The decision to refuse underground exploration phase follows as there was insufficient social acceptability for the project, particularly amongst the Crees.
James Bay Cree grand chief Matthew Coon Come said, "We are pleased that the Quebec government has once again recognized that the social acceptability of proposed development projects in Eeyou Istchee is an essential part of the strong and successful nation-to-nation relationship between the Cree Nation and Quebec."
The Matoush project is located near the Cree community of Mistissini and is the most advanced uranium project to date in the Cree territory of Eeyou Istchee and in Quebec.
The Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) is the political entity that represents the James Bay Cree people while the Cree Nation of Mistissini, which is one of the larger communities within the James Bay Cree Nation, is located at the southeast end of Mistassini Lake.
