Mining’s old guard needs strong medicine
A new report details subpar investor returns in the mining industry over the last decade, particularly big cap diversified companies which have not adapted to new realities.
Rio Tinto, together with the Cheslatta Carrier and Haisla First Nations, today celebrated the launch of the tl’ughus tunnel boring machine, a key milestone towards completing the Kemano Second Tunnel project.
The 1 300-tonne machine was named by the Cheslatta Carrier nation after a legendary giant monster snake and is decorated with artwork by Haisla Nations students.It will dig 7.6 kilometres of tunnel through a mountain as part of a project to enhance the long-term security of a clean power supply for the BC Works aluminium smelter in Kitimat, British Columbia.
Rio Tinto Aluminium managing director Altantic Operations Gervais Jacques said “Launching the tl’ughus in partnership with the Cheslatta Carrier and Haisla Nations is an important milestone for our world class aluminium operations in British Columbia. Our smelter in Kitimat produces some of the world’s lowest carbon aluminium and this project will enhance the long-term security of its supply of clean, renewable hydropower.”
BC Works general manager Gareth Manderson said “We want to thank all of our partners who are supporting this important project – from our employees, to contractors, First Nations, government and community members. It will ensure our operations continue to make a significant contribution to British Columbia’s economy into the future.”
Variations of the legend of “tl’ughus” are shared across Carrier communities across the region and the Haisla Nation also share a similar belief. According to the legend, the mountains and landscape around the Nechako Reservoir were once home to a legendary giant monster snake. The snake, known as “tl’ughus”, travelled from lake to lake by boring through the mountains.
The openings created by the snake allowed fish to pass from lakes on one side of the mountain to lakes on the other side. The Cheslatta Nation selected the name for the tunnel boring machine – “tl’ughus” – as it shares many parallels with the Kemano second tunnel project.
Students from the Haisla Community School participated in a contest to design the artwork that decorates the tunnel boring machine. The winning design was created by grade six student Ali-Anna Wilson, who portrays important figures in Haisla tradition including the raven, oolichan and the northern lights.
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