The Cariboo Gold Mine, a billion-dollar project located in B.C.’s Cariboo region, has been granted a crucial operating permit by the provincial government, paving the way for the project’s development. While the mine promises significant economic benefits for the region, including the creation of hundreds of jobs, its approval has sparked concerns from a local First Nation that continues to oppose the project.
The permit, granted under the Mines Act, allows Osisko Development Corporation to proceed with operations at the mine, which is located in Wells, B.C. The approval follows a rigorous 13-month review process, including extensive consultations with First Nations, government agencies, and environmental experts. Despite these consultations, the project’s approval has met resistance from certain Indigenous groups, notably the Xatśūll Nation, which has called for the project to be halted until it receives their consent.
Key Details of the Cariboo Gold Mine Project
Osisko Development Corporation’s Cariboo Gold Mine project is set to become a major contributor to the local economy. According to a provincial news release, the project is expected to generate approximately 634 jobs during its construction phase. These jobs will be supported by an initial investment of $137 million, with an additional $918 million expected to be invested throughout the life of the mine.
Once fully operational, the mine will process around 1.1 million tonnes of gold-bearing ore per year over a period of 16 years. The project involves underground mining, with ore milling taking place at the Quesnel River Mine, located approximately 58 kilometers southeast of Quesnel. Waste rock will be stored at the Bonanza Ledge Mine near Barkerville, and a new transmission line will be constructed to connect the mine to the power grid in the Quesnel area.
The Cariboo Gold Mine has passed the requirements of the 2018 Environmental Assessment Act, marking it as the first project to be entirely assessed under the new regulations. These modernized regulations were introduced to enhance public confidence, improve transparency, and ensure meaningful participation in the assessment process. The B.C. government emphasized that the Environmental Assessment Office had conducted a thorough review of the project, incorporating input from experts, Indigenous communities, government agencies, and the public.
Ongoing Opposition from First Nations
While the Cariboo Gold Mine project has been approved, its progress has not been without opposition. The Xatśūll Nation, one of the Indigenous communities involved in the consultation process, has raised significant concerns about the potential environmental and social impacts of the mine. Earlier this month, Xatśūll Chief Rhonda Phillips issued a statement calling for the project to be stopped until the province receives the Nation’s consent. Phillips emphasized that the provincial government was failing to responsibly regulate the mining sector in the territory and accused the province and Osisko of neglecting to address the community’s concerns regarding environmental protection and Indigenous rights.
“It’s not the 1980s anymore,” Chief Phillips stated on November 7. “By failing to address the very serious issues raised by Xatśūll about this project, the province and Osisko are neglecting to uphold their commitments to reconciliation and to implement the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).”
Among the primary concerns expressed by Xatśūll are potential water pollution and the impact on local wildlife, particularly the endangered southern mountain caribou population. The Xatśūll have voiced alarm over the proposed discharge of wastewater into local water sources, including Jack of Clubs Lake, Lowhee Creek, and Rudy Creek. The Bonanza Ledge Mine, which Osisko acquired in 2020, has faced regulatory scrutiny for similar environmental violations in the past. The mine was fined earlier this year for discharging wastewater into Lowhee Creek, a situation Osisko attributed to legacy issues at the site, which the company says it has been working to address since acquiring the mine.
The Xatśūll also raised concerns about the impact of the project on the southern mountain caribou population, which is classified as endangered by the province of B.C. The clearing of land for the transmission line and the construction of year-round access roads are expected to further threaten the caribou, which rely on intact forests for survival.
Osisko’s Efforts to Address Concerns
Despite the opposition from Xatśūll, Osisko has stated that it has made significant efforts to engage with the affected Indigenous communities, including the Xatśūll, over the past two years. The company has offered financial benefits, similar to those agreements made with other Indigenous groups in the area, in an attempt to resolve the issues raised by the communities. Osisko has also pointed to its ongoing efforts to mitigate environmental impacts, including addressing water management and wildlife conservation concerns.
One such example is the engagement with the Lhtako Dene Nation, another Indigenous group in the region. In a statement issued earlier this month, the Lhtako Dene Nation expressed support for the project, citing Osisko’s commitment to meaningful engagement and collaborative efforts surrounding caribou and salmon conservation initiatives. “We support and look forward to the sustainable development of the Cariboo Gold Mine,” the statement read.
Despite differing opinions, Osisko CEO Sean Roosen described the granting of the operating permit as a significant milestone for the company and its stakeholders. He highlighted the importance of continued dialogue with Indigenous communities as the project moves forward, underscoring the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development practices.
The Next Step: Environmental Management Act Permit
While the Mines Act operating permit has been granted, Osisko is still awaiting approval for another important permit under the Environmental Management Act (EMA). This permit, which is currently under review by the Ministry of Environment and Parks, would authorize the company to manage and process waste materials generated during the mining process. The final decision on this permit is expected in the coming weeks.
The approval of both the Mines Act and EMA permits would mark the final regulatory approvals needed for the project to move forward, but they will continue to be subject to scrutiny and oversight to ensure compliance with environmental and Indigenous rights protections.
A Turning Point for Mining in B.C.
The approval of the Cariboo Gold Mine marks a significant moment in British Columbia’s mining sector, with the project becoming the first to undergo a full environmental assessment under the modernized 2018 Environmental Assessment Act. The act was designed to improve transparency, enhance public participation, and facilitate reconciliation with Indigenous communities. However, as evidenced by the ongoing opposition from Xatśūll and other First Nations, the challenge of balancing resource development with Indigenous rights and environmental protection remains a contentious issue.
While the project promises substantial economic benefits, including jobs and investment for the Cariboo region, it also underscores the need for continued dialogue and collaboration between governments, industry, and Indigenous communities. The outcome of this project may set a precedent for future resource development projects in B.C., highlighting the critical importance of addressing environmental concerns and respecting Indigenous sovereignty.
As the process moves forward, the B.C. government and Osisko will likely face increasing pressure to ensure that the Cariboo Gold Mine meets the highest environmental standards and that Indigenous communities are treated as equal partners in decision-making processes. The resolution of these issues will be key to the success of the project and the broader goal of sustainable resource development in the province.
Related topics: