Latest news with #goldmine
CBC
3 days ago
- Business
- CBC
New gold and silver mine officially opens in central B.C. as premier faces backlash for fast-track plans
A new 44-square kilometre gold and silver mine has officially opened in the province's central Interior. Blackwater mine, located 112 kilometres southwest of Vanderhoof, B.C., west of Prince George, will be operated by Vancouver-based Artemis Gold and is expected to generate more than $13.2 billion, including $2.3 billion in provincial revenue, over its lifetime, the company said. "British Columbia is going to be the economic engine of the new Canada," Premier David Eby said in remarks at the opening, citing the province's "amazing resources." Eby was joined at the opening by Minining Minister Jagrup Brar, as well Acting Chief of the Lhoosk'uz Dené Nation June Baptiste and Ulkatcho Councillor Corinne Cahoose. The mine was approved after the province signed an economic and community development agreement with the Lhoosk'uz Dené Nation and Ulkatcho First Nation — on whose territories Blackwater is located — to share mineral tax revenue from the mine. The province says the nations have been engaged in all aspects of the project, from exploration, to permitting and environmental assessment, while the mine's owners and both nations have a project participation agreement in place. Artemis says 400 people are already employed at the mine site, about a quarter of whom are Indigenous, with employment forecast to grow to 800 during construction of phase two, which will create an additional 170 permanent jobs. Premier addresses backlash At the opening, Eby acknowledged the criticism his government has faced in recent days from First Nations over legislation aimed at fast-tracking new economic development projects, including mines, which critics worry will override environmental safeguards and the need for Indigenous consultation. "If we want to move quickly we're not going to be able to do it without strong partnerships with Indigenous people and we're not going to do it at the expense of our environmental commitments," he said. "That will always be the case as long as I'm premier." The opening came on the same day that British Columbia Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Terry Teegee withdrew from an upcoming trade mission to Asia over the province's passage of bills 14 and 15, aimed at fast-tracking resource projects. "How can we participate in trade missions to promote resource development when this government has just rammed through legislation that tramples our rights and threatens our territories" Teegee asked in a written statement.
ABC News
3 days ago
- Business
- ABC News
Greater Bendigo community divided on Fosterville Gold Mine expansion green light
Depending on who you speak to, Victoria's largest gold mine is either a good corporate citizen or a bad neighbour. Fosterville Gold Mine, 20 kilometres east of Bendigo, is one step closer to expanding its operations after the state government gave the green light to a proposed expansion last week. Parent company Agnico Eagle said the expansion would future-proof the mine for the next decade and support 1,000 jobs. The Bendigo region has come to rely on the mine, not just for employment but for the $2 million it has returned to the community through sponsorships, donations and grants. But the expansion has split opinion in the town. Some nearby residents and environmental advocates say they feel shocked and let down, while others are thrilled the mine will remain a fixture in the region. And now all eyes are on the Commonwealth to find out whether it will give the final tick of approval required for the mine's expansion to proceed. Hydrologist Phillip Macumber said he felt hopeful after meeting with Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, but was left shocked when her government approved Fosterville's expansion days later. Dr Macumber reviewed the mine's plans for the Save the Campaspe lobby group and was less than impressed. "It runs counter to everything I've done and known in my hydrogeological experience over the last 50 years," he said. "The present way they're operating [the mine] is contaminating the river, I've got no question in my own mind, with arsenic and antimony. "What makes it so frustrating is it's so blatantly obvious, but where are the people stepping up? Standing up? "Not in government. They don't appear to be." Victoria's Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has raised concerns about the mine's groundwater modelling and monitoring, concerns backed by Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny. The minister ultimately deemed the mine's groundwater impacts acceptable if mitigation measures were properly carried out. A Fosterville Gold Mine spokesperson said the environmental effects statement (EES) was a rigorous, transparent process that gave all stakeholders, including Dr Macumber, a chance to be heard. Community group Save the Campaspe said the Victorian government had dismissed the concerns by approving the expansion. "There's no doubt this mine expansion will negatively impact our families, homes and the Campaspe River," the group said. The mine's EES revealed the expansion would result in habitat loss for several threatened species including the critically endangered swift parrot, and vulnerable ecosystems such as box ironbark forest. The planning minister's assessment found that potential impacts could be acceptably managed, provided that strengthened environmental management practices and amended mitigation measures were adopted. "We're making sure safeguards are in place to protect the environment while also creating more jobs and boosting Bendigo's economy," she said. Victorian National Parks Association conservation campaigner Ben Gill said the approval ignored expert environmental advice. A Victorian government spokesperson said the EES was a "robust and transparent" process. "[It gives the] community confidence that projects balance the needs of communities, environmental protection and economic growth," the spokesperson said. On the other side of the fence are a number of workers, their families, and community groups that support and rely on the mine. Fosterville is one of the highest-grade gold mining operations in the world and the largest gold producer in the state, according to the Victorian government. Bendigo real estate agent Brad Hinton is on the committee for Bendigo's Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch, a prostate cancer fundraising event. He said the committee was "ecstatic" the mine, a major sponsor, was a step closer to another 10 years of operation. Mr Hinton said it was rare for the mine not to be on board supporting events, sporting clubs or charitable efforts in the community. Fosterville Gold Mine said it had invested more than $2 million across sponsorships, donations, scholarships and community grants in Greater Bendigo. Agnico Eagle Australian operations vice-president Ion Hann said the state government's endorsement would allow that support to continue. "We're grateful for the engagement throughout the EES process and remain committed to responsible mining and transparent communication," Mr Hann said. The state government said the expansion would deliver a $1.3 billion boost to the Bendigo region over the next decade. After receiving state government approval the mine's plans will need to receive mining and EPA approvals, as well as approval from the Commonwealth government.
