Ms. Edie Thome, President & CEO of AME responds to the tabling of new impact assessment bill. — Photo courtesy Twitter/Edie Thome VANCOUVER, Brit
Ms. Edie Thome, President & CEO of AME responds to the tabling of new impact assessment bill. — Photo courtesy Twitter/Edie Thome
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) has responded to the tabling of Bill C-69 by Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change in the House of Commons today.
“AME is encouraged by the introduction of today’s Bill that builds on Minister McKenna’s mandate to restore public trust in environmental assessment; to introduce new, fair processes; and to get resources to market,” says Ms. Edie Thome, President & CEO of AME. “In particular, we are encouraged by legislation that defines the concept of ‘one project, one assessment’ as stressed in the federal government’s expert panel report from June 2017 and also proposes to establish firm deadlines for Environmental Impact Assessments. AME is also encouraged that assessment decisions will be ultimately determined by recognizing that project decisions will be arrived at to reflect the public interest, while ensuring that Indigenous participation is fulsome and meaningful. The move from an agency that only considers environmental questions to one that includes economic considerations is also welcomed as reinforced by the Minister of Natural Resources’ Parliamentary Secretary Kim Rudd in the government-industry forum at AME Roundup 2018 just over two weeks ago.”
“This legislation is a promising first step in a consistent, time-bound and transparent impact assessment process that is needed by our members to attract investment in mineral exploration so that discoveries can indeed lead to the development of new mines,” says Dr. ‘Lyn Anglin, Chair of the Board of Directors of AME. “The public deserves informed, predictable decisions, which in turn need to be based on collaboration between the federal and provincial governments with meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples. We look forward to discussing with both levels of government how a new Impact Assessment Act will lead to the development of new mines, and opportunities for Canadian companies to provide the metals and minerals required by society. Enabling an improved Impact Assessment process, coupled with a robust Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan as being developed by Natural Resources Canada, will be paramount to Canada’s competitiveness in the global minerals and mining sector.”
- Number of mining projects in progress according to the BC Environmental Assessment Office: 16 (6 new metal mines, 1 coal mine expansion, 7 new coal mines, 2 aggregate mines)
- Newest certified project: CertainTeed Gypsum Canada Inc. has received an Environmental Assessment Certificate for the Kootenay West Mine (January 2018)
- Newest certified project to achieve commercial production: Pretium Resources Inc.’s Brucejack Mine received certification in July 2015 and achieved commercial production in July 2017.
AME is the lead association for the mineral exploration and development industry based in British Columbia. Established in 1912, AME represents, advocates and promotes the interests of thousands of members who are engaged in mineral exploration and development in B.C. and throughout the world. AME encourages a safe, economically strong and environmentally responsible industry by providing clear initiatives, policies, events and tools to support its membership.
