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Rocky defiled?
Power plans for fabled Coppermine River
By TERRY FENGE
Last June 21, a federal environmental assessment panel recommended approval of a diamond mine at Lac de Gras in the headwaters of the Coppermine River, When operational, this mine - proposed by BHP Diamonds Inc. - will be northern Canada's largest mine, with five huge open pits interconnected by road to a central processing plant. But this is only the first step in the transformation of the region between Yellowknife and the Arctic coast. Six to ten gold, bade metal and diamond mines are likely to be developed in the region over the next 10-20 years.
As well as mines, observers predict eventual construction of an all-weather road from Yellowknife to an industrial port likely to be constructed near Coppermine. In addition, there would be construction of multiple airstrips and even hydro dams and transmissions lines. Just what may be the environmental effects of all this is very much an open question. Three long-term concerns are emerging; damming rivers, most likely the Coppermine; contaminating lakes and rivers through waste water discharges and effects on the Bathurst caribou herd and grizzly bears.
While damming the Coppermine has not yet been formally proposed, a 1993 reconnaissance survey by the NWT Power Corporation identified Rocky Defile as the most likely dam site. The mining industry currently uses expensive diesel fuel for its many power needs. BHP have said they would use cheaper hydro power if it was available. Wastewater discharges are already a problem at exploration and bulk sampling sites - all this even before the mines are operational. BHP Diamonds Inc. and Kennecott Canada, both of whom intend to develop diamond mines, have been charged under the Federal Fisheries Act with wastewater discharge offenses. Hearings are scheduled for September.
The NWT Chamber of Mines, Government of the Northwest Territories, federal Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development are all keen to see diamond mines developed in he region. Aboriginal people are split on the issue. Many want land claims and treaty entitlements agreed to first. The Canadian Arctic Resources Committee (CARC) has vehemently criticized the environmental assessment of BHP's project as ineffective and flawed. As well, CARC points out that the region's rivers and environmentally significant areas are "up for grabs". Not one park or conservation area has been established in the region.
The Liberal cabinet in Ottawa is expected to approve BHP's mine by early fall. What is at stake now are the terms and conditions under which the mine will operate. As well as the precedent it will set for additional mines and infrastructure. As development proceeds - and it surely will - the hydro power option will gather support. Unless those who know the area make it clear to the federal government that the region's rivers - the Coppermine, Hood, Back, Burnside and others - are off limits.
Terry Fenge is the Executive Director of the Canadian Arctic Resources Committee a national public interest organization with offices in Ottawa and Yellowknife. CARC can be contacted at Suite 1100, 1 Nicholas St., Ottawa ON K1N 7B7. TEL: 613-241-7379, FAX; 613-241-2244 E-MAIL : ay385@freenet.carleton.ca. For more info on the Web try: www.carc.org.
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