New Brunswick

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency has told affected First Nations, local residents and public interest groups that the review of the proposed Elmtree Gold Mine is on hold. As reported in regional media, Castle Resources needs to re-assess the economics of the project before proceeding with the development of its Environmental Impact Statement. Citizens of the area are not letting their guard down and they continue to resist the proposal. In September, they sent a letter to the company indicating their strong opposition to the project.

The Concerned Citizens of Penobsquis resume their hearing with the Mining Commissioner today in the absence of monitoring data they requested through the Right to Information Act. The request was denied by the provincial government due to a contractual agreement between PotashCorp and the Department of Natural Resources.

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.