Krueger Calls

By 250 News

Minister of State for Mining, Kevin Krueger, has called.

Busy at the UBCM, and before that at the Mining Ministers conference in Whistler, Krueger says he is surprised by the comments made by Northgate Minerals CEO Kenneth Stowe “His comments didn’t serve the province, the country or the industry.” 

Stowe  told  delegates at the Denver Gold forum earlier this week that his company will  search for  projects in “stable jurisdictions” and that  he believed the Joint panel review  recommendation  that  Kemess North NOT  go ahead was illogical, and that  the  project was the “sacrifice on the altar of unresolved land claims in British Columbia.”  He also said the message is reverberating in B.C. and Canada.

The Minister of State for Mining, Kevin Krueger, doesn’t buy it.  He says there is a new relationship between First Nations, the Province and mining companies “I have spoken to the Tse Keh Nay and they are not opposed to mining, they have some sincere opinions and concerns.”  He says other mines have benefited by working with First Nations, and points to the Tahltan‘s advice to one operation that resulted in an improved and shorter haul route.  “Mining industry employs more aboriginals than any other industry in Canada” says Krueger

 “I don’t think this will rock the industry” says Krueger,” The industry is very optimistic. There are 800 mining companies based in Vancouver.” He points to the recently approved Galore Creek project as one of the major successes.  “That is a $2.3 billion dollar project and construction right now involves 15 helicopters airlifting equipment, including one helicopter that is lifting a D-9 cat.  The have 800 people on the payroll now and thought they would have 1,000 on the payroll, but we are now told they will have 1500 on the payroll by July.”

As for the Red Chris project, which a Federal Court ruled must go through a different environmental process, “The Red Chris matter is entirely federal, and I believe it will be worked through.”

Krueger says he remains positive about the future of mining in B.C. and the opportunities the industry presents, particularly because of the new relationship the B.C.  Government is developing and promoting with First Nations “I think it is incumbent on people to work together to find solutions.”

Gordon Pierre, Grand Chief of the Tse Keh Nay has already gone on record  as welcoming discussions “In the spirit of the Province’s New Relationship we invite government and industry to engage with us immediately regarding mining and exploration development on Tse Keh Nay Territory” .

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