The government of British Columbia has approved a plan to prolong the life of the Highland Valley Copper mine, near Kamloops, and the jobs of its 950 workers.
The mine was scheduled to close in mid-2005 because of instability caused by excessive groundwater, but a plan to remove water from the workings is expected to extend operations until 2009.
The project involves removing groundwater to stabilize the pit walls and prevent flooding. Surplus water will be released into Witches Brook, which discharges into Guichon Creek and ultimately into the Nicola River, west of Merritt.
Groundwater added to the brook will improve the existing flow and provide more water year-round to foster fish habitat.
“We are looking to private-sector companies to come up with [other] innovative solutions that will maintain and extend mine operations, such as this project at Highland Valley,” says Energy and Mines Minister Richard Neufeld.
Highland Valley Copper consulted with government, local communities and First Nations to develop the plan and will form a committee with these partners to monitor the project.
The mine, which contributes $450 million annually to the province, is between Ashcroft and Logan Lake. It is one of the largest open-pit copper mines in the world and produces copper concentrates and molybdenum.
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