Editorial — First Nations have big influence on mining issue

THURSDAY MORNING EDITORIAL — There’s possibly no more influential adversary of the development of mines in B.C. than First Nations bands when they get riled.

And they’re getting riled. Like ripples in a pond, the consequences of the Mount Polley tailings pond disaster are threatening the aspirations of the mining industry.

 

There was, for example, the Shuswap Nation Tribal council’s strident demand for a moratorium on mining development in the province. There was mention of the Ruddock Creek development in the tribal council’s statement on Mount Polley, but now the Neskonlith Band has gone a step beyond that, saying Ruddock Creek won’t get its consent.

“Neskonlith Indian Band cannot permit any mining development, especially in these Sacred Headwaters that will contaminate the water or destroy our salmon habitat,” Chief Judy Wilson said Wednesday.

Mount Polley “could have been prevented if Imperial Metals had proper risk assessment and management practices in place; and the provincial and federal governments had properly assessed and monitored the mining operation.

“Our people made a declaration opposing the Ruddock Creek mine and held water ceremonies to protect our water and salmon. Our council stands with our elders and people, we oppose the proposed Ruddock Creek mine by Imperial Metals and hereby evict Imperial Metals from our territory,” Wilson declared.

“If Imperial Metals does not comply, Neskonlith will also block access to the Ruddock Creek Mine to ensure it is closed indefinitely.”

This follows a blockade Friday at the Red Chris Mine site near Dease Lake. That mine is not yet in full production but is often mentioned within industry circles as an example of the healthy state of the industry.

Both Red Chris and Ruddock Creek are owned by Imperial Metals.

All of that is on top of anger and concern already expressed by First Nations leaders and members in the immediate area of the Polley Lake disaster. Efforts to reassure them are a major part of the government’s strategy as investigations and efforts to corral the damage at Mount Polley continue.

But Imperial Metals isn’t in this alone. The industry can’t prosper without social licence. The resolve of First Nations to prevent further such disasters by putting the brakes on mining is a problem for the entire B.C. mining industry, including projects such as Ajax right here at home.