A key logistical component of the Lac à Paul project
SAGUENAY, QUEBEC (April 27 , 2017) – Arianne Phosphate (the “Company” or “Arianne”) (TSX VENTURE: DAN; OTC: DRRSF; FRANKFURST: JE9N), a development-stage phosphate mining company, advancing the Lac à Paul project in Quebec’s Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) agreement, signed on April 26, 2017 with Groupe Alfred Boivin (“GAB”) for the trucking of the Company’s high purity phosphate concentrate between the Lac à Paul mine site and the marine terminal on the north shore of the Saguenay River.
“This represents a very important logistical step for Arianne,” stated Jean-Sébastien David, Chief Operating Officer of Arianne. “Groupe Alfred Boivin, is a large regional company whose knowledge of local conditions will greatly enhance our plans to transport our product in a safe, environmentally friendly and cost effective way. The services offered by GAB are perfectly aligned with our transportation strategy and will allow for the final design specifications of our trucks and trailers, as well as logistics and road and fleet maintenance. The use of a regional company will also allow for the participation of the First Nations and local companies. Groupe Alfred Boivin joins a growing list of highly qualified organizations that have partnered with Arianne to see the Lac à Paul project become a reality which, will provide for the betterment of our stakeholders and unlock value for our investors.”
Research and Development
This MOU provides for a research and development program for the final selection of the truck and, the creation of the trailer. GAB will have the mandate to develop a truck fleet specifically tailored for Arianne’s requirements and will incorporate innovative approaches surrounding sustainable technologies and environmental concerns in a cost-effective manner; policies that both companies are strongly committed to.
Regional Economic Impacts
By being located in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean area, Groupe Alfred Boivin’s activities will benefit the region as a whole as it anticipates working with the First Nations involved in the Lac à Paul project as well as with regional economic players for the various aspects of transport, maintenance and road upkeep.
“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding is good news not only for our company but for the region as a whole”, commented Stéphane Boivin, General Manager of GAB. “We are committed to working with the First Nations involved in the project and interested local businesses to maximize the economic benefits available to the region.”
About Groupe Alfred Boivin
The Groupe Alfred Boivin is a family-run business that began in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region in 1947. Originally specializing in earthworks (or demolition work, or excavation), the company quickly became known by diversifying into various sectors of civil engineering, transport and the environment, all within the industrial, commercial and real estate sectors. For 70 years now, the Groupe Alfred Boivin has been one of the largest employers in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region.