The public comment period for Atlantic Gold’s 2nd proposed open pit gold mine (called Beaver Dam) along the Eastern Shore is now open. The end date for comments is Dec. 16th.

SMRA encourages anyone with concerns to write in and let the federal and provincial governments know that you do not support giant open pit gold mines in Nova Scotian Atlantic Salmon bearing rivers. You can comment on the latest document about the proposed Beaver Dam mine here: https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/document/141932?culture=en-CA

 In your comments you can talk about the work that Nova Scotia Salmon Association has done a stone’s throw away from the proposed Beaver Dam site to mitigate acid rain effects on West River Sheet Harbour. You can speak of the carbon footprint such a massive site will produce, as well as unpredictable weather effects due to climate change that could impact the open pit and waste rock pile Atlantic Gold plans to create. You can certainly mention the cumulative effects from having multiple open pit mines so very close together.

A great article to read covering Beaver Dam which may help with details for your submission:

https://www.halifaxexaminer.ca/environment/sacrificing-wild-atlantic-salmon-for-gold/

There are two branches of the Sheet Harbor river system that have open pit gold mines proposed for their waters by Atlantic Gold. As you go up the Eastern Shore from Halifax, the Touquoy mine in Moose River is already in production. Atlantic Gold is proposing to open 3 more sites, heading further up the shore, at locations called Beaver Dam, Fifteen Mile Stream (both on the Sheet Harbour river system) and Cochrane Hill (St. Mary’s River). 

Say NOPE to the Eastern Shore becoming a sacrifice zone in the name of gold greed!