Rae-Edzo (Oct 16/06) - Working with Fortune Minerals has turned out to be a good decision for Edward Williah.

The Behchoko resident has been working with the company since 1996 when he began staking claims for its Nico Gold-Cobalt-Bismuth project, which is located 80 km north of Behchoko.

Edward Williah, a employee at Fortune Mineral's Nico Cobalt-Gold-Bismuth Project marks off bags of bulk sample material mined during exploratory work. The resident of Behchoko has worked with the company for 10 years and is excited about a potential mine at the Nico Project. - David Ryna/NNSL photo

"I started out splitting core, but now I'm a jack of all trades," he said.

With bulk sampling work completed for the year and a bankable feasibility study set to be released, Williah is excited about the prospect of a potential mine being built close to his home and long-term employment.

"We're entering the last leg now."

"Work is pretty good, I get along with everybody," he said.

Providing residents of nearby communities with long term employment has been important since Fortune Minerals began exploring at the Nico property, said Robin Goad president and chief executive officer.

"The company has a history of successful Northern relationships in consultation and accommodation with aboriginal peoples," he said.

More than 300 people are expected to be employed at the potential mine, which finished its $10 million bulk sample last week, he said.

Fortune Minerals plans to confirm its bulk sample grades at SGS Lakefield Research in Lakefield, Ontario where 250 tonnes of ore will be processed, he said.

Data obtained from the bulk sample will lead to a bankable feasibility study, he said.

"The study should help asses the feasibility of mining 4,000 tonnes of ore per day," said Goad.

The Nico Cobalt-Gold-Bismuth project could potentially have a 15 year mine life, and yield more than 23 million tonnes of measured and indicated resources, he said.

While an anticipated date of opening in 2009/2010 is possible, Goad said that a number of steps still need to be occur.

"We need to successfully complete our environmental assessment and complete an impact and benefits development agreement with the Tli Cho First Nation," he said.

Fortune Minerals continues to look towards the future after acquiring the Golden Giant Mill in Hemlo, Ontario. The company plans on moving it to the Nico property over a three year period, said Goad. On site, the mill will be able to process cobalt metal and gold bullion, he said.

The company also plans to develop an all weather road from an existing winter road, he said.

Fortune will work alongside the Government of the Northwest Territories, the Tli Cho First Nations and the federal government to develop the all weather road, he said.

"This is not only an economic issue for the mine but also will provide long lasting infrastructure in communities," he said.

The potential infrastructure is mind boggling said Carl Clouter director with Fortune Minerals. "The pace has really accelerated in the last two years," he said.

"We now have a focus and the commitment has been made," added Clouter.

Acquiring the mill from the Golden Giant mine in Hemlo, Ont., and plans to move it to Nico over a three-year period, said Goad.

Working alongside the federal, NWT and Tlicho governments, the company also wants to develop an all-weather road out of an existing winter route, he said.

"This is not only an economic issue for the mine, but also will provide long lasting infrastructure in communities," he said.

The rate at which the project has taken-off is mind-boggling, said Carl Clouter, a Fortune director.

"The pace has really accelerated in the last two years," he said.

"We now have a focus and the commitment has been made."