Staking reopens in four townships near Temagami

Although activity was noted around James, Best, Strathy and Cassels twps., Ont., by several observers on Jan. 7, the day the townships were reopened for staking, the number of claims staked will not be determined for at least a month.

The reopened townships lie within the Teme-Augama Anishnabai land claim area around Temagami, Ont., which was placed under caution in 1973. The caution was withdrawn from the four townships on Oct. 23, 1991, under pressure from local residents.

Under Ontario’s new mining act, which came into effect last June, prospectors have 31 days to file their claim applications with the local mining recorder. If two people file applications to record the same claim, then the prospector who completed staking first is given priority.

The new system has eliminated the so-called “staking rush” which had prospectors literally racing each other to the recorder’s office to register claims.

“We’re counting on the prospectors to be honest in the field,” said Larder Lake Recorder Martin Cuda. “It’s not to their advantage to lie.” Aside from the damage to reputation, lying about completion times carries stiff penalties of up to six months in jail.

Best, Strathy and Cassels twps., which surround Temagami, Ont., host a number of gold occurrences and a few base metal occurrences, says resident geologist Jim Ireland. A small greenstone belt runs through Strathy and into Cassels. James Twp., which surrounds Elk Lake, Ont., contains geology similar to the nearby Cobalt camp, but has never been a significant silver producer. Claims and leases registered before the caution were imposed will be honored. The caution on several more townships in the area may be lifted if negotiations between the Ontario government and the Teme-Augama Anishnabai are successful. The Indian band’s claim to the Temagami area was rejected by the Supreme Court of Canada last year.