Fort Simpson (July 23/04) - The Prairie Creek mine will provide more long-term jobs than a Mackenzie Valley pipeline, according to Mayor Raymond Michaud and Fort Simpson Chamber of Commerce President Andrew Gaule.

Both men are in favour of the mine going into operation.

"I think we should promote that mine," Michaud said a few days after visiting the Prairie Creek site and taking note of the Deh Cho employees.

"I think they're doing a fine job over there."

Prairie Creek could provide badly needed opportunities in an economically stagnant region where businesses are closing down, Gaule suggested.

"I think a lot more spin-offs come from mining than from oil and gas," he said. "The mine opening would be of bigger economic benefit than a Mackenzie Valley pipeline... look at the impact (mining) is having over in the Dogrib region."

There has been too much "fear-mongering by groups that are opposed to industrial development in this region," according to Gaule.

He acknowledged mines have been the source of environmental damage in the past, but argued regulations are more stringent nowadays.

He also noted many of the same people who object to mining drive vehicles made of metal and use metal-based firearms.

"If you're a conscientious objector, I can understand that, but be consistent," he said.

Keyna Norwegian, Chief of the Liidlii Kue First Nation, also visited the Prairie Creek site for the first time last week and found it to be very orderly.

"I was expecting to see oil spills and whatever here and there, but they were very, very clean over there. I was very impressed," she said.

"They were making sure that everything was environmentally safe over there."

Norwegian stopped short of offering support for Canadian Zinc. She said she wants more information on how other Canadian mines co-exist with parks.

Nevertheless, the Liidlii Kue First Nation will take advantage of job opportunities through the mine, she said. In addition, the LKFN has decided to accept a scholarship courtesy of Canadian Zinc, but she said that doesn't make the band beholden to the company.

"If there's money available for any of my students or any of my members to go back to school, I'll let them be aware of it. It's their choice," said Norwegian.