Urgent: BC First Nations Oppose Mine Expansion Decision Now

UPDATE: Two First Nations in British Columbia are urgently opposing a major mine expansion, claiming the provincial government is rushing the decision without adequate consultation. The Upper and Lower Similkameen Indian Bands are demanding a delay on the New Ingerbelle expansion at Copper Mountain Mine, located along the Similkameen River south of Princeton, citing serious concerns over environmental impacts.

The province has set a January 15, 2024 deadline for approval, but the bands argue they have not been given sufficient time to evaluate the associated risks. Keith Crow, chief of the Lower Similkameen, stated, “We do not consent at this point. We have too much more we have to work through.”

The expansion plan proposes to extend the open pit to within approximately 50 metres of the Similkameen River and excavate more than 160 metres below the riverbed—the first mine to operate at such depths. Additionally, the plan includes a new bridge for mine trucks and a significant 63-metre increase to existing tailings dams, equivalent to the height of a 19-storey building.

Crow expressed grave concerns about potential contamination, stating, “Our biggest concern is water and the size of the tailings.” He indicated that the expansion would create the second tallest tailings dam in the world, raising fears of spills that could devastate the local ecosystem. The Similkameen River is vital for fish, wildlife, and agricultural activities, not only in BC but also in Washington state as it crosses the border.

Authorities have ignored the bands’ input, prompting them to launch a dispute-resolution process, which the province has rejected. Elder Rob Edward voiced his frustration, saying the government is “failing their duty to consult” and is not meeting their obligations for free, prior, and informed consent.

With the holiday season approaching, the urgency intensifies. “They get to take Christmas off. We don’t,” Edward remarked, highlighting the pressure on the First Nations as they prepare their response to the impending deadline. Both bands are requesting a few additional months to collaborate with the province and Hudbay Minerals, the company that acquired the mine in 2023, to establish stronger environmental protections.

The backdrop to this conflict is Premier David Eby’s “Look West” strategy, which aims to accelerate critical minerals development and secure $200 billion in private-sector investment over the next decade. However, local leaders argue that the push for economic development overlooks the significant risks faced by nearby communities.

Edward shared a stark reminder of the historical impact of industrial activities, recalling warnings from elders about the land’s deterioration. He lamented that he has not consumed native fish or used the river for swimming or medicinal purposes since August 1982 due to ongoing contamination and health risks in the area.

As the clock ticks down to the January deadline, the First Nations are preparing to potentially take legal action to halt the expansion. Crow confirmed their plans but withheld specific details. The provincial government has not yet responded to requests for comment on this developing situation.

The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated, as the decisions made in the coming weeks could have lasting consequences on the environment and the health of the communities surrounding the Copper Mountain Mine. The First Nations continue to advocate for their rights and the protection of their land, emphasizing the need for thorough and informed decision-making.