NEWS RELEASE - Tłı̨chǫ CEC Mining Meetings with Fortescue a Strategic Success (October 29, 2024 – Behchokǫ̀.) The Chiefs Executive Council (CEC) would like to thank Fortescue for inviting Tłı̨chǫ Government to Australia for strategic mine meetings:

• to meet with First Nations communities and businesses,
• to visit world-class mines and infrastructure, and
• to learn about cutting-edge green energy initiatives, First Nations capacity building, and cultural heritage protection.

Tłı̨chǫ Government is taking a proactive approach to promoting mineral development opportunities on our lands, starting with the inaugural “Tłı̨chǫ Night” at AME Roundup in 2024. We continue to work closely with the operating diamond mines, expanding our relationships and taking strategic steps to build new opportunities for our Nation.

Our new relationship with Fortescue is very positive, and we are committed to sharing innovative best practices and investigating partnership opportunities together. CEC is bringing home concrete outcomes and powerful insights to enhance the work of Tłı̨chǫ Government and our work with Industry and government partners, including:

• Maximizing Tłı̨chǫ employment and capacity building – we saw firsthand Fortescue’s highly successful programs for First Nations recruitment, training, employment, and leadership.
• Innovative models for First Nations business partnerships and capital investment – such as loan and contract guarantees, etc.
• Prioritizing next steps for building our knowledge of Tłı̨chǫ lands mineral opportunities – we have started work to launch a Tłı̨chǫ Minerals data portal at Tłı̨chǫ Night at Roundup 2025
• The opportunity and the need for ambitious expansion of green energy.What we have learned and the relationships we have built in Australia will help us take targeted action to build opportunities for our Nation.

Optional background

• Fortescue is the technology, energy and metals group accelerating the commercial decarbonisation of industry, rapidly, profitably and globally. The Metals business comprises of iron ore operations in the Pilbara, Western Australia as well as a pipeline of exploration projects globally in Africa, Latin America and Australia. By 2030, they aim to have their Australian iron ore operations running on green energy, achieving Real Zero Scope 1 and 2 terrestrial emissions. The Energy business is building a global portfolio of renewable green hydrogen and green ammonia projects and developing green technology solutions. As the business develops globally, their commitment to building thriving communities expands. Delivering positive social and economic change through training, employment and business development opportunities is a key focus.
   
• Tłı̨chǫ Government is a self-governing Indigenous Government in Canada with surface and subsurface ownership of 39,000 km2 lands and recognized constitutional rights in the surrounding Mǫwhì Gogha Dè Nı̨ı̨tłèè area, including operating diamond mines, historic gold and uranium mines, and potential for critical minerals.

Our time in Australia was very eye-opening. Masi cho to Fortescue for hosting us. We truly appreciated the opportunity to connect with Australian First Nations and to learn about how they work with Fortescue to protect cultural heritage and create opportunities for their citizens and businesses. Tłı̨chǫ Government is open for business with companies who are interested in true partnership, and Fortescue is the kind of company we would like to work with.

- Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty

For media requests, please contact:

Kelley Ryder
Communications Manager
Tłı̨chǫ Government
Ph: 867-444-9963
Email: [email protected]
www.tlicho.ca