Environment

Penobsquis Homeowners' news release: A group of Penobsquis homeowners are taking action against PotashCorp for damages resulting from their mining activities. Sixty water wells have been lost in the Penobsquis area affecting upwards of 200 people. The removal of the water from the mine is causing the ground to settle and shift even more than is expected from normal mine operations. This land movement is causing damage to homes and property. In addition to water loss and land movement, residents suffer from dust, noise and light pollution, lost property values, stress, and other issues.

In anticipation of the annual Mining Day on the Hill lobbying frenzy, MiningWatch Canada would like to provide you with an alternative perspective on several important issues. The mining industry is one of the most policy-privileged industries in Canada. This is despite the fact that at home and around the world, the industry has generated massive environmental impacts, created social conflicts, and infringed on Aboriginal rights and title.

Joint news release with Northwatch: A major new report highlights serious impacts on the Canadian boreal forest from all phases of mining activity, from exploration to closure. Two respected mining industry watchdogs – Northwatch and MiningWatch Canada – say they published The Boreal Below (an all-new and expanded version of a widely circulated 2001 report) in response to growing demand from communities across Canada for information and analysis to help understand the impacts of mining on their lives and livelihoods. It provides a carefully-documented analysis of the social, environmental, and cultural impacts of mining from prospecting to mine closure, as well as an overview of the current situation by province and territory.

Notes for Jamie Kneen's response to Pierre Gratton, Vice President for Sustainable Development and Public Affairs of the Mining Association of Canada in a debate entitled "Earth: What is Mining All About? The Up and Down Sides", presented as part of the Ottawa University Institute of Environment 2006-07 Lecture Series “Elemental Environmentalism: Water, Air, Fire and Earth”.

The Tse Keh Nay (Takla, Tsay Keh Dene, and Kwadacha First Nations) have called on the Prime Minister and Premier of B.C. to involve First Nations more substantively in decisions about mining developments. In a letter to the Prime Minister and Premier, they say they will participate in the joint Federal-Provincial Panel on the proposed Kemess North Mine, in Tse Keh Nay Territory, B.C., but it will be under protest.

This useful fact sheet was prepared by Alaskans for Responsible Mining in 2004.