Geddes releases Windy Craggy overview

A summary report on the Windy Craggy deposit was released by Geddes Resources (TSE) as part of an effort to counter misinformation and the emotionally provocative images used by special interest groups seeking to block the project.

Geddes is proposing to develop a 20,000-tonne-per-day copper mine at Windy Craggy Mountain, above the tree line in the remote Haines Triangle region of northwestern British Columbia.

The company is waiting for the provincial government to decide if mining will be allowed in the region. If given the go-ahead to proceed with the mine review process, Geddes says its development plans for the high-grade deposit will be sensitive to environmental, wildlife and wilderness values, and to other users.

“We plan to use only one-tenth of 1% of the land in the Haines Triangle area, including requirements for a 100-km access road,” Geddes Chairman Howard Cadinha told reporters at a Vancouver press conference. He also said the road would be used sparingly, and would not be visible to rafters on the Tatshenshini River except for one crossing. No mining activities would be seen or heard as the river is 18-25 km from the mine site.

Cadinha said Windy Craggy represents the future of copper mining in British Columbia where many mines are nearing the end of their lives. The project would provide jobs for 500 people, and indirect employment for another 1,500. Capital costs for initial development would be $550 million, and the company would spend $150 million a year during operations on wages, supplies and services.

Over two decades, Windy Craggy is projected to deliver $720 million in tax revenues to the province, and $545 million to Canada, with additional payments to Alaska. These figures exclude tax revenues from indirect employment and spinoff economic activity.

The report also provides information on environmental issues. For example, Geddes points out that while acid rock drainage has been taking place naturally at Windy Craggy for millions of years, lime-rich rocks in the area and glacier water systems effectively neutralize the acidity to protect water quality and fishery resources.