North Bay – Eskan Company and Cementation Canada announced the creation of a Joint Venture, Nidaamisineh Cementation, to pursue underground mine development opportunities in the Northern Quebec mining industry.

The new Joint Venture has significant Cree ownership and participation, and promotes a framework for shared risk reward, opportunities for local entrepreneurs, and supports the development of technical, professional and managerial skills and capacities in the areas of underground mining and safety within the Mistissini community. Nidaamisineh Cementation will focus on underground mine development opportunities within the James Bay Territory (Eeyou Istchee) of Quebec.

“This Joint Venture is very relevant to the Cree Nation of Mistissini and Eskan’s portfolio. Mistissini’s involvement in the mining sector started with the Troilus Mine. Today these past experiences will expand and excel into new endeavors such as this for Eskan within the Mistissini territory,” said James Lazore, General Manager of Eskan Company. The Eskan Company is 100% owned by the Cree Nation of Mistissini and is responsible for economic and sustainable development in the Mistissini region.

Cementation Canada is a respected underground mine contracting and engineering company with projects worldwide. The company actively works with First Nations and local communities delivering training and employment opportunities on its projects. “The establishment of this exciting long term relationship with the Mistissini Cree through Eskan, is based on shared goals and a respect for Northern Quebec and its people, and will benefit Cementation, Eskan and our Clients,” said Roy Slack, President of Cementation Canada.

Eskan Company and Cementation Canada are interested in developing a meaningful and long term business relationship to pursue underground mine development opportunities in the Northern Quebec mining industry and ensure that local business capacities are enhanced in the mining industry.

About Eskan Company:

The Eskan Company is responsible for economic and sustainable development in the Mistissini region. Wholly owned by the Cree Nation of Mistissini, the Eskan Company was created to promote growth, financial stability and expand employment opportunities for the benefit of the Mistissini community. Eskan aims to safeguard wildlife habitats, foster good relationships between users and ensure real and significant participation of the Cree community in current and coming development projects both locally and regionally. For more information on the Eskan Company, visit www.eskan.ca

About Cementation:

Cementation is a mine contracting and engineering company. The company’s engineering, procurement and construction capabilities are fully integrated to deliver feasibility, design and construction services within a seamless project cycle. Cementation Canada Inc., Cementation USA Inc., and Cementation Sudamérica SpA are part of the Murray & Roberts Underground Mining Platform with operations around the world. Cementation AG and Merit Consultants International are recent additions to the group. Cementation AG provides surface mineral processing and material handling design and Page 2 of 2 project support services, while Merit Consultants International delivers project and construction management services for surface facilities associated with the mining industry. For more information on Cementation, visit www.cementation.com.

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For more information, please contact:

James Lazore, General Manager, Eskan Company, Mistissini
t: (418)-923-2233

Denis Blais, General Manager – Quebec & International, Cementation, Rouyn-Noranda
t: (819)-762-2062