The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District has asked for more time to comment on the proposed Ring Creek basalt mine, following local outcry against the project.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Mines says the regional district is expected to send a response on the matter on Jan. 31.
At the same time, the ministry also noted that Ring Creek residents have hired their own environmental consultant.
Previously, the residents promised to get their own contractor to make an independent assessment of the proposed project.
The province, however, said it hasn't received an environmental report from the residents. The Chief contacted a resident who was identified on social media as the person who hired the consultant, but she didn't provide a response before press deadline.
Ring Creek residents have expressed opposition to a proposed mine near their community that would extract up to 1,000 tonnes of basalt per year, for five years.
Members of that community said the creation of a new access road, increased traffic and mining activity would result in environmental degradation and safety hazards.
However, BellaRock Enterprises Inc. countered that the project is of such a small scale that the impact will be negligible, as the company said there will be little traffic and hand tools will be used.
Social media posts have sprung up urging locals to comment on the project.
A petition has also been circulated on change.org, gathering 15 signatures as of Jan. 21. It aims to reach 100.
However, it's unclear how many emails have been sent to the provincial inspector of mines regarding the matter, and whether they are in favour or against the project. Those messages would be the primary form of feedback the province considers.
The province says that public comments don't get cut off at the 30-day mark, which was Jan. 12. Rather, the designated decision-maker will consider all feedback until a decision is made.
Those wishing to comment on the proposal can send emails to the province's chief inspector of mines at [email protected] with a copy to [email protected].
