Thank you for your letter of July 16, 2008 addressed to Honourable Richard Neufeld, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, regarding approval of Selkirk Metals Mines Act exploration permit MX-8-238 for the Catface Mountain area of Clayoquot Sound (Project).  As Minister of State for Mining, I am pleased to respond.

The permit amendment was issued following notification and consultation with the Ahousaht First Nation, as the Project lies within their traditional territory.  The permit will not be rescinded, as the work has already begun and this would cause undue hardship to both the exploration company and Ahousaht First Nation members employed on the Project.

Mr. Ron Bronstein, Regional Director, Southwest Region, Mining and Minerals Division, has requested to meet with the Clayoquot Sound Central Region Board at their earliest convenience to ensure that proper notification and processes are followed.

This exploration program is considered low-impact and low risk to the environment, given it is helicopter-supported drilling activity using a portable small diameter drill.  The locations of the drill sites are on previously disturbed areas on the north side of Catface Mountain.

Exploration companies must follow the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia, which includes explicit requirements for managing exploration activity.  In addition, this permit includes conditions related to water quality monitoring, drill hole closure, and sediment traps to ensure there are no impacts to water quality.

I hope this information has addressed your concerns.  Thank you for writing.  

Sincerely,


OriginallySigned By


Gordon Hogg
Minister of State for Mining