The Kemess North Mine Joint Environmental Review Panel has recommended against a project that would turn Amazay Lake into a mining waste dump.

"In the panel's view, economic and social benefits provided by the [Kemess North] project, on balance, are outweighed by risks of significant adverse environmental, social and cultural effects, some of which may not emerge until years after mining operations cease," said the panel's final report.

Northgate Minerals wanted to develop the Kemess North copper and gold deposit, located near its existing Kemess South mine. It proposed to develop a new open pit and modify existing mill and related infrastructure. The company was also proposing to dispose of huge amounts of waste rock and tailings by directing them into an existing lake.

The panel's brave recommendation was welcomed by Tse Keh Nay First Nations. A group of First Nations - Takla Lake, Tsay Keh Dene and Kwadacha - has vehemently opposed the use of Amazay Lake by the project.

The bands are not only concerned about the impact on the Lake, which is home to several species of fish, but potential for acid runoff into the Finlay River system, plus impacts on drinking water and wildlife like grizzly and caribou.

First Nations are calling on the British Columbia and Canada to adopt the panel'

s recommendation not to approve the project.

View September 21, 2007 Globe and Mail article
View September 18, 2007 CBC News article
View September 21, 2007 Prince George Citizen
View Tse Key Nay website
View Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Registry webpage for Kemess North Gold-Copper Mine
View Executive Summary of Kemess North Mine Joint Review (PDF)
View BC Environmental Assessment Office Project Information Centre webpage for Kemess North Copper-Gold Mine Project
View September 18, 2007 The Tyee article