The B.C. Government says an amendment to the Mt. Milligan copper-gold mine environmental assessment certificate has been approved by the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO).
This will authorize the mine, located 90 kilometres northeast of Fort St. James, to increase production and continue operations until 2035.
The decision was made after carefully considering the conclusions of the EAO’s comprehensive nine-month review of Thompson Creek Medal Company Inc.’s application to continue mining at the site.
The review examined potential effects on nearby communities and First Nations, water and fish habitat, air quality and noise, and considered safety risks, First Nations rights and cumulative effects.
The assessment determined that with the application of legally binding conditions, continuing mining operations would not create significant new impacts, and impacts can be appropriately mitigated.
The EAO has updated the requirements in the project’s environmental assessment certificate to address the expansion’s impacts on the environment and people. These include:
- ensuring First Nations have the opportunity to participate in developing and implementing environmental monitoring and baseline data collection programs,
- monitoring and reporting wildlife mortality along transportation corridors,
- developing a plan for wetland reclamation and replacement areas when the mine closes
The province added permitting decisions are expected soon.
The Mt. Milligan mine employees around 600 people. If all other authorizations are approved, the mine expansion will generate additional jobs during construction and expanded operations, and contribute as much as $450 million in additional economic benefits to the region.
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