Spills, Safety & Salmon - Big Trends in Mining

Media Release

Big Trends in Mining – Expert to meet with local groups

BC’s mining sector is pushing for a surge in activity, and there’s a lot to know about watershed protection, contamination, consultation, and consent. 

“A mine is not just a source of valuable metals. It’s also a permanent toxic waste storage facility.” says Jamie Kneen of MiningWatch Canada. The tailings dam that collapsed at Mount Polley in 2014 was only one of hundreds in Canada, many of which pose serious risks for downstream communities and ecosystems. Mining companies operating both here and around the world are leaving a toxic legacy for future generations. Meanwhile, no charges have yet been laid against the Mount Polley mine, but instead, it is now allowed to dump untreated effluent directly into Quesnel Lake.

The ballooning amounts of mine waste stored behind dams is a growing environmental risk. It only stands to increase as production of metals like copper ramps up to meet the demand for the electrification of our civilization to fight climate change – unless serious action is taken to increase energy efficiency. Many new, increasingly large, tailings dams will be required.

“Projects like pipelines and mine tailings can have a huge impact on BC’s watersheds, far downstream from the installations themselves” says Kneen. “People and ecosystems in the Thompson, Shuswap, and North Okanagan will all see the effects of activities in central BC. Salmon are heavily affected – and they are the lifeblood of BC.”

Kneen will be speaking about current issues in mining safety, community responses, and on the work of MiningWatch Canada both here and around the world. 

Sponsored by SENS (Sustainable Environmental Network Society) and Crannóg Ales.

 Salmon Arm: February 22, 7-8:30pm, Okanagan College

 Vernon: February 27, 7-8:30 pm, Schubert Centre

For more information please contact Rebecca Kneen, 250-804-3718, rebecca@crannogales.com

Speaker: Jamie Kneen, MiningWatch Canada

Jamie Kneen leads MiningWatch’s work on mining policy development and individual mining projects in western and northern Canada, leading policy reform and providing strategic and technical support to communities affected by mineral exploration and mining projects. He also leads the organization’s strategic research and communications, as well as research and advocacy in Africa (and previously, Latin America), as well as on mine waste management, mining and Indigenous rights, uranium mining, and environmental assessment policy and practice in Canada. With a degree in Biology (ecology) from McGill University, Jamie has been involved with environmental and resource management issues, including mining, frequently related to indigenous land rights, for many years. More about MiningWatch ( https://miningwatch.ca/ )

In collaboration with national and international networks, organizations and other supporters, MiningWatch Canada:

 Undertakes research and analysis of industrial mining and related policies and laws, in Canada and concerning Canadian mining operations abroad;

 Provides timely information, as well as technical, communications and strategic support, to mining-affected communities and related organizations;

 Campaigns on specific conflicts and issues related to mining abuses, while supporting movement-building;

 Advocates for greater protections for Indigenous peoples and affected communities, including women and mineworkers, as well as justice and reparations for harms from mining through changes to the policies, laws and economic conditions that perpetuate mining-related abuses and injustice.