<<<BC Supports Redfern Mine>>
NEWS RELEASE
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For Immediate Release
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June 16, 2000 Ministry of Energy and Mines
and Ministry Responsible for Northern Development
B.C. PROPOSES PROCESS TO RESOLVE U.S. CONCERNS OVER MINE
VICTORIA ? B.C. believes that U.S. and Alaskan concerns over the Tulsequah Chief mine can best be resolved on a bilateral basis rather than through referral to the International Joint Commission as proposed by the U.S., B.C. Energy and Mines Minister Dan Miller said today.
"The province has suggested a three-part strategy that would enhance future co-operation between Alaska and B.C.," Miller said.
The proposal was tabled during this week?s discussions aimed at resolving issues surrounding the proposed Tulsequah Chief mine and the Taku River watershed. Discussions took place in Vancouver over three days of meetings between officials representing Canada, B.C., the U.S. and Alaska.
Under B.C.?s proposal:
The U.S. would sit on B.C.?s northwest mine development review committee.
The U.S. would take part in the provincial land-use planning process for the region.
A state-province agreement would create joint mechanisms for ongoing environmental co-operation.
During the discussions, B.C. and Alaska agreed on the environmental and resource significance of the Taku River watershed and on the need for the highest environmental standards to be applied in considering any resource development. The U.S. has proposed sending the Taku watershed issues to the International Joint Commission, an independent body that may be called upon by the Canadian and U.S. governments to review transborder environmental issues.
"B.C.?s position is that there are other ways to deal with the U.S.?s concerns," Miller said. "The mine proposal was subject to a rigorous, detailed environmental and socio-economic review, and a referral to the IJC would duplicate work that has already been done."
The Tulsequah Chief mine has undergone a comprehensive three-year environmental assessment, which confirmed that the mine can be developed with no environmental harm to the U.S. or Canada. The project has been certified by the Canadian and B.C. governments to proceed with detailed design and permitting. The B.C. environmental standards being applied are among the best in North America.
Completed in March 1998, the federal-provincial environmental review of the Tulsequah Chief mine clearly indicated the mine would have no serious downstream effects.
"In fact, the mine?s proponent, Redfern Resources, has agreed to pay to repair damage caused by mining activity in the 1950s, before environmental protection standards were as strict as they are today," Miller said. "The net effect of this reclamation work, which is dependent on the development of the new mine, would be to improve conditions dramatically downstream of the mine.
"However, recognizing that the U.S. ? particularly the State of Alaska ? continues to be concerned about the mine, B.C. has proposed a strategy for ongoing environmental co-operation along the B.C.-Alaska border.
"B.C. believes these proposals offer B.C. and Alaska a unique opportunity to put into place the means to co-operate on matters of resource planning and the environment, both for Tulsequah and over the longer term," Miller said.
In addition to discussions on the independent review, officials held a series of meetings to discuss detailed technical concerns identified by the U.S. over the Tulsequah Chief mine. At these meetings, B.C. officials noted that, under existing terms of B.C.?s permitting processes, further studies and design work will be required before construction of the mine project can proceed.
B.C. was encouraged by Alaska?s commitment to further discussions on mechanisms for future co-operation and by the state?s willingness to seek a compromise that would combine elements of each country?s proposals. A followup meeting will be scheduled shortly.
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Contact:
Kerry Readshaw
Assistant Director
Communications
(250) 952-0620
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