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Imperial Metals recently received authorization to reopen the mine from the British Columbia Ministry of Energy and Mines and the Ministry of Environment, but several groups in the area are unhappy with the decision.
The Secwepemc land defenders are setting up a road blockade at Imperial Metals’ (TSX:III) Mount Polley mine site, according to an emailed statement sent by the group. The move comes two years after a devastating tailings dam breach at the mine.
Imperial Metals received authorization to reopen the mine from the British Columbia Ministry of Energy and Mines and the Ministry of Environment in June after meeting a number of conditions and milestones. Still, several groups in the area are unhappy with the decision.
“The province has no jurisdiction to be issuing permits to companies illegally operating on our Sovereign Territories without the free, prior, informed consent of the Secwepemc Tribal Peoples,” said Kanahus Freedom (Manuel) via email. “As long as Imperial Metals and the government that backs them continue to devastate our lands with no accountability, we will take whatever action necessary to defend our lands. There will be an escalation in resistance, solidarity and pressure against their corporate interests. Today’s blockade is just the beginning.”
When the permit for Mount Polley was issued, Imperial Metals president Brian Kynoch said in a release:
A return to normal operations is important to the region as Mount Polley is a significant contributor to the economy, directly providing approximately 350 jobs, as well as supporting the local communities of Likely, Williams Lake and the surrounding region. Mount Polley is committed to working with First Nations and local communities to complete rehabilitation of the areas impacted by the breach and we thank all those involved in the rehabilitation for the excellent work that has been completed to date
Update as of 2:24 pm PST: Investing News Network spoke with Steve Robertson of Imperial Metals who confirmed there is no blockade, although there are a few people who gathered near the entrance to the access road to the mine.
“The last report that we have here is the road is still open and being used by employees and contractors to get back and forth to the mine, so there doesn’t seem to be any interruption at this point,” he said.
INN reached out to members of the Secwepemc land defenders on two occasions, but the group has yet to respond to our request for comment.
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Securities Disclosure: I, Teresa Matich, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
