B.C. First Nation to probe pollutants despite assurances from mine – by Mark Hume (Globe and Mail – January 22, 2015)

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VANCOUVER — A small native community in central British Columbia has launched a health study into the possible impacts of a copper mine, despite assurances from the company that its research shows there’s no reason for concern.

Chief Bernie Mack of the 180-member Esdilagh First Nation said as tailings from the Gibraltar Mine build up around reserve lands, concerns are growing that pollutants may be seeping into the ecosystem.

“Number one thing is, our community members fear the resources and the water around the mine are contaminated. So why we are doing this research is to find out how safe the ecosystem and the health of the environment is,” Mr. Mack said Thursday.

A research team from the University of Victoria and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, a Switzerland-based agency that works globally, will conduct the research. Mr. Mack said many Esdilagh members grew up with the mine almost in their back yards, but they have become increasingly concerned about the operation.

“When I say we have reserves next to the mine, I mean [they are] within 250 metres from a waste-rock pile and the mine is growing. [With] their next pit development, there will be a mountain of waste rock growing, just overshadowing our reserve,” he said. “And that’s where we’re looking to do this research, kind of immediately near the mine. What I’m trying to [determine is if] the moose, deer, the willows, the raspberries [are] safe.”

He said band members have stopped fishing for trout in lakes around the mine and many no longer hunt for moose or deer nearby.

“I’m not opposed to economic development. I’m probably one of the most pro-mining of the Tsilhqot’in chiefs,” said Mr. Mack, referring to the Tsilhqot’in Nation, which involves several bands. “I’m trying to respect the environment but I also ask how deep the impacts are.”

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