Aiming to preserve the alpine ecosystem, the British Columbia government has established a ban on the opening of new jade mines in the northwest of the province. This measure seeks to mitigate the environmental damage caused by mining in this mountainous region.
According to the newly published regulations, only existing concessions will be allowed to continue jade mining operations under strict enhanced environmental conditions for a period of 5 years. This is stated in the recent order issued under the Environment and Land Use Law.
About the restrictions for jade mines
The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation explained that the restrictions are specific to new tenements in the northwest, without affecting other mining activities in the region or operations in other areas of the province.
The challenges are considerable, given that mining mining activity in the area has generated significant problems for environmental regulation and oversight, further complicated by the difficult accessibility of the areas, many of which can only be reached by helicopter.
Importantly, collaboration has been key in the formulation of these guidelines, as the ministry has consulted with both local First Nations and industry representatives to reach consensus on the measures needed to protect the Turnagain region’s fragile alpine environments.
Another relevant fact is that jade is currently mined in specific areas such as Dease Lake, Mount Ogden and Cassiar in the province, areas known for their richness in this precious mineral.
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Source: mining.com
Photo: shutterstock