Activists protest Clayoquot Sound mining plans

by Keith Powell — June 07, 2013

Photo aerial view of Imperial Mines Tranquil Creek

— Photo courtesy focs.ca

The Wilderness Committee, Friends of Clayoquot Sound, and Clayoquot Action joined members of the Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations and other concerned citizens in Vancouver recently gathered to protest planned mining projects in the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Vancouver-based Imperial Metals Corporation — the company exploring options for the Catface (copper) and Fandora (gold) mines — recently held their annual general meeting at the Terminal City Club.

The proposed Catface and Fandora mine sites are in Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht territories (respectively), and could have devastating impacts on water quality, ecology and human health in the region.

“We are here to send Imperial Metals a clear message that mining is unacceptable in Clayoquot Sound, and that environmental values and First Nations’ rights and concerns must be respected,” said Torrance Coste, Vancouver Island campaigner with the Wilderness Committee.

Clayoquot Action, a newly-formed group, has identified mining as one of the most serious threats to Clayoquot’s biocultural diversity. Opposing Imperial Metals’ proposal is at the heart of their efforts to protect the region.

“These mines would damage the landscape and present a toxic risk to the salmon that feed the old-growth forests — a toxic legacy that would endure for centuries,” said Dan Lewis of Clayoquot Action.

The proposed mines are also contentious among local First Nations, and members of the Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations were at the rally to share their messages.

“Imperial’s proposed Fandora mine would have negative impacts on our Nuu-chah-nulth ways and our efforts to ensure the well-being of our Tla-o-qui-aht people and our environment,” said Tla-o-qui-aht councillor Terry Dorward.

“We will take any necessary actions to keep this destructive and unsustainable practice out of Clayoquot Sound. We’ve been holding the line since 1979, and we will continue to do so,” said FOCS campaigner Emery Hartley.