Update for members from President Chad Norman Day:
As many of you have heard, the tailings pond for the Mount Polley Mine in central BC burst over the long weekend, spilling its contents into local creeks, lakes and rivers that feed into the Fraser River.
Our hearts and prayers are with everyone affected by this event, and we expect a swift and effective cleanup to minimize its negative impacts on the environment.
The Mount Polley Mine is owned by Imperial Metals, the company that also owns the Red Chris Mine near Iskut that was due to open later this year. This has been the subject of Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA) negotiations and discussions in recent months and years. To date, no IBA has been signed and the mine does not have all of the permits required to open.
This latest news obviously means we have new questions and concerns that we must discuss with Imperial Metals about the tailings ponds at Red Chris.
Right now, we know that the priority for Imperial Metals is dealing with urgent issues regarding Mount Polley Mine, and we will give them the time they need to address this.
In the mean time, if members have any specific concerns or questions regarding Red Chris, please contact the TCC office by visiting, calling 250.771.3274 or emailing info@tahltan.org.
Meduh,
Chad Norman Day
President, Tahltan Central Council