“If we’re compelled to pay the bond, we might want to search monetary help from St Barbara and organize funding accordingly,” Atlantic Mining CEO Andrew Strelein instructed The Northern Miner by telephone this week. “Our aim is to have interaction in constructive dialogue with the federal government to determine sensible pointers and a possible timeline for reclamation.”
The dispute questions who will bear the brunt of the cleanup prices of the closed mine, which Atlantic operated from 2017 to 2023. The courtroom’s ruling won’t solely have an effect on Atlantic’s future however may set a precedent for mine cleanups within the area. Strelein says the provincial minister of mines helps the corporate’s efforts and shares a dedication to what the CEO calls efficient reclamation.
Environmental violations
The federal government declined to touch upon the case, however Halifax-based Ecology Motion Centre says St. Barbara has typically tried to bend rules to swimsuit it at a price to the setting. The corporate has been charged with 23 provincial and three federal violations of environmental legal guidelines, the centre mentioned.
“Ecology Motion Centre is anxious that the corporate won’t meet any requirements required of them, given their monitor report,” the centre’s Karen McKendry mentioned in an emailed reply to questions. “There’s additionally an impressive situation of the mine’s environmental evaluation approval from 2008 that has not been met but – that the corporate will present funds to the province to guard land close to the mine for nature conservation functions.”
Atlantic Mining is pushing to renegotiate the mine closure phrases, in search of what it says is a extra sensible and achievable settlement.
“The situations imposed by the minister of setting usually are not solely unrealistic however may doubtlessly undermine the whole remediation course of,” Strelein mentioned. “It’s difficult to grasp how we’re anticipated to cooperate below these circumstances.”
March approval
The reclamation approval issued in March contains deadlines extending to 2028 and stringent water high quality monitoring necessities. Atlantic Mining claims these phrases usually are not solely impractical but in addition ignore the positioning’s historic context.
In July, Surroundings Minister Tim Halman denied the corporate’s enchantment, sustaining that the standards have been important to guard Nova Scotia’s groundwater. Halman emphasised that the timelines have been primarily based on the corporate’s personal submissions and warned of environmental dangers related to delays.
Strelein highlighted the monetary pressure of the present necessities and its dedication to reclamation.
“We’re pioneering mine reclamation in Nova Scotia, and this quarter alone, we’re investing C$7 million into our reclamation efforts,” he mentioned. “It’s irritating to be accused of delaying ways after we are absolutely dedicated to finishing the work accurately and in a well timed method.”