A plain-language summary of the 2016 Exploration Agreement with Frontier that set the rules for mineral exploration on Sandy Lake's shared traditional territory.
This was an agreement between Frontier Lithium and Sandy Lake First Nation, signed in 2016. It set the rules for how Frontier could explore for minerals on Sandy Lake's shared traditional territory.
It established how both sides would work together — with respect, open communication, and some sharing of benefits.
Frontier was allowed to carry out early-stage work — drilling, sampling, and environmental studies — on the land.
Sandy Lake supported access to the land — provided Frontier followed every condition in the agreement.
Both sides committed to respect, open communication, and mutual benefit — a foundation for future discussions.
Key points of the Exploration Agreement
As agreed in 2016
The 2016 Exploration Agreement was just a start
The pathway envisioned in 2016 — from exploration toward a potential mine
Exploration allowed. Rules set.
Drilling, testing, studies
Data provided to Sandy Lake
If mine viable, bigger deal may be negotiated
Jobs, revenue, community impact
Neither side is required to agree to anything in future negotiations. That discussion was always intended for later, when much more information would be available.
Roles and responsibilities
Who agreed to do what in 2016
How Frontier and Sandy Lake each committed to contribute