Two former consultants helped advance B.C.’s massive KSM gold mine in the private sector.
Metadata shows they are now directly drafting its permit from inside the B.C. government.
See the details of my investigation here:
www.biv.com/news/economy...
📰 In the news: Consultants who previously advanced the KSM copper-gold mine in NW B.C. are now working in government on its environmental assessment. The project faces scrutiny over scale and tailings risks, raising questions about conflict of interest and permitting safeguards. 👉bit.ly/4sErGed
Western Canada is racing to become a “global hub” for "critical minerals"—but safeguards aren’t keeping pace.
In our op-ed, we outline the risks and what must change: stronger regulations, transparency, and real investment in recycling and circular systems.
Read the full op-ed: bit.ly/3Q6gRUE
BC is fast-tracking “high priority” projects under Bill 15, including critical minerals. Narrowed reviews & limited public input risk serious impacts.
🗓 Deadline for public comment: April 13.
Have your say: engage.eao.gov.bc.ca/xEA
Survey guide: bit.ly/4tbhoTG
More in our blog: bit.ly/48pAM7d
Whether you’re part of a community group, local organization, or just want to stay informed — this guide is designed to be practical and easy to use.
📘 Read and share the guide: bit.ly/4sKAShL
Built to support more informed, effective community engagement in mining decisions across B.C.
(6/6)
It also helps you:
• Ask key questions about impacts
• Understand who makes decisions — and where
• Identify opportunities to engage and advocate
(5/6)
It includes tools to:
• Track permits and approvals
• Access environmental assessment records
• Review inspections and enforcement
• Find water quality data
(4/6)
This guide brings key information into one place, helping you follow projects and make sense of the decision-making process. (3/6)
Mining is expanding rapidly in B.C., but it’s not always clear how decisions are made — or how to participate. Information can be hard to find, and processes are often complex. (2/6)
📘 New resource: Navigating Mining Decisions in B.C.
We’ve created a practical guide to help communities better understand, track, and engage with mining projects across British Columbia. 🧵(1/6)
👉 Read the full story via @thetyee.ca to see how B.C.’s plan to fast-track environmental assessments could reshape mining approvals, limit public input, and impact communities and ecosystems across the province: bit.ly/4bQNKvR
(5/5)
#ReformBCMining #bcpoli #miningbc #IndigenousRights
⚖️ Why it matters: The move raises concerns about transparency and accountability in environmental oversight. How B.C. balances economic development with community and ecological protection could set a precedent for future resource projects. (4/5)
👀 What we’re watching: Critics warn that these changes could sideline Indigenous and community input, while increasing environmental risks, particularly for projects like large-scale mineral extraction in northern B.C. (3/5)
🔎 What’s happening: B.C. has released details on its proposed fast-tracked EA process under Bill 15. The plan would set a 20-month review deadline and narrow assessments to only “high risk” issues, while reducing public comment periods and limiting Indigenous-led reviews. (2/5)
📰 In the news: B.C. government unveils plan to fast-track mine approvals. The new process could shorten environmental assessments for large projects under the Infrastructure Projects Act (Bill 15). 🧵(1/5)
👉 Read more:
bit.ly/4lycM79
Congratulations to the folks from Save Record Ridge on this victory in their fight to protect their community and the environment!
#MiningLawReform #bcpoli #BCPolitics #EnvironmentalAssessment #EnvironmentalJustice
(5/5)
⚖️ Why it matters:
The case raises bigger questions about how mining projects are classified and reviewed in B.C.
If projects are structured to fall just below environmental assessment thresholds, communities worry key safeguards can be bypassed. (4/5)
👀 Local community group Save Record Ridge Action Committee argues the mine’s scale and potential impacts warrant stronger oversight. For now, the injunction keeps construction on hold while the courts review the province’s decision. (3/5)
🔎 The injunction pauses work by West High Yield Resources until a judicial review is heard. At issue: whether the province allowed the mine to move ahead without the level of environmental review the project actually requires. (2/5)
📰 A B.C. Supreme Court judge has granted an injunction stopping construction of the proposed Record Ridge magnesium mine near Rossland — for now. The court will review whether the project should have required a full environmental assessment. 🧵(1/5)👇
Record Ridge was listed as one of B.C.'s top polluting and risky mines in our 2025 Dirty Dozen report (bit.ly/3P2YBuP). The lack of an EA for the project is particularly concerning given a pattern of poor transparency from the proponent. Learn more in this overview from @stefanlabbe.bsky.social
✍️ Join civil society leaders in signing and sharing a joint statement in support of B.C.’s Declaration Act: bit.ly/3NcgjLN
📬 Don’t miss the next newsletter! Subscribe for updates and ways to take action! reformbcmining.ca/join/|
(10/10)
Eskay Creek: A First — and a Test
B.C. approved the Eskay Creek Mine — the first Section 7 consent agreement under the Declaration Act.
Federal review flagged serious impacts on fish and habitat, requiring extra monitoring.
Consent must come with strong environmental oversight. (9/10)
B.C. Mining Push Accelerates
In early 2026, the B.C. gov fast-tracked multiple mining projects and advanced the Western minerals strategy.
Critics (including us) warn approvals continue without meaningful consent — and oversight struggles to keep up.
🔎 Read our latest op-ed: bit.ly/3Lly6iU
(8/10)
Western Critical Minerals Pact
B.C. and six provinces/territories unveiled a shared minerals plan for growth and the energy transition.
But mining is moving faster than the safeguards meant to govern it — and Indigenous peoples were excluded from the pact and announcement. (7/10)
Canada Links Defence Strategy to “Critical Minerals”
Prime Minister Carney’s new Defence Industrial Strategy links "critical minerals" to national defence and jobs.
This means more pressure to expand mining — and bigger questions about consent, oversight, and who benefits. (6/10)
Misinformation Alert
Fear-mongering about private property and DRIPA is misplaced.
The real impact on property rights comes from the Mineral Tenure Act, which lets prospectors stake on rural/farm land without landowner say. (5/10)
Lessons from Lived-Experience
In a powerful op-ed, Marilyn Slett, Chief Councillor of the Heiltsuk Nation, connects this fight to her father’s residential school experiences — showing what weakening oversight would mean for justice and accountability.
📖 Read more: bit.ly/4awicuy
(4/10)
Reconciliation or Backtracking?
Claiming commitment to UNDRIP while defending a regime found wanting by courts is a contradiction. (3/10)
Courts Said “Fix the Law.” B.C. Appealed Instead.
The Gitxaała decision exposed a misalignment between B.C.’s mineral tenure system and the Province’s UNDRIP commitments.
Rather than reform the Mineral Tenure Act, B.C. filed to appeal to the Supreme Court and signalled changes to DRIPA. (2/10)