New gold mine in tiny Wells, B.C., gets approval but some residents worry it will change their town forever

A proposed gold mine near the small community of Wells in central B.C. has passed a major development hurdle.

The B.C. government has granted an operating permit for the Osikso Development Corporation's CaribooGold Mine, a project that's expected to process 1.1 million tonnes of gold-bearing ore a year.

But even though it has support from several key local leaders and First Nations, it still faces opposition from people concerned about the social and environmental impacts of the new industrial project.

"These permits are just another step in a long, frustrating process that involves throwing our community under the bus," said Dave Jorgenson, a longtime Wells resident and spokesperson for a group of residents opposed to the project.

TheB.C. government saidin a statementthat Barkerville Gold Mines, owned by Osisko Development Corp., was issued the permit for the underground mine in a process that took 13 months to complete.

The governmentstatement says a permit under the Environmental Management Act is under consideration, with a decision expected in weeks after the government issued an environmental assessment certificate for the mine last in October 2023.

The mineis expected toemploy more than 630 people during construction with an initial $137-million investment and another $918 million over the life of the mine.

Major impact on community

That will be a major change for the community where it is being built:Wells, located about 100 kilometres southeast of Prince George, home to just over 220 people and best known as the gateway to the Barkerville Historic Town and Park, a gold mining museum and National Historic Site.

While it has support as an economic driver for the community, some are concernedthat the mine's presence so close to the town will permanently alter its character, with one resident previously telling CBC News, "It would turn our town into, effectively, an industrial site."

Jorgenson saidwhile he is not opposed to the mine itself, he and other members of his group are against a proposed processing facility that will be built "in the middle of our residential area."

"Trucks arriving... dust, noise and light pollution right inside our community," he said, comparing it to building a pulp mill in the centre of a residential neighbourhood.

In response to a request for comment on the project, Osiskodirected CBC News to a pre-written release announcing the approval of the project by the province.

Wells Mayor Ed Coleman said on Thursday that the mine would have a major impact on his community, both in the short term, with new workers and investment coming in, and over the course of the lifespan of the mine.

"In the long run, 20 to 30 years, we see Wells growing to probably 1,000 people," he said. "This is big."

Heacknowledged that some members of his community are worried about the impacts of the mine and said "they will continue to be diligent" while also expressing thanks to the provincefor the amount of consultation that has gone into the project so far.

The province is touting the mine as the first to be entirely assessed underthe new Environmental Assessment Act, which was modernized in 2018 to enhance public confidence.

It's also the first to be approved by the newly created Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals, created this past week by B.C. Premier David Eby.

WATCH | New ministry for mines made in B.C.:

B.C's new Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals draws industry praise

3 days ago

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The Mining Association of B.C.'s Michael Goehring said that the newly-announced ministry, headed by Jagrup Brar, shows the government is looking at the potential benefits of several ongoing mining projects in B.C.

Xatull First Nation says it is considering legal options

The province says approval for the project was done in consultation with experts, the public and First Nations, including the Lhtako Den, Xatull, and Williams Lake nations.

However, earlier this month, the Xatull nation issued a statement calling for the project to be halted until it had granted consent.

"The province has shown it is failing to responsibly regulate this sector in our territory," XatullChief Rhonda Phillips said on Nov. 7.

"It's not the 1980s anymore by failing to address the very serious issues raised by Xatull about this project, the province and Osisko are neglecting to uphold their commitments to reconciliation and to implement DRIPA (Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act) and UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples)."

In a statement shared with The Canadian Press following Thursday's approval, theXatull First Nation said it is"disappointed" the operating permit had been granted by the provincewithout it meeting its leadership or obtaining the nation's consent.

The nation says it is considering all legal options and is calling on the newly appointed mines minister, Jagrup Brar, to "ask for clarification on the inconsistent application of UNDRIP across government, including his ministry."

"Xatull would like to see sustainable resource development in our territory, but it has to be done properly," it says in a news release.

But in response, Lhtako Den Chief Clifford Lebrun said in a separate statement that his nation was an active participant in every stage of the gold mine project, and it's a significant opportunity for its members.

"We look forward to a sustainable and growing relationship with Osisko Development as the project proceeds through to operation."

Osisko CEO Sean Roosen says getting the construction and operating permits marks a major milestone for it and its stakeholders.

"It is the culmination of almost five years of extensive discussion and consultation with provincial regulators, Indigenous nations and host communities in ensuring the project becomes a model for responsible mine development and environmental stewardship that redefines mining for a better future," he said in the statement.