Iskut River access road will cost $12.5 million

The British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and Energy, Mines and Resources Canada recently announced the release of a study of road access options into the Iskut River area, now accessible only by air.

In a joint announcement, the government agencies said an all- weather industrial road along the Iskut Valley route would cost $12.5 million.

The road would end at the Bronson airstrip where Cominco Ltd. and Prime Resources have an advanced gold project. Skyline Gold operates a gold mine and mill nearby, the first in the district. The surrounding area is the scene of intense exploration and development for base and precious metals.

Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Jake Epp said five other potential corridors were studied, but the Iskut Valley route is “clearly preferable” for economic, environmental and regional development reasons.

“Construction of this route appears straightforward with fewer environmental impacts than other options studied,” he stated.

British Columbia Mines Minister Jack Davis cited a number of economic benefits: more efficient mineral exploration, development and extraction; expanded forestry operations; potential new tourism opportunities; and expanded markets for businesses in Stewart, Terrace and Smithers.

“We are studying the cost-benefit situation now to see if government should participate with mining companies in the cost of building a road,” he stated.

Initiated early this year, the study was funded by 19 mining companies and federal and provincial governments under the Canada/ British Columbia Mineral Development Agreement.

Darlene Snider, a public information officer for the British Columbia government, said it is possible a decision could be made on road access by year-end.

Several mining companies have expressed interest in having forestry companies share in the costs of building and maintaining the road. Snider, however, said the government is not having discussions with forestry companies “at this time.”

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