Gold mine gets green light, but raises concerns

The Cariboo Gold mine has obtained its operating permit, a major milestone for this project managed by mining company Osisko Development Corporation. The company is expected to mine 1.1 million tonnes of gold ore each year near Wells in northeastern British Columbia.

Despite the support of several local leaders and First Nations, this project still faces opposition from people concerned about the social and environmental repercussions of this underground mine.

In a press release, the government of British Columbia said that Barkerville Gold Mines, owned by Osisko Development, obtained its operating license after a process that lasted 13 months.

The municipality of Wells, formerly an industrial center, is home to approximately 220 residents.

Legal recourse?

The Xatśūll First Nation believes it was not adequately consulted.

She is considering all legal options and asks the new Minister of Mines and Critical Minerals, Jagrup Brar, to “seek clarification on the inconsistent application of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples across government, including in his ministry.”

I am disappointed that the province has decided to move forward without meeting with our council to obtain our informed consentsays Rhonda Phillips, Chief of the Xatśūll First Nation.

In a response to -'s request, the Ministry of Mines and Critical Minerals said it had the agreement of two First Nations.

“The Office of Main Mines carried out an in-depth technical review and consultation process in collaboration with the First Nations,” explains a spokesperson for the ministry.

“Letters of support were notably sent by the Lhtako Dene Nation and the Williams Lake First Nation. »

However, Chief Phillips believes the province did not obtain informed consent from her Nation's Council.

Although she says she is not opposed to mining development, Chief Rhonda Phillips fears the environmental impacts. This is because the specter of the ecological disaster of the Mont Polley mine, in the same sector, still looms 10 years later.

We are still recovering from the Mount Polley mining disastershe explains.

This has created some uncertainty within our community. We cannot go out to pick fruit, hunt or fish, which has a significant impact.

The happiness of the industry, the awe of the community

For its part, the CEO of the British Columbia Mining Association, Michael Goehring, said: Mining benefits the prosperity of communities across the province. This mine will provide a boost to the economy of British Columbia and the region.

He hopes the relative speed with which the mine obtained its operating permit indicates a change in direction by the province.

During the last election campaign, the British Columbia Mining Association deplored the slow pace of granting permits for mines.

The mining industry has called on the provincial and federal governments to modernize and streamline permitting processes while maintaining B.C.'s world-leading environmental protectionsrappelle M. Goehring.

But Jamie Kneen, of MiningWatch Canada, an association that monitors mining operations, is worried about Wells residents, as well as a herd of caribou in the region.

The mine needs its own electrical corridor, which it will install essentially across the caribou migration routedeplores Jamie Kneen.

Mine officials were asked if they could install the power line along the existing path between Wells and Barkerville, but this proposal was rejected.

Mr. Kneen believes that there are also questions relating to the quality of life in the community.

Trucks driving through town… dust, noise and light pollution right in our communitysaid horrified Dave Jorgenson, a longtime Wells resident.

The latter also chairs a group of citizens opposed to the Cariboo Gold mine project.

The mine is expected to create more than 630 jobs, with a total investment of just over $1 billion.

In British Columbia, 17 mines are active.

With information from Andrew Kurjata