Residents in Rossland have filed a 76-page memorandum of argument, two expert reports and 78 supporting affidavits with BC’s Ministry of Energy and Mines and Ministry of Environment opposing a proposed magnesium mine in the rare grassland ecosystem at Record Ridge above the city.
We have shared concerns with the residents and businesses in Rossland, Paterson, Big Sheep Creek and surrounding communities with the proposed open pit mine project and we are calling on the B.C. government to decline to issue permits for this mine.
People of this area care passionately about our communities and about Record Ridge, including the Seven Summits Trail and the local tourism economy that relies on the health of our natural environment.
We are determined to protect Record Ridge and our communities from the threat posed by this mine proposal.
Save Record Ridge Action Committee (SRRAC) is a local grassroots group that formed in 2023 to oppose the magnesium mine proposed by Calgary-based West High Yield Resources Ltd. (WHY) and to protect Record Ridge.
It incorporated as a non-profit society in January 2024.
SRRAC’s evidence includes 78 affidavits from local residents and businesses, as well as two expert reports: from Dr. Kenneth Froese, PhD, PChem, a specialist in environmental health, and Dr. Rina Freed, PhD, PEng, a specialist in impacts on water quality.
Both experts identified numerous omissions in WHY’s mine permit application, with Dr. Froese identifying substantial gaps in engagement with Indigenous interests and risks to Rossland’s socio-economic structure if the mine were approved.
This is supported by an additional 39 resident impact statements and a petition with over 1360 signatures.
The mine permit application is now under review with the BC Ministry of Energy & Mines and Ministry of Environment with no date specified for a decision.
For further information, email: saverecordridge@gmail.com.
Elissa Ferguson,
On behalf of Save Record Ridge Action Committee Society
