Sustainability
At IOC we are committed to becoming a premier mining organization in North America. To achieve this goal, the way we do our work every day at IOC is just as important as the work that we deliver. Our commitment to health, safety, environment and communities (HSEC) is fundamental to how we do business.
Indigenous Participation

At IOC, we are committed to engaging and consulting with Indigenous Peoples who claim and/or assert Indigenous rights and/or other interests in the regions where we operate. We are committed to sustainability, diversity and supporting Indigenous Peoples with training, education, employment and business opportunities.  We engage in a variety of ways with the following Indigenous groups in Labrador and Quebec:

 

  • Innu of Matimekush-Lac John (Quebec);
  • Innu of Uashat mak Mani-Utenam (Quebec);
  • Labrador Innu (Sheshatshiu and Natuashish, Labrador, as represented by Innu Nation);
  • Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach (Quebec)
  • NunatuKavut Community Council (Labrador)

 

Community and Indigenous Consultation

At IOC, stakeholder engagement is achieved through various community forums and on-going consultation, providing opportunities for information exchange and to receive feedback. We listen and respond to feedback so we can find collaborative and mutually beneficial opportunities to partner with and support surrounding communities, creating shared value through partnerships.

 

Innu Nation (Sheshatshiu and Natuashish), Labrador Resource Development Agreement

In 2014, IOC and the Innu Nation of Labrador achieved an important milestone in the signing of a “Life-of-mine” agreement, representing our solid commitment to developing valuable and mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous partners. Through the agreement, the Innu Nation supports IOC’s activities, aligns with our values as a company and our community engagement philosophy, while IOC commits to improving access to benefits for the Innu Nation through training, education, employment, business opportunities and other benefits.

 

NunatuKavut Community Partnership Agreement

In 2014, IOC also signed an agreement with the NunatuKavut Community Council to support business, education, training and employment benefits as well as the opening of the Indigenous Service Center in Labrador West in March 2015.

 

Ussiniun Reconciliation and collaboration agreement with Uashat mak Mani-utenam and Matimekush-Lac John Innu communities

In 2020, IOC and the Uashat mak Mani-utenam and Matimekush-Lac John Innu communities signed a reconciliation and collaboration agreement. The life of mine agreement, titled USSINIUN (“Renewal”), lays the groundwork for a mutually beneficial relationship based on dialogue, collaboration and trust between the company and the two communities over the coming decades. Among other things, it will facilitate greater participation in activities such as training and development, employment, environmental projects, procurement opportunities and other benefits.

 

Aganow agreement with Naskapi Nation of Kawawawachikamach

In 2023, the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach and the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) signed an agreement, titled “Aganow”, laying the groundwork for a mutually beneficial relationship based on dialogue, collaboration and trust between the company and the community over the coming decades. The agreement has been named "Aganow", which means "iron ore" in Naskapi. It respects and promotes Naskapi society and culture, creates opportunity for greater participation in IOC’s activities such as training and development, employment, collaboration on environmental projects, and procurement partnerships.