Clayoquot Action is watching closely how Imperial Metals handles their Mount Polley mine disaster—one of the biggest mining disasters in the world. Why? The same company has plans for 2 new mines right here in Clayoquot Sound.

On April 1st an application filed by Imperial Metals for a restricted re-start of its Mount Polley mine was accepted for formal review. The BC government announced a 30-day public comment will occur through the month, with a deadline of April 30. A decision on whether or not to issue the permits will be made in early June.

So many questions and concerns remain unanswered. It seems premature to re-open the mine when criminal investigations are still underway. The RCMP raided Imperial Metals’ Vancouver office in February. What if the mine were re-opened, and it later turned out that it was being managed by criminals?

Please take a moment to let British Columbia Premier Christy Clark know that you do not want to see Imperial Metals’ Mount Polley Mine re-opened before the criminal investigations, the cleanup, and a long-term management plan incorporating the recommendations of the Mount Polley Review Panel are completed.