Second Silica Sand Mine Proposed Near La Salle, Manitoba

URGENT UPDATE: A second silica sand mine proposal has emerged in southern Manitoba, specifically near La Salle, as Silex Resource Corp. seeks to capitalize on the area’s rich mineral resources. An open house is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the Rural Municipality of Macdonald, aiming to address community concerns and provide vital information about the project.

Consultants from Silex, led by managing partner Donovan Toews, are eager to engage residents early in the process. “They haven’t done anything except the research to know that this is a very good location to look for silica,” Toews stated. “It’s there; it’s just a matter of taking samples at this stage and testing the quality.”

The proposed mining site covers 13 claims ranging from 40 to 60 acres each, with initial testing planned for a large area south of La Salle. Silica sand is essential for numerous industries, including electronics and renewable energy technologies. “Manitoba does have a resource almost no other place has… it is needed for just about everything, from cellphones to solar panels,” Toews emphasized.

This development follows the controversial attempt by Sio Silica to establish a mine in the RM of Springfield, which faced significant community opposition due to fears of aquifer contamination. In contrast, Toews assured that the aquifer beneath the Silex site is saline and unsuitable for drinking water, mitigating some residents’ worries.

Residents are encouraged to attend the open house to learn more about Silex’s intentions and ask pressing questions. “I’m not an anti-silica sand person, but you need to know who this company is and what the safeguards are,” said local councillor Mark Miller.

Meanwhile, RM of Macdonald Reeve Brian Erb confirmed that the municipality’s water supply comes from surface sources, reducing the concern over potential contamination. “All of our potable water is surface from the Assiniboine and the La Salle Rivers,” Erb noted.

The provincial government has not yet commented on Silex’s proposal, as the company has not formally approached them. This open house provides a crucial opportunity for community members to engage directly with consultants and understand the potential impacts of the silica sand mining project.

As the situation develops, residents and stakeholders are urged to stay informed and actively participate in discussions regarding the future of local mining initiatives. The open house at Kingswood Golf and Country Club promises to be a critical event that could shape the future of resource extraction in the region.