Mine developers to cover opponents’ costs — New British

In a sweeping series of proposed changes, the British Columbia government is considering collecting fees from mining companies for project reviews. Not only that, companies may be required to pay all or part of the costs for interested public groups to review and even oppose their mine proposals.

“They (groups lobbying for environmental protection) will be lined up around the block and coming from all over in droves,” said one junior mining company executive when asked to comment on this particular element of the proposed legislation.

This and other clauses are part of environmental assessment legislation recently introduced by John Cashore, minister for environment, lands and parks. If Bill 32 becomes law early next year, the current mine development review process would be terminated. The proposed legislation would combine existing procedures for reviewing energy and mine development projects into a single assessment process.

The legislation provides for the establishment of an independent environmental assessment board which would review “complex and contentious” projects and make recommendations to cabinet.

The board would have the ability to levy fees for project reviews and provide technical and financial assistance for public groups to review project proposals, at the expense of either taxpayers or companies.

But provincial Mines Minister Anne Edwards told The Northern Miner that funds will only be available to public groups that have solid reasons for being involved and whose participation will be helpful to the review process. “There will be tight guidelines and tight reins on this policy,” she said. She said mining companies will be able to comment on the bill before the legislature finishes debating it. This consultation period was set up so that key regulations could be developed for guiding the application and administration of the environmental assessment process. One such regulation will define the type and size of projects that will be affected by the legislation. Also, time frames will be clarified for critical stages of the review process.

Ken Sumanik, director of environment and land use for the Mining Association of British Columbia, said the MABC intends to study and respond to Bill 32 and other new legislation affecting the industry.

“As a first impression, Bill 32 appears to give the reviewing body and certain ministers wide discretionary powers,” Sumanik said. “The boundaries are still too large. We also have concerns that economic values are not going to be highlighted in a process which appears to be primarily focused on environmental issues.”

Edwards said her ministry will continue to be involved in the decision-making process. “The current process requires both the mines and environment ministers to sign off on new mine projects,” she said. “The proposed review panel will be arms-length from both ministries, but projects will still require a double sign-off.”