Arrow Transportation Systems has partnered with the Nisga’a Nation and Tahltan Nation Development Limited Partnership (TNDLP) to take ownership of Stewart Bulk Terminals.
The joint venture, dubbed the Portland Canal Holdings Limited Partnership, will run the deep-sea Port of Stewart Bulk Terminal, which handles the transportation of critical minerals such as copper and gold concentrate.
The partnership will also launch a new transportation business, consolidating Arrow Transportation’s Stewart trucking division and Tahltan-Arrow Transportation Limited Partnership (a partnership between a subsidiary of Arrow Transportation and TNDLP).
“Arrow is honored to work with the Tahltan Nation and the Nisga’a Nation on this strategic venture. By consolidating the port terminal and our regional trucking operations, we are creating a vertically integrated supply chain that improves efficiency, enhances safety, and creates long-term, high-quality jobs for all employees,” said Tim Bell, executive vice-president, Arrow Group of Companies.
“This project reflects our shared commitment to working with Indigenous communities as equal stakeholders, building capacity, advancing economic reconciliation and unlocking generational opportunities. We are proud to be part of this legacy investment in regional prosperity, one that will deliver lasting value and strengthen Northwestern British Columbia’s position in the global resource economy.”
Equal ownership
The JV is owned equally by each partner in the port and transportation businesses. Miner Newmont supported deal and will use the port to get its critical minerals to market. Its involvement will ensure the future commercial viability of the port, the partners announced.
The province of B.C. contributed $5 million through its Northwest Strategy, an initiative that looks to support mining development with an eye toward economic growth, reconciliation and conservation.
“Together, we are making history. The acquisition of this strategic asset will drive economic growth, create opportunities and strengthen our nations’ self-determination,” said Kerry Carlick, president, Tahltan Central Government. “I can only imagine how proud our Tahltan and Nisga’a ancestors would be of our Nations, TNDC, and Arrow working together to build prosperity in unison for our people and region.”
Gateway to global markets
“The acquisition of the Port of Stewart Bulk Terminal and the creation of a transportation business is more than infrastructure — it is a gateway to global markets, improved logistics, and economic growth for the Tahltan and Nisga’a Nations, our partners, and Canada as a whole,” added Todd den Engelsen, CEO, Tahltan Nation Development Corporation. “This joint venture builds on our alliance with the Nisga’a and Arrow and reflects a shared commitment to regional development and strategic collaboration.”
B.C. Premier David Eby said the deal will support the expansion of critical minerals and metals production in the region, while creating good-paying jobs.
The Stewart Bulk Terminal sits on six acres on the northern tip of the Portland Canal. It’s fully permitted and serviced to operate as a deep-sea shipping terminal from the Pacific Northwest. It currently handles about 260,000 metric tons of copper and gold concentrate annually but is operating at just 50% of its capacity.
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