A proposed open-pit gold and silver mine southwest of Vanderhoof has been given the green light.
The Environmental Assessment Agency has given the $1.8 billion Blackwater Gold Project proposed by New Gold Inc. the official go-ahead.
The project consists of the construction, operation, and closure of an open-pit gold and silver mine located 110 kilometres southwest of Vanderhoof, and 160 kilometres southwest of Prince George.
The proposed $1.8 billion project could create up to 1,500 jobs during construction and 495 during operations over the life of the project, according to figures provided by the proponent.
On Monday (April 15), the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, announced that the proposed Blackwater Gold Project can proceed following a thorough and science-based environmental assessment process, concluding that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects when mitigation measures are taken into account.
"The Government of Canada is protecting the environment and growing the economy. By evaluating this project based on science and Indigenous knowledge, and putting in place legally-binding measures that will protect the environment, we are helping create economic growth and nearly 2,000 jobs for the community," said McKenna.
The proponent, New Gold Inc., can now proceed with obtaining any additional authorizations and permits from federal departments.
McKenna’s decision statement establishes 172 conditions the proponent must fulfill throughout the life of the project.
These conditions will reduce or eliminate the potential effects on the environment and include measures to protect wetlands, fish and fish habitat, migratory birds, the current use of lands and resources by Indigenous Peoples, physical and cultural heritage and structures, and wildlife and species at risk.
The Blackwater Gold Project would produce 60,000 tonnes per day of gold and silver ore, over a mine life of 17 years.
The mine site would include an open pit, ore processing facilities, a tailings storage facility, waste rock dumps, water management facilities, offices, accommodation camps, warehouses, and a truck shop.
A 140-kilometre transmission line would connect the mine site with an existing substation south of Endako.
