Mixcor Aggregates is looking to tap into the local labour market and has formed a relationship with the Samson Cree Nation.
Under the agreement Mixcor will mine gravel aggregate from the Sandy Ridge gravel pit on lands owned by the Samson Cree Nation west of the Queen Elizabeth II Highway on Secondary Highway 611.
Mixcor owner Terry Mix and general manager Gary Zeitner recently presented the Samson Cree Nation with a cheque for $10,000, an annual Community Development Incentive payment under its agreement to mine gravel at Sandy Ridge. The annual payment signals the approval of Mixcor’s permit to mine gravel at the Sandy Ridge pit, which was recently granted by Ponoka County. Mixcor is still awaiting final regulatory approval from Alberta Environment and Water but does not anticipate any objections to their application as this site appears to have been mined as a gravel quarry in the past.
Chief Marvin Yellowbird welcomes the relationship with Mixcor as a means of revitalizing economic activity. He also sees the opportunity to supplement initiatives undertaken by Samson Cree Nation to improve roads. Over the past summer, approximately 50 kilometres of rural roads were gravelled on the Samson Cree Nation, representing 25 per cent of major roadways on the reserve. Most of that gravel came from Mixcor’s Graves’ pit and the Augustine pit.
“Samson Cree Nation now has the option of securing gravel from the Sandy Ridge pit (in lieu of royalty) for local road maintenance and repair, a major incentive for the Samson Cree Nation for entering into the deal,” said Chief Yellowbird.
Yellowbird and Coun. Derek Bruno, who were instrumental in spearheading this economic venture, met with Mixcor representatives to discuss employment and contracting opportunities for the Samson Cree Nation in this venture. Mixcor highlighted the opportunity for trucking contractors who are in demand during the busy summer hauling season. Derek Bruno, who has been promoting economic development for the Samson Cree Nation, sees the potential for young entrepreneurs who want to take on a new challenge.
—Submitted