Close X
Sunday, September 29, 2024
ADVT 
National

B.C. First Nation plans to evict company behind mine tailings spill

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 14 Aug, 2014 09:08 AM
    CHASE, B.C. - A British Columbia First Nation plans to issue an eviction notice to Imperial Metals Corp. (TSX:III) — the company behind a massive tailings pond breach at a gold and copper mine last week — over a separate project in the band's territory.
     
    The declaration from the Neskonlith Indian Band is the latest sign that last week's tailings spill at the Mount Polley Mine in central B.C. could ripple across the company's other projects and possibly the province's entire mining industry.
     
    The Neskonlith band said the notice, which its chief planned to hand-deliver to Imperial Metals in Vancouver on Thursday, orders the company to stay away from the site of its proposed Ruddock Creek zinc and lead mine, which is located about 150 kilometres northeast of Kamloops.
     
    The mine, which is still in the development phase and has yet to go through the environmental assessment process, would be located near the headwaters of the Adams River, home of an important sockeye salmon run. The Neskonlith band opposed the mine long before the Mount Polley tailings spill.
     
    "We do not want the mine developing or operating in that sacred headwaters," Neskonlith Chief Judy Wilson said in an interview Wednesday.
     
    "Our elders have stated very clearly that they do not want anything poisoning our water or our salmon."
     
    An earthen tailings dam at the Mount Polley Mine failed on Monday of last week, releasing millions of cubic metres of water and mine tailings into surrounding lakes, rivers and creeks.
     
    Water quality tests have come back within drinking water guidelines and provincial health officials insist the spill won't adversely affect fish, but local First Nations leaders remain unconvinced.
     
    Wilson said the Mount Polley spill shows the company cannot be trusted to build and operate a mine while also protecting the surrounding environment.
     
    "The industry has proven at Mount Polley that they can't regulate all of that," she said.
     
    Wilson said Neskonlith band councillors planned to consult elders and members of their community about how to enforce the eviction, but she said it would likely involve blockades if the company doesn't comply.
     
    A spokesperson for Imperial Metals wasn't immediately available to comment.
     
    The Mount Polley spill is also overshadowing another Imperial Metals project, the Red Chris gold and copper mine in northwestern B.C.
     
    Last week, a group of members of the Tahltan First Nation called the Klabona Keepers announced plans to blockade the Red Chris site in response to the Mount Polley spill.
     
    It's not clear what impact the blockade has had on the mine, which is currently under construction and nearing completion.
     
    The Tahltan Central Council issued a statement last Friday, saying the council doesn't endorse the blockade but wants to listen to the group's concerns.
     
    The company has been discussing a potential benefit agreement with the Tahltan, but Chad Day, president of the central council, has said the Mount Polley spill raises "new questions and concerns" that Imperial Metals must now address.
     
    Grand Chief Stewart Phillip. of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs. said there's no question the Mount Polley spill will make it more difficult for mining companies to earn the support of First Nations.
     
    "I think the Mount Polley disaster will have a profound impact on the mining industry throughout the entire province," said Phillip, who said the province, the federal government and the mining industry all share in the blame.
     
    "The Mount Polley disaster is being viewed as a consequence of what happens when you simply abrogate your responsibilities."

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Taxpayers Shouldn't Pay for BC Mine Tailings Cleanup: Federal Industry Minister James Moore

    Taxpayers Shouldn't Pay for BC Mine Tailings Cleanup: Federal Industry Minister James Moore
    LIKELY, B.C. - The federal industry minister says taxpayers shouldn't be on the hook for cleaning up a massive spill from a mine tailings pond in British Columbia.

    Taxpayers Shouldn't Pay for BC Mine Tailings Cleanup: Federal Industry Minister James Moore

    Girl, 15, hailed as hero after saving two men from Newfoundland lake

    Girl, 15, hailed as hero after saving two men from Newfoundland lake
    ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - The owner of a campground near Clarenville, N.L., says a 15-year-old girl who saved two men from drowning should be recognized as a hero.

    Girl, 15, hailed as hero after saving two men from Newfoundland lake

    'Aura of power:' Alison Redford used public money inappropriately

    'Aura of power:' Alison Redford used public money inappropriately
    EDMONTON - Alberta's auditor general says former premier Alison Redford and her office used public resources inappropriately.

    'Aura of power:' Alison Redford used public money inappropriately

    Canada sending non-lethal military supplies to Ukraine

    Canada sending non-lethal military supplies to Ukraine
    TRENTON, Ont. - Canada is sending non-lethal military equipment to Ukraine to help the country protect its eastern border against Russian aggression, Defence Minister Rob Nicholson said Thursday.

    Canada sending non-lethal military supplies to Ukraine

    Toronto: One year countdown to 2015 Parapan Am Games

    Toronto: One year countdown to 2015 Parapan Am Games
    TORONTO - Organizers of the 2015 Parapan Am Games are counting down one year until more than 1,600 para-athletes hit Toronto for a chance at gold.

    Toronto: One year countdown to 2015 Parapan Am Games

    Iqaluit coughs up cash to douse long-smouldering 'dumpcano' fire

    Iqaluit coughs up cash to douse long-smouldering 'dumpcano' fire
    IQALUIT, Nunavut - The city of Iqaluit will cough up the cash to douse a long-smouldering dump fire that has released acrid smoke into the northern skies for months.

    Iqaluit coughs up cash to douse long-smouldering 'dumpcano' fire