Mining News: Northern Neighbors: BC permits limit re-start of Mt. Polley

British Columbia Ministry of Energy and Mines and Ministry of Environment July 9 reported the issuance of conditional permits that will allow for the restricted resumption of operations at Imperial Metals Corp.’s Mount Polly Mine in central B.C. “This conditional restricted permit to re-start operations is the first of three significant steps the company needs to continue operation and does not include the ability to discharge water off the site,” explained B.C. Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett. The amended Mines Act and Environmental Management Act permits allow Imperial Metals subsidiary Mount Polley Mine Corp. to process up to 4 million metric tons of ore over one year, or about 50 percent of the plant’s capacity. The tailings from this restricted operation will be stored in the formerly mined Springer pit. Water and tailings levels must remain 20 meters below the top of the lowest edge of the Springer Pit. Other conditions of the permit include: No discharge of water is allowed unless authorized by future permits; Mount Polley Mining must pay an additional C$6.1 million reclamation security; an updated surface and groundwater monitoring plan must be submitted for approval by July 31; a five-year mine plan and reclamation plan must be provided to government by Sept. 30; and a long-term water treatment and discharge plan must be submitted by June 30, 2016. The mine will not be permitted to continue operations if it fails to meet this deadline. “Ministry experts made the decision to issue the Environmental Management Act permit based on sound scientific evidence,” said B.C. Minister of Environment Mary Polak. “Their due diligence, along with the extensive First Nations and public consultation that took place with this application provides confidence the permit could be issued without harming the environment.” Imperial Metals estimates it will take about 30 days before it can begin production at Mount Polley. The company said the restart will allow the mine to retain a large portion of its skilled work force, which is critical to ongoing operations. During restricted operations, the company expects to provide jobs for up to 220 workers. Ministry of Energy and Mines inspectors will be onsite during the initial start-up period and will conduct regular site inspections once the mine is operating. Additionally, permit conditions require the company to provide weekly reports to government, First Nations, the Cariboo Regional District and the community of Likely, detailing water management and water quality results. If necessary, ministry inspectors have full authority to issue stop work orders for any area of the mine found to be in non-compliance. Imperial said the rehabilitation and restoration of the areas affected by last year’s breach of the tailings embankment at the Mount Polley mine will continue during the period of modified operation.

- SHANE LASLEY