Veteran Conservative MP blasts own government over B.C. mine rejection

OTTAWA – A longtime Conservative MP from British Columbia is openly questioning his government’s decision to reject a proposed $1.5-billion, open-pit, gold-copper mine in the B.C. Interior over environmental concerns.

Dick Harris, first elected as a Reform MP in 1993, has issued a blistering news release in which he says the decision has shattered the hopes of thousands of people in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region he represents.

He says that in his economically depressed area, supporting the mine was a responsible move for the common good.

Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq announced late Wednesday she was rejecting the New Prosperity Gold Copper Mine because it would have significant adverse environmental effects that cannot be mitigated.

A similar proposal by Taseko Mines Ltd. (TSX:TKO) was also rejected four years ago due to its plan to drain a lake for use as a tailings pond.

The latest rejection was based on the conclusions of an independent review panel, which found that the mine would cause significant adverse effects on water quality, fish and fish habitat in an lake important to local First Nations.

“The government of Canada will make decisions based on the best available scientific evidence while balancing economic and environmental considerations,” Aglukkaq said in a news release.

“The government will continue to make responsible resource development a priority and invites the submission of another proposal that addresses the government’s concerns.”

The site is 125 kilometres southwest of Williams Lake, B.C., and is the tenth- largest undeveloped gold-copper deposit in the world.