Wednesday night's celebration of the new partnership between Selwyn Resources and Chihong Canada Mining Ltd. was a swanky affair.

There were senior mining executives from Canada and China, politicians, members of the local business community and high-ranking bureaucrats on hand for the evening at the Yukon Transportation Museum.

Nine people made the trip from China, and four more members of the delegation joined them from Vancouver, including two from the Chinese consulate.

Before refreshments and hors d'oeuvres, members of the visiting delegation were given dogsled rides around the parking lot by renowned mushers Ed Hopkins and Michelle Phillips of Tagish Lake Kennels.

Congratulatory speeches before dinner were followed by gift presentations.

Representatives of Chihong Mining were honoured by Ross River artist Dennis Shorty with a moose antler carving of two eagles soaring together.

Shorty told some 60 people in attendance the piece symbolizes how two great partners can unite and work to achieve common goals.

The two eagles, Selwyn president Harlan Meade told the audience, need co-operation and harmony if they are to fly together.

"That is the essence of our joint venture,” said Meade of the newly formed Selwyn Chihong Mining Ltd.

The co-operation of the Yukon government was recognized and applauded by the Chinese executives.

Premier Dennis Fentie emphasized the efforts of Economic Development Minister Jim Kenyon and his many trips to China over the last several years to promote investment in the territory.

And David Ming Qi, chair of the new board of directors, presented the Yukon government with a hand-crafted copper sculpture steeped in Chinese tradition.

Dinner was followed by a lineup of local entertainment.

Selwyn and Chihong indicated their intent to form a joint venture last December. The partnership was finalized last month.

It calls for a $100-million investment by Chihong to gain a 50 per cent interest in Selwyn's Howard Pass project east of Ross River and adjoining lead-zinc properties.

Chihong's investment is dedicated to completing the bankable feasibility study required to raise the additional $800 million needed to bring the project into production.

Selwyn has announced previously that known reserves put the mine life at approximately 12 years, with promising potential to significantly lengthen the project life.

It's estimated there would be 350 to 450 people on the payroll when the mine is in full swing, which could happen in three to four years.

Meade said in an interview last night the celebration was an opportunity for people to meet Selwyn's Chinese partners.

There is a lot misunderstanding about Chinese investment in the North, but there is nothing to be fearful about, he said.

"Their investment in Canada is an opportunity, not a negative.”

The Liard First Nation, however, issued a press release Wednesday before the festivities began indicating its concern that the environmental screening of Selwyn's underground exploration program was substandard.

Chief Liard McMillan said in the release the First Nation is prepared to take steps to halt the project until its issues are addressed.

Asked about McMillan's concerns, both Meade and Ming Qi said Selwyn Chihong is committed to working with communities to ensure the project is a benefit for all Yukoners.

In southwest China, where Chihong's parent mining company is located, there are millions of people representing 25 minority groups which the Yunnan Metallurgical Groups has worked with successfully, Ming Qi pointed out.

"We have to grow together wherever we go,” he said. "As a joint venture, we must develop the project with the support of local communities because this project will eventually benefit companies like us and local communities.

"We strive to be a good, responsible corporate citizen, which means we have to contribute to the economy and communities, to grow together.”

Ming Qi said his company first had contact with Selwyn Resources 2 1/2 years ago, and is convinced there is a large mine at the end of the line.

Completing the bankable feasibility study will require another 18 months to two years, and it will take about another two years after that to develop the mine, he said.

Ming Qi said raising the development capital in China is not going to be an issue.

"We are confident.”

Meade said while the finer details of the project are not yet entirely worked out, generally the plan is to move the concentrate from the mine site near the Yukon-N.W.T. border to Ross River, and truck it from there to the Port of Skagway, he said.

Meade acknowledged he's heard mention by the White Pass and Yukon Route of the possibility for a new railway connection to Carmacks, and if it ever happened, Selwyn Chihong would use it.

But for now, the company must focus on what it can control, and that means looking at pumping the concentrate to Ross River and trucking it to Skagway, he said.

Meade said he expects a more detailed project proposal will be ready in January to provide permitting and environmental screening authorities with a better idea of what Selwyn Chihong has in mind.