About 40 stakeholders and representatives from government agencies took part in an environmental review workshop of Yellowhead Mining’s proposed Harper Creek copper mine on Aug. 18, Mayor John Harwood reported to town council’s economic development committee last Tuesday.
“It was an interesting morning,” he said.
The issues are complex, the mayor said. A good deal of work has been done but a good deal remains.
Hydrology is playing a big role - having enough water in the right place at the right time - but not too much.
The mayor felt some of the questions raised indicated ignorance about the site. For example, one person apparently was concerned that the residents of Vavenby would be upset by the noise of trucks going by.
The people in that community have lived with the noise of logging trucks for years, he pointed out, and so it probably wouldn’t be too difficult to arrange things so they wouldn’t be upset by trucks from the mine.
The mining company provided extensive documentation for its proposal, said Harwood.
Some at the meeting were dismayed when one group asked for and got a three-week extension to study the material more thoroughly.
“It’s an issue that will require a lot of negotiation and understanding,” said the mayor. “I found Yellowhead very open.”
“I was impressed by the large scale of the facility,” commented councilor Brent Buck, who attended the meeting as well as a tour of the proposed mine site the day before. “It was an opportunity to liaise with officials from mines, forestry, environment and so on. I felt there was a sincere effort by Yellowhead to answer all questions.”
Ken Kjenstad, who also took part in the tour and attended the meeting, observed that Yellowhead already has 63 people working on the project.