Globe and Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Liberty Gold: Advancing a Multi-Million Ounce Gold Project With Antimony Upside
A near-construction oxide gold mine in the Great Basin with added exposure to critical minerals Why This Matters Liberty Gold (TSX: LGD, OTCQX: LGDTF) is developing one of the Great Basin's most significant open-pit gold oxide deposits at a time when U.S. domestic resource supply is under the spotlight. The company's flagship asset, located in southern Idaho, holds a 5 to 8 million-ounce gold system with a completed prefeasibility study and formal mine permitting process already underway. With its low-cost heap leach model and scalable footprint, the project is on track to support future construction. Meanwhile, Liberty Gold is creating additional value with the discovery of high-grade antimony mineralization at its second asset in Utah. As global demand grows for antimony, a critical mineral used in munitions and fire retardants, the company plans to spin out this asset into a new entity—offering Liberty shareholders exposure to both gold development and strategic minerals. With strong project economics and infrastructure access, Liberty Gold is positioning itself to be a key U.S. player in both precious and critical metals. Key Takeaways: Flagship oxide gold asset with up to 8 million ounces in southern Idaho Low-cost, open-pit heap leach model with robust PFS and permitting underway Discovery of high-grade antimony at second site adds critical mineral upside Spinout planned for Utah asset, providing Liberty shareholders with added exposure Operating in mining-friendly U.S. jurisdictions with clear permitting pathways Published by
The Guardian
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
A Golden Life review – childhood is collateral in Burkina Faso's search for gold
For those toiling in the Bantara goldmine in Burkina Faso, their life is largely shrouded in darkness. Centered on a 16-year-old called Rasmané, Boubacar Sangaré's sombre documentary goes deep into the claustrophobic environment that the ill-treated workers endure. Each morning, Rasmané is lowered down a 100m shaft which leads to narrow tunnels wet with mud. As the day goes on, he is caked with the sediment as his back muscles buckle under the strenuous digging. His cramped living quarters – a rickety shed made of straw and plastic tarps – offer little relief; Rasmané has to turn to medication to ease the pain. Moving between closeups and aerial shots, the film draws a visual link between the abuse inflicted on the scarred soil, and the physical strain on the workers' bodies. In this precarious industry where human beings are treated as collateral damage, talk of death casually hangs in the air. The intimate photography, however, lends a dignity to those who are discarded by an exploitative industry. Rasmané and his fellow workmates are often filmed in groups, collective compositions that emphasise the nature of their bond. As the company skims on safety protocols, the companionship among the men becomes a kind of emotional shelter as they trade life tips ranging from survival to romance. Considering the overwhelming responsibilities placed on the shoulders of these teenagers, it's easy to forget that they are still kids at heart. A particularly moving sequence follows the younger 'cart boys' who dream of ordinary treats such as a new pair of jeans in between shifts. This collision of childlike yearning and hard labour is particularly heartbreaking; in the eyes of their bosses, however, the future of these workers is nothing compared to the lure of gold. A Golden Life is on True Story from 30 May.
Reuters
24-05-2025
- General
- Reuters
Nearly 300 workers trapped in South African gold mine
South Africa's Sibanye-Stillwater SSWJ.J said on Friday that it was working to bring to the surface 260 miners, who were stuck underground at one of its gold mines after the hoist system used to access the shaft was damaged in an accident. Alice Rizzo reports.
