It’s time to clean up mining in B.C. Tell the government to reform its mining laws.
As British Columbians, we value nature, fresh water and healthy ecosystems. If our laws are strong enough, they can protect our water from pollution, ensure waste dumps do not put communities and watersheds at risk, and make sure mining companies pay to clean up their mess. Right now, they don’t.
The transition to a green energy economy will require some minerals and resources mined in B.C., but we have to do it right and responsibly. Take action now.
The B.C. government must reform and enforce its laws to:
Protect our waters and communities from toxic mine waste.
B.C. should ban dangerous mine waste dams that threaten communities and watersheds, and generally prohibit mines that will require perpetual treatment of contaminated water. We need to evaluate risks from the onset and ensure rigorous environmental impact assessments for all mines.
Respect no-go zones, and decisions by local residents and First Nations.
We don’t want mining claims to undermine land use planning, Indigenous rights, municipalities, environmental protection, and private property any longer. B.C.’s laws should require Indigenous consent and meaningful public participation in the assessment of mining activities.
Ensure mining companies and their shareholders pay to clean up all the environmental damage they cause.
Including strict penalties for those that pollute or damage the environment. We also need an industry fund for victims of mine pollution and mine disasters, and to pay for cleanup when companies go bankrupt.
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