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Police investigating attempted child abduction in western N.B.

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RCMP in western New Brunswick are asking for public assistance as they investigate an attempted child abduction.

According to police, on July 9 between approximately 10:45 and 11:05 a.m., they responded to a report of an attempted abduction on Sunset Cove Lane near Ewart Hyde Road in Lake George.

RCMP have determined a 10-year-old girl was approached by three men in an older-model white passenger van.

Police said the vehicle is believed to have rust along the bottom and front, scratches on the rear driver’s-side door and a Nova Scotia plate with the last two digits believed to be “28.”

The child reported seeing stickers on the licence plate, including one of a dog.

According to an RCMP release, the suspects are described as white, English-speaking, and wearing black balaclavas and dark T-shirts.

One of the suspects was described as having a skull tattoo on the inner part of his right forearm, with lines extending up his arm from the tattoo.

One of men allegedly opened the sliding door of the van and tried to coax the girl into the vehicle.

The child was able to get away and was not injured.

By the time police arrived in the area, the vehicle had left.

Officers spoke to neighbours and canvassed the area for surveillance footage.

Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area, has information about the incident, or has dashcam or surveillance footage from the area between 10:45 and 11:05 a.m. on July 9, is asked to contact the Keswick RCMP detachment at 506-357-4300.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.

a yellow excavator in a large open pit

N.B. selects company to advance Lake George antimony mine project

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New Brunswick is advancing in their efforts to revitalize the province’s mineral sector.

In a press release, the province announced it had selected Toronto firm Avenir Minerals to negotiate an exploration agreement for the former Lake George antimony mine site.

The agreement follows the launch of New Brunswick’s Comprehensive Minerals Strategy, which looks to revitalize the province’s mineral sector and bolster domestic production of critical minerals.

The company was chosen after a call for expressions of interest was issued this spring.

RELATED: N.B. seeking interest in Lake George antimony mine development

RELATED: New Brunswick government unveils mineral strategy

Natural Resources Minister John Heron said in the release that this is a significant milestone in the province’s mission to provide Canada “with a secure and environmentally responsible domestic supply of critical minerals needed for the technologies of today and tomorrow.”

According to Heron, the Lake George site, in addition to its known antimony, also has potential for other minerals such as tungsten, molybdenum, and gold.

It “represents an invaluable opportunity to unlock the province’s mineral potential and meet the growing international demand for these materials,” he added.

The Lake George site, about 30 kilometres southwest of Fredericton, was once North America’s largest primary antimony mine and contains an estimated 800,000 tonnes of antimony-bearing ore, according to a historical technical report.

Antimony is also classified as a critical mineral by Canada, the U.S. and the European Union, and plays a critical role in the production of flame retardants, batteries and other advanced technologies.

Heron said the provincial government’s focus on the economic potential of New Brunswick’s minerals and the momentum created with the release of the mineral strategy have caught the interest of the mining sector across the country.

He added that this has resulted in a record number of claims made last year and in a new interest in the Lake George site, among others.

CEO of Avenir Minerals Alden Greenhouse said in the release that the company was pleased to be selected to enter these discussions and looks forward to “building a strong understanding of the project’s potential.”

“As discussions advance, our focus will be on working collaboratively with the Province of New Brunswick, local communities, Indigenous Peoples and other stakeholders to determine appropriate steps,” he added.

an aerial view of a quarry with a blue pool

N.B. seeking interest in Lake George antimony mine development

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The provincial government is seeking private sector investment in the development of the former Lake George mine site, located 30 kilometres southwest of the capital.

The antimony treasure chest known as Lake George was once North America’s largest primary antimony mine and contains nearly 800,000 tonnes of antimony-bearing ore, according to a historical technical report referenced by the Department of Natural Resources in a release.

Current prices set for antimony, designated as a critical mineral, are around $22 per pound. The Lake George mine site could contain between $933 million and $1.05 billion. The site could also contain tungsten and molybdenum, two other sought-after minerals.

Natural Resources Minister John Herron said the need for critical minerals has never been greater than in today’s economic and geopolitical climate.

“New Brunswick is well-positioned to meet that demand by attracting investment, supporting responsible development, and strengthening partnerships with Indigenous communities to create long-term economic benefits for New Brunswickers,” said Herron.

The project is an opportunity to support domestic supply chains while simultaneously advancing the province’s economic development, according to the department.

The government has launched a competitive expression-of-interest process to find advocates for a potential exploration agreement. This process is in line with the Holt government’s recently announced comprehensive minerals strategy.

RELATED: New Brunswick government unveils mineral strategy

The release states that the expression-of-interest process is non-binding and that no mineral rights will be given unless a formal exploration agreement is reached.

Information about how to submit an expression of interest can be found here.

The department says submissions will be evaluated based upon criteria such as technical expertise, financial capacity, demonstrated commitment to meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities, and long-term economic benefits for New Brunswickers.