Written by GORDON HOEKSTRA
Citizen staff
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Thursday, 04 September 2008 |
This map shows where the proposed Mount Milligan gold and copper mine will be located. (Submitted graphic)
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NORTHERN INTERIORMOUNT MILLIGANTERRANE METALS
The filing of the 9,000-page application follows two years of environmental studies and consultation by Vancouver-based Terrane Metals.
The filing is considered a key step because the public now has a chance to comment on Terrane's plan to build the mine. The review also represents the final phase in seeking approval for the project from the province. The mine also needs approval from the federal government.
After the review period, the B.C. government will make a decision whether to approve the mine in the Northern Interior. The project is the closest mine proposed to be built to Prince George, located 155 kilometres northwest of the city.
The mine is viewed as an important economic development by the nearby communities of Fort St. James and Mackenzie, although the Nak'azdli First Nation has cited concerns about its impact on the environment.
Terrane Metals president and CEO Rob Pease said the company has built a strong case for mine, which he believes is a "low risk" environmentally.
Pease noted that the project is designed to have no water discharge, and has a mine closure plan which he said will create no significant damage to the environment. The open pits will become lakes and the manmade pond that contains the mine waste will be covered and re-seeded, he said.
Pease also stressed the recent studies built on the previous work, which has allowed for the optimization of the project. The mine was permitted in the early '90s under Placer Dome, but because the company never moved forward the permit elapsed.
"Acceptance of the application is another significant milestone for Mount Milligan," said Pease. "This important document underpins our commitment to long term environmental stewardship and sustainable growth within the project region. We look forward to the active participation of all interested parties in the review process."
B.C. Environmental Assessment Authority official Graeme McLaren confirmed that after an initial review of the application, and some minor changes, the 180-day review period began on Thursday. The review period normally includes open houses where the public can learn about the project and provide comments.
The mine is expected to have a life of just more than 15 years and create 400 jobs.
Nak'azdli First Nation chief Fred Sam said they will be taking a look at the environmental assessment application. He said that talks are also continuing with Terrane, although he didn't want to disclose their nature.
He reiterated the band's position that it is not necessarily against the project, but that it is unhappy with the environmental assessment process which they feel does not give them enough input. "The main concern is the environment -- we want to make sure that is protected as best as possible," said Sam.
The mine is also considered an important component in helping diversify forest-based communities which are facing a drop in the timber supply from the pine beetle epidemic.
Fort St. James Mayor Rob MacDougall said city council is "absolutely" supporting the project, and will write a letter to the province saying so during the review period.
"I think the time is right, everything is in order, and the government assessment will make sure the mine is developed in a safe manner," said MacDougall.
"For our community, I think we need an economic boost, and this will be good for us," he said.
Fort St. James has seen two of its four sawmills close in the midst of a downturn led by a collapse of the U.S. housing market. The two other sawmills are operating on reduced shifts.
MacDougall said he expects locals will have an opportunity to work at the mine, but also that people who come to work at the mine will relocate to Fort St. James. Terrane has decided not to build a live-in camp at the mine site, and workers will be transported from Fort St. James.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 04 September 2008 )
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