The government of British Columbia has approved a plan for the expansion of the Mount Polley copper and gold mine, potentially extending its operations until 2033. The proposed project involves deepening the pit and expanding a disposal area to accommodate “potentially acid-generating rock,” following a devastating tailings dam collapse in 2014.
Approval from Environment Minister Tamara Davidson and Mining Minister Jagrup Brar was issued by B.C.’s Environmental Assessment Office. This expansion, subject to additional permits, includes the continued discharge of treated water into Quesnel Lake without further land disturbance within the existing mine footprint.
The ministers endorsed the office’s assessment that the proposed changes are unlikely to cause significant impacts. Consultation with the Williams Lake and Xatsull First Nations was integral to the evaluation process.
The Mount Polley mine faced a major dam collapse 11 years ago, resulting in the release of millions of liters of waste and water. Recently, the B.C. Supreme Court rejected a plea by the Xatsull nation to halt the raising of a tailings dam level at the site, situated approximately 56 kilometers northeast of Williams Lake.