Kamloops councillor asks for federal panel review for Ajax

KAMLOOPS – With a new federal government in place, a city councillor wants to take the opportunity to again ask for a federal panel review on the proposed Ajax Mine.

Yesterday, Nov. 17, Coun. Dieter Dudy let council know he plans on asking for their support in looking for a federal panel review of the proposed mine, saying it was the responsibility of council to petition all levels of government for the most extensive review possible.

As the mine is within close proximity to Kamloops, Dudy says it's important residents trust in the application process and that risks are clearly defined by the proposal.

Because there is a new federal party in power in Ottawa, he believes it warrants a new request for a review. Dudy says 'there is strong evidence' to suggest the former Harper government deliberately dismissed research that would be contrary to government policy or resource exploitation.

He says a federal panel review is a more thorough public review and would give residents greater confidence in the overall outcome of the Ajax Mine.

After meeting with Mayor Peter Milobar back in October of 2013, former Conservative Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq did not agree to a federal panel review.

Council is expected to discuss the request at the next council meeting.

KGHM has submitted it's application to the B.C. government for the proposed Ajax Mine and is waiting to hear if the application is considered complete. If complete it will move on to the review and public input stage. If the open-pit copper gold mine is ultimately approved it will operate just southwest of the city.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Dana Reynolds at dreynolds@infonews.ca or call 250-819-6089. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.