Mining News: Northern Neighbors: Seabridge to remediate old workings at Iskut while seeking new finds

Seabridge Gold Inc. June 28 reported that it has begun robust environment remediation of historical mining activity at its newly acquired Iskut property in northwestern British Columbia, including the historical Johnny Mountain Mine. The Tahltan Central Government, the administrative governing body of the Tahltan First Nations, has expressed its support of this environmental work. “We have a strong interest in the remediation of the Johnny Mountain mine site on our traditional territory,” explained TCG President Chad Day. “We expect to work closely with Seabridge to ensure that Tahltan citizens benefit from this work and that we are kept fully informed of the progress that is being made in the planned clean-up programs. During the eight- year Environmental Assessment Process for KSM, Seabridge demonstrated (its) willingness and openness in addressing environmental issues, and we look forward to continuing our excellent working relationship with (the company).” Seabridge’s planned environmental and engineering work for this summer will begin the evaluation and development of remediation programs to mitigate the impacts of past mining activity at an estimated cost for this year of C$750,000. This program will include a comprehensive evaluation of best practices for future remediation on the property, drawing from the Seabridge environmental team’s experiences at KSM and other North America sites and input from the Tahltan First Nation and British Columbia regulators. Work will begin with a general site cleanup in the vicinity of the Bronson Slope Airstrip. The environmental work will be completed in conjunction with Seabridge’s planned 2016 exploration program for the property. Seabridge Chairman and CEO Rudi Fronk said, “We take pride in being a responsible mineral exploration and development company. Integrating a substantial environmental work plan into this year’s exploration program sets us on a path to improving site conditions. Going forward, exploration will go hand in hand with remediation.”

-Shane Lasley