VICTORIA, B.C. – The Province of British Columbia, Teck Resources Limited and the Taku River Tlingit First Nation (TRTFN) have announced they will jointly advance remediation of the former Tulsequah Chief Mine site in northwestern B.C.
Teck will voluntarily undertake and fund site investigation work in 2024-25 and will also lead implementation of the final closure plan, a release said.
“While Teck has not been the owner of Tulsequah for some time, we recognize the importance of all parties working together to progress remediation of this historic site, in support of reconciliation and sustainability, and as a reflection of the best practices of today’s modern, responsible mining sector in B.C.,” Teck vice-president of environment Scott Maloney said in the release.
The Tulsequah Chief Mine site is located within TRTFN territory, approximately 100 kilometres southwest of Atlin, B.C. It is a historic underground copper, lead and zinc mine, which operated from 1951-57 by a predecessor company to Teck and is currently owned by Chieftain Metals Inc.
“Tlingit culture teaches us to care for the land, to allow for traditional ways of life to continue in perpetuity, and to subsequently protect the natural environment, for future generations, and for all living beings who call our land their home. The co-operative partnership between the Government of British Columbia, Teck and TRTFN reinforces the collective commitment to clean abandoned mines to an acceptable condition that meets the standard of both governments, this is an important step toward reconciliation,” Taku River Tlingit First Nation spokesperson Charmaine Thom added.
The work for 2024-25 will include establishing safe site access, assessing underground mine conditions, monitoring water quality and flow, and evaluating waste rock disposal sites, the release said.
The work will inform the final Tulsequah Reclamation and Closure Plan, the release added, which is being co-developed by Teck and the TRTFN, guided by the TRTFN’s vision for their future use of the restored site.
“We are committed to ensuring the Tulsequah Chief Mine site is cleaned up in accordance with the province’s high environmental standards. I am grateful for the clear vision and purpose of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation in restoring this site, and I commend Teck for embarking on the necessary collaborative work with TRTFN and the province. I look forward to seeing this significant endeavour progress,” stated B.C. Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Josie Osborne.
Recent Comments