Calibre strikes high-grade gold near Valentine mine build as production nears
The Valentine project, 85% complete as of this month, remains on track to pour its first gold in the second quarter next year.
Federal Environment Minister Peter Kent has given the go-ahead for environmental reviews to be conducted by B.C. alone for two new coal mines, and is considering a similar approach for the controversy-hit Murray River coal project.
Both the Sukunka and Carbon Creek metallurgical coal mine projects have been approved for a single review by the province under a streamlined process that obviates the need for both a provincial and federal environmental assessment for some projects.
Under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012), provincial governments can apply for “substitution” which means the provincial Environmental Assessment Office can conduct the reviews without the need for a parallel federal assessment.
“I am satisfied that the conditions for substitution under CEAA 2012 will be met for these two projects and that the B.C. process is an appropriate substitute for these environmental assessments,” Kent said in a press release.
“At the conclusion of these substituted environmental assessment processes, I will make an environmental assessment decision. Projects will only be allowed to proceed if they meet Canada’s rigorous environmental protection laws.”
Kent will also consider whether the proposed Murray River coal mine project near Tumbler Ridge will also qualify for substitution. The public has until May 6 to comment on the province’s application to have that project assessed under the substitution provision.
The Murray River project has been the centre of controversy because the company developing it, HD Mining International Ltd., hired 201 coal miners from China to work in the mine at wages much lower than would be paid to Canadian miners.
The controversial hiring move prompted two labour unions to file for a judicial review.
By Nelson Bennett
