The leader of a First Nation in north-central British Columbia has stated that environmental protectors will ensure accountability from the operators of a nearby copper-gold mine as the mine’s operational period has been prolonged until 2035.
The Environmental Assessment Office of British Columbia announced on Monday the approval of amendments to the Mount Milligan mine’s environmental certificate. These amendments will enable the mine to operate until 2035 pending additional regulatory approvals. The province mentioned in its statement that approximately 600 people are employed in the region due to the mine operations.
Mount Milligan was among the natural resource projects prioritized by the province for expedited permitting processes amidst the U.S. trade war.
Colleen Erickson, the Chief of the Nak’azdli Whut’en First Nation, expressed the nation’s involvement in the consultation process regarding the extension of the mine’s lifespan. Erickson emphasized the significance of clean water for the inhabitants and wildlife in the area, highlighting the commitment to ensuring the mine complies with its environmental assessment certificate.
The Nak’azdli First Nation’s reserve is located near Fort St. James, British Columbia, where the mine operates within its traditional territories. The EAO stated that the extension of the mine’s lifespan will result in an increase in production capacity and contribute an additional $450 million in economic benefits to the region.
Erickson mentioned that the nation’s water guardians will focus on protecting the watershed of the Nation River, considered the last pristine watershed in Nak’azdli territory. Following environmental assessment consultations, concerns were raised about the discharge of effluents into the surrounding waters, prompting the requirement for Thompson Creek Metal Company Ltd., the mine operator, to involve Nak’azdli guardians in environmental monitoring.
Despite concerns, Erickson highlighted the opportunity for the First Nation to strengthen its relationship with the mine’s operators through the lifespan extension. The approved amendments also include an expansion of the mine’s area and an increase in the height of the tailings storage dam, with additional requirements for wildlife monitoring and wetland reclamation planning.
This decision marks a significant development in the ongoing operations of the Mount Milligan mine and its impact on the local community and environment.
