Ajax Mine application for evaluation extended

KAMLOOPS – In an effort to give local First Nations a chance to better review the environmental application for the proposed Ajax Mine, KGHM has requested an additional 38 days.

KGHM submitted its application on Sept. 14 and today, Oct. 9, requested time beyond the normal 30 days allowed for evaluating the completeness of the application. In its request the company asked for an extension to allow the Stk’emlupsemc te Secwepemc Nation to further evaluate the application and for the company to respond the group.

KGHM also says the extension will allow for further review and clarification of the tailings storage facility alternatives assessment.

The Environmental Assessment Office agreed to extend the review time limit by 38 days. The evaluation period now ends on Nov. 20, at which point the province can either ask the company to provide more information or send the application to the application review stage, which includes a public comment period, application review and assessment report.

If approved, the open-pit, copper and gold mine will be located at the southwest edge of the city. The City of Kamloops recently held a town hall meeting to get feedback from the community on what questions consultants should cover while reviewing the application.

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