TSX-V: HRM
TORONTO, June 13, 2011 /CNW/ - Hudson River Minerals Ltd. ("Hudson River") (TSX-V:HRM) has suspended its Glenrock drill program at the request of the Batchewana First Nation (the "BFN"), which is claiming traditional aboriginal rights within the area.
Hudson River had been in consultations with BFN since February 2011 regarding access to its mineral claims on the Glenrock property in order to conduct the proposed drill program that was announced on May 31, 2011. The BFN is requiring Hudson River to obtain a "BFN Exploration Drill Permit" (the "BFN Drill Permit") in order for Hudson River to access the Glenrock property to carry out its exploration program.
Hudson River has consulted with the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry ("MNDMF") on whether such a drill permit is necessary. The MNDMF has advised Hudson River that consultation with First Nations groups is required prior to commencement of a drill program. The MNDMF has also advised Hudson River that it has the legal right to explore on the Glenrock property through its valid mineral claims and that a BFN Drill Permit is not required.
Hudson River continued its consultations with the BFN until May 26, 2011, when it became clear that the BFN would deny Hudson River access to its mining claims unless Hudson River acquiesced to the BFN's claim that the BFN had the right to deny access to the Glenrock property unless a BFN Drill Permit was issued. The BFN has contacted the MNDMF and announced it will block Hudson River's drill program if Hudson River proceeds without a BFN Drill Permit. The BFN also advised the MNDMF of a possible burial site in the area of the Hudson River drill program.
MNDMF officials visited with the BFN to discuss the matter on June 1, 2011, but were unable to convince the BFN to allow Hudson River access to its mining claims and further, that a BFN Drill Permit was not required for Hudson River to conduct its exploration program. The MNDMF also visited the drill site with Hudson River personnel and commented that there are no burial grounds in the area of the proposed drill program and that the drill site was acceptable for Hudson River's drilling activities.
Because the BFN is denying Hudson River its right to access its mineral claims on the Glenrock property, Hudson River has decided to cancel its proposed drill program at the Glenrock site. Hudson River will focus on its other exploration projects until such time as Hudson River is satisfied that it can continue exploring at Glenrock without interruption.
About Hudson River Minerals Ltd.
Hudson River is focused on the discovery of precious metals and base metals in Ontario. The management team has experience exploring in areas with little geologic outcrop and that rely heavily on geophysical technologies for discovery. For more details on Hudson River's properties see the National Instrument 43-101 compliant technical report, which is available at www.sedar.com or visit www.hudsonriverminerals.com.
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This document may contain forward-looking statements relating to Hudson River's operations or to the environment in which it operates. Such statements are based on operations, estimates, forecasts and projections. They are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and may be beyond Hudson River's control. A number of important factors could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements, including those set forth in other public filings. In addition, such statements relate to the date on which they are made. Consequently, undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements. Hudson River disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, save and except as may be required by applicable securities laws.