Letters Letter to the Editor Cariboo miner says flawed report lacks practical field experience
Cariboo miner says flawed report lacks practical field experience
| Letters - Letter to the Editor |
Here is my response to the story in the news on Cariboo mining.
Much of the report generated by the environment staff was indeed flawed, considering they used reports from the Bullion Pit Mine, that hasn't operated since the 1940s, as well other mining operations from that era.
Though it is also true to say there have been problems with some placer operations, and there are some easy to see reasons for this,
(A) Shortage of Mines Inspectors, lack of departmental funding in regards to industry.
(B) Lack of training in Environmental Safety Standards and Regulations for prospectors and placer mining operators.
(C) Lack of accountability for those placer mining operators found to be in non-compliance.
Fix those issues and most environmental problems would be solved. Granted, while there are some Placer Mining operations that cause the problems, there are many more that follow the regulations/rules, and guidelines to the letter, and contribute much more than to the economy than the reported $110,000 to $150,000 a year in mineral taxes.
Anyone who is under the illusion that placer mining is a simple program of going to the hills and digging gold up like pototes in a plowed field, well, they have been watching too much of the 'Alaska Gold Rush' show. Thast is based on entertainment, and is so far from reality it is hilarious to watch.
Placer mining requires extensive testing of grounds, which takes time and money spend in local economies, then development of a mining plan that requires passing inspection and expensive bonding/deposits with government for reclamation purposes, then there is the cost of equipment, loaders, excavators, washplants don't come cheap, camp and operating expenses, repairs, fuels, etc.
Before the environmental agencies decide to write reports based on old outdated information, and bias opinions formed from lack of practical experience in the field, they may wish to acquire some that is more current.
Eric 'Greywolf' Brigden
Williams Lake, BC
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