Thousands of kilometres of salmon-rich waterways and the drinking water of hundreds of communities in central and Northern British Columbia are at risk of mining-related environmental disasters, a new report warns.
The survey from the BC First Nations Energy and Mining Council is being released just ahead of a decision by the provincial government on the application to restart the Mount Polley gold and copper mine after the catastrophic tailings pond collapse last August that spilled 10 million cubic metres of contaminated water into the waterways below.
JUNEAU – In an effort to build on a positive working relationship that will expand a meaningful, responsible collaboration on transboundary resource issues, Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott announced today that the Walker Administration will reach out to the provincial government of British Columbia, the Canadian mining industry and First Nation leaders during a visit to the region May 4–6, 2015.
“As neighbors, we have many things in common and I want to strengthen the relationships we Alaskans have with British Columbia,” said Lieutenant Governor Mallott. “I look forward to this trip and seeing first-hand the Canadian side of the transboundary issues.”
While in Victoria, Lieutenant Governor Mallott plans on meeting with British Columbia’s Ministries of Environment, Energy and Mining, and Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation.
In Vancouver, the Lieutenant Governor will attend the Vancouver Board of Trade’s annual luncheon for BC Mining Week, keynoted by the President and CEO of the Mining Association of British Columbia. He also plans to meet with representatives of the First Nations Energy and Mining Council, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and the BC Assembly of First Nations.
Reuters | VANCOUVER | By Julie Gordon and Nicole Mordant
Aug 8 A massive waste spill at a gold and copper mine in British Columbia could delay, or even derail, other energy and mining projects planned in the famously “green” West Coast Canadian province.
The breach of a dam holding back a huge pond of tailings, or waste materials, at Imperial Metals Corp’s Mount Polley mine in the province’s Interior region sent billions of gallons of gray sludge containing metals and minerals coursing into waterways early this week. On Tuesday, the miner’s stock plunged 40 percent in reaction.
The disastrous spill comes as a raft of government and industry-backed resource developments already face increased scrutiny from aboriginal groups and environmentalists, who worry that their risks may outweigh their rewards. View Article
First Nations look for bigger role in energy projects
Matt Lamers / Staff writer
Pipeline News North
February 20, 2014 01:00 AM
More than 300 people representing about 35 First Nations in British Columbia crammed into the Pomeroy Hotel in Fort St. John this week to discuss the risks and rewards of supporting the province’s burgeoning LNG industry.The summit, hosted by Treaty 8 Tribal Association, brought in a slew of influential speakers, including Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn Atleo, B.C. Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation John Rustad, and Bob Rae, former Liberal Party leader.
Mining companies and aboriginal communities need strong relationships if both are to benefit
By Derrick Penner, Vancouver SunJanuary 29, 2014
Between an increase in mining exploration work and development of a potential liquefied natural gas export industry, British Columbia’s First Nations are heavily engaged in consultations over resource projects in the province.
It puts the First Nations Energy and Mining Council, an aboriginal-created advisory body, in an important position at a critical time for aboriginal communities, both in terms of managing the impact of resource projects and realizing benefits.
