MSABC Supports Tailings Dam Inspections & Expert Panel Review in Response to Mount Polley Tailings Pond Breach

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Aug. 18, 2014) - The Mining Suppliers Association of British Columbia (MSABC) supports the independent engineering investigation and inquiry into the Mount Polley tailings pond breach, along with the independent third-party reviews of tailings ponds at all permitted mines announced today by the Government of British Columbia. "It is very important that we understand how this extraordinary event occurred so that we may then determine the measures needed to prevent future breaches and to rebuild public confidence in the tailings pond designs used in our province," said Ken Roberts, Chair of MSABC.

In addition to environmental impacts associated with the breach and flooding, the interim shutdown of the mine has resulted in mine workers receiving layoff notices and affected many more indirect jobs due to decreased purchasing of supplies and services. "We must remember that many mine workers and employees of B.C. mining supplier businesses are now struggling due to the suspension of operations at Mount Polley," said Roberts. "We call on government, industry and communities to work collaboratively in solving this problem so that the mine may be reopened safely and jobs may be restored," 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.