Mining Association slams B.C. land use policies

Tom Waterland, president of the Mining Association of British Columbia, slammed provincial land use policies after learning that a major mining company was forced to terminate an exploration program on Vancouver Island because of permitting delays. Falconbridge Ltd. pulled out of its work program scheduled for the Catface Mountain in Clayoquot Sound because it was unable to get a permit from the Ministry of Forests to cut diamond drill and helicopter landing sites.

“We are slowly but surely choking off the mining industry in this province and this is one more incident added to a growing list of incidents in recent months,” said Waterland.

“The job in Clayoquot Sound was a routine exploration matter. The equipment was there, it was ready to go but they were unable to get the necessary permits without causing further, very expensive delays,” he added.

Waterland also expressed concern that the incident was sending a signal to exploration companies that they are not welcome in the province. The matter has been referred to the Clayoquot task force for sustainable development.