Different reactions to Ajax plans from chamber of commerce, labour leader

NEWS — The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce continues to support the Ajax mine project but is cautious about making any judgments about changes to the footprint announced today by KGHM International.

However, two of the project’s opponents — United Steelworkers Union Local 7619 president Richard Boyce and Kamloops Area Preservation Association spokesman John Schleiremacher — say people should still be very concerned about the project.

Chamber president Aleece Laird said the business group isn’t taking a position on the latest changes but supports the project subject to a positive outcome in the environmental review.

“We supported the project back then and still do now,” she said, assuming it passes the environmental test.

“We’re pleased they’re engaging with the community.” The fact that KGHM made the changes based on community concerns is positive, said Laird.

She said the chamber hopes to meet with KGHM as well as opposing groups to discuss the project and the realignment.

Boyce said, “I find that kind of bothersome that they’re switching gears as they go along.” He said mining companies often change their plans as projects develop.

“It begs the question for me, are there products there they’d like to get at, at a later date?” that might involve expanding the pit after Ajax is already operating.

He said the Ajax tailings pond could be as big as the one at Highland Valley Copper. “There’s going to be a phenomenal amount of tailings, and it’s just dust.”

Boyce said the public should be worried about Jacko Lake. The only way to test whether Jacko will be imperiled by the mine is to drill through the lakebed but the company hasn’t done it “because it won’t look good” to have drilling barges on the lake, he said.

KGHM International external affairs manager Yves Lacasse said today the lake won’t be drilled because experts have decided it’s not necessary.

People should also be concerned about what happens after the mine closes, said Boyce, though KGHM has committed to a comprehensive reclamation process.

“People have to educate themselves on what a mine looks like after it closes.”

He said, “I’m so pro-mining but I also wasn’t born yesterday and this one here has got me worried.”

Marty Gibbons, president of United Steelworkers local 1-417, who supports Ajax, refused comment, saying The Armchair Mayor News is biased on the mine.

Schleiremacher said KGHM International should release the results of drilling tests it has been conducting on its Ajax properties.

“With all that drilling, where are those drilling results and how does that come into the picture?” he asked.

“This is just a joke to me. This whole project should have been shelved until we get the whole picture on what the long-term impacts are going to be.

“All they’re doing is trying to make themselves look good.”