MSABC Disappointed by Government of Canada's Decision to Block Development of BC's New Prosperity Mine

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Feb. 28, 2014) - The Mining Suppliers Association of British Columbia (MSABC) was disappointed by yesterday's announcement by the Hon. Leona Aglukkaq, Canada's Environment Minister, that the New Prosperity mining project should not proceed due to adverse environmental effects that the federal government believes cannot be mitigated. "We were certainly surprised by this decision because the Government of BC had given assurances that any adverse environmental effects stemming from the development of the mine would be addressed through the provincial permitting process," said Ken Roberts, Chair of MSABC. "It was all the more surprising that the federal government did not accept assurances from Taseko Mines Limited, which already operates a successful and responsible mine in BC, or from Knight Piésold, a highly reputable engineering firm, that the proposed mine operating plan addressed concerns raised in the initial federal review of the project," added Roberts.

MSABC believes this decision will result in lost opportunities for those living in the Cariboo-Chilcotin and in communities across British Columbia. "In addition to the 550 direct jobs that would have been created by this project, over 1200 indirect job opportunities have been lost by the federal decision to prevent the development of the New Prosperity project," said Roberts. "We hold out hope that this project can be reconsidered in the future given the tremendous impact it would have on creating prosperity for all British Columbians," added Roberts.

The Mining Suppliers Association of B.C. comprises suppliers, contractors and consultants to the B.C. mining industry who are committed to promoting the sustainability of this valuable resource sector.