Proposal for gold and copper mine on First Nation's territory rejected for 3rd time by B.C. government

The British Columbia government says a proposed copper and gold mine on a First Nation's territory will not be given an environmental assessment certificate, citing potential risks to water quality and fish.

In a news release, the government said Monday it has rejected the open-pit copper, gold and molybdenum Morrison mine located about 65 kilometres northeast of Smithers, B.C., which was expected to produce 30,000 tonnes of ore per day over a 21-year period.

The proposed mine site was located on the territory of the Lake Babine Nation and upstream of the territories of the Gitanyow and Gitxsan First Nations. A portion of the proposed transmission line was on the territory of Yekooche First Nation.

Pacific Booker Minerals Inc. had applied for environmental assessment certificates in 2010 and 2012, which were also denied.

The release says the mine could affect "a unique wild sockeye salmon population'' that contributes to the Skeena River.

It says there was insufficient data about damages to Morrison Lake, and the potential long-term effects and liability for the province were not acceptable.

Morrison Lake is part of the headwaters of the Skeena River,one of B.C.'s largest salmon producing rivers.