Ministers statement on Mt. Polley tailings facility

Jagrup Brar, Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, alongside Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks, has announced the approval for the Mt. Polley Mine to elevate its tailings storage facility by four meters. This decision is crucial for ensuring safe water management ahead of the spring freshet. The necessary permit under the Mines Act has been approved, following extensive technical reviews by experts, including external engineers, and consultations with First Nations. Since 2016, the mine has been operating under significantly stronger environmental standards, addressing significant community concerns.

The ministers highlighted that this elevation meets all regulatory requirements, allowing the mine to continue providing jobs for hundreds in the region. They reaffirmed their commitment to closely monitor the mine's operations, ensuring compliance with high environmental standards. The ministers stressed that the catastrophic incident in 2014 can never happen again, with their strong environmental protection requirements being non-negotiable. This proactive approach reflects a balance between economic activity and environmental stewardship in the region.