Another report prompts concerns on Ajax Mine application

Mar 30, 2016 | 5:36 PM

KAMLOOPS — Another detailed report is drawing attention to deficiencies in the KGHM-Ajax environmental application. 

This one was commissioned by a coalition of community groups, including the Kamloops Physicians for a Healthy Environment. The report says one of the main points of concern surrounding the mine proposal, is the company’s promise to mitigate 90 to 94% of the dust the it creates. Dr. Jill Calder says there are no operating mines who can achieve that level of mitigation. 

“We’re not aware of any other operational mine that can achieve that, it’s very ambitious, I think the SLR consultant said it themselves, that it would be exceedingly ambitious to suggest that you can consistently mitigate to 90% or more,” says Dr. Calder.

The report follows a city-commissioned review done by SLR Consulting, that also pointed out holes in KGHM’s application. Dr. Calder says psycho-social factors in health is also something that needs to be addressed, such factors include mental health and wellness, perception of risks, and changes in healthy behaviors. 

The report has now been submitted to the Environmental Assessment Office, and the coalition of community groups hopes the office will give it full consideration. Officials from KGHM-Ajax told CFJC News, they will need more time to review the report, before they respond.