-567-3276.
Please join us at our Open Houses:October 22 - Fort St. James October 23 - Vanderhoof October 24 - Burns Lake October 25 - Fraser Lake
You can also find out more about New Gold and the project at www.newgold.com/blackwater
