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BC Mining Law Reform @reformbcmining.bsky.social · 16h

🔚 The stakes are high

B.C. should not move forward with approving Eskay Creek until critical data gaps are addressed, long-term risks are better understood, and stronger safeguards are in place.

A more complete assessment is needed to make an informed, responsible decision.
(11/11)

BC Mining Law Reform @reformbcmining.bsky.social · 16h

🎯 What this project needs before approval:

✅ Complete baseline science
✅ Accurate selenium predictions
✅ Clear pollution limits + triggers
✅ Fully costed closure + water treatment
✅ Strong financial guarantees
(10/11)

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BC Mining Law Reform @reformbcmining.bsky.social · 16h

⏳ “Adaptive management” = deal with it later

Instead of solving problems now, Skeena plans to “monitor and adapt” after approval. That could mean reacting after damage is done. That’s not precaution. (9/11)

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BC Mining Law Reform @reformbcmining.bsky.social · 16h

💸 Reclamation costs still unclear

They say cleanup is secured — but no detailed cost estimate is yet required. Long-term restoration and water treatment may not be covered. Tahltan and other local communities could be left with the burden. (8/11)

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BC Mining Law Reform @reformbcmining.bsky.social · 16h

🔁 “Forever” water treatment = fragile solution

The company says water will be treated forever. But treatment can fail — especially in remote areas. What happens in 50 or 100 years? (7/11)

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BC Mining Law Reform @reformbcmining.bsky.social · 16h

❌ Sulphate pollution: long-term and unmanaged

Skeena’s own model shows prolonged sulphate exceedances during and after operations. There’s no plan to stop it — and no enforcement triggers. (6/11)

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BC Mining Law Reform @reformbcmining.bsky.social · 16h

🌊 Pollution will travel far downstream

Copper, zinc, nickel and more are projected to exceed safe levels for 5+ km — far beyond typical mine dilution zones. There are no clear pollution limits in place. (5/11)

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BC Mining Law Reform @reformbcmining.bsky.social · 16h

⚠️ Selenium risk is real — and being minimized

Selenium builds up in fish even at low levels. The company admits its model may underpredict risks — but still lacks a clear long-term plan to prevent selenium poisoning. (4/11)

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BC Mining Law Reform @reformbcmining.bsky.social · 16h

🐟 Fish are likely in Ketchum Creek — despite what they say

The company claims it’s fishless. But DFO says to assume salmon and Dolly Varden are there until proven otherwise. Impacts on fish are likely, and being downplayed. (3/11)

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BC Mining Law Reform @reformbcmining.bsky.social · 16h

🛑 “We’ll monitor it later” isn’t a safety plan

Key data — like fish presence and habitat use, water quality impacts, and selenium pollution potential — still hasn’t been collected. Approving the mine now means accepting serious unknowns. (2/11)

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BC Mining Law Reform @reformbcmining.bsky.social · 16h

🚨The Eskay Creek mine is in its last stages of Environmental Assessment

The company behind the mine says the project is safe, well-managed, and protective of land and water.
But their own data tells a different story. Here's what you’re not being told:

(🧵 1/11)
#EskayCreek

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BC Mining Law Reform @reformbcmining.bsky.social · 8d

🧡 Let this day be more than a reflection.

Let it be a commitment to transformation — through law, policy, and practice. (9/9)

BC Mining Law Reform @reformbcmining.bsky.social · 8d

📣 The path forward is clear

To advance reconciliation, B.C. must:
➡ Repeal and replace the Mineral Tenure Act
➡ Legally uphold FPIC in its mining laws
➡ Support Indigenous-led conservation
➡ Fully implement UNDRIP Articles 19, 25-29, and 32
(8/9)

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BC Mining Law Reform @reformbcmining.bsky.social · 8d

🚫 But rights are still being violated

Nations are still forced to defend their lands in court.

Mining continues without Indigenous consent — despite legal commitments under DRIPA.

Reform is promised — but delayed. And instead we’re seeing moves to fast-track projects and undermine FPIC. (7/9)

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BC Mining Law Reform @reformbcmining.bsky.social · 8d

⚖️ What consent-based decision-making can look like

This year, the Tŝilhqot’in Nation, B.C., and Taseko Mines signed a historic agreement to protect Teẑtan Biny (Fish Lake).

✅ No mining without Tŝilhqot’in FPIC
✅ Indigenous-led land use planning
✅ Grounded in law & respect
(6/9)

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BC Mining Law Reform @reformbcmining.bsky.social · 8d

📣 What is Free, Prior and Informed Consent?

✔ Free — voluntary, no pressure
✔ Prior — before actions or decisions
✔ Informed — based on full info
✔ Consent — includes the right to say NO

FPIC isn’t consultation. It’s the right to decide. (5/9)

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BC Mining Law Reform @reformbcmining.bsky.social · 8d

⏸️ Progress remains stagnant

But no meaningful progress has been made, and the MTA continues to violate Indigenous rights and B.C.’s legal obligations. (4/9)

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BC Mining Law Reform @reformbcmining.bsky.social · 8d

📘 That violates DRIPA — B.C.’s own law

In 2019, BC passed the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), requiring provincial laws to align with UNDRIP. In 2022, the province committed to repeal and replace the MTA in cooperation with First Nations. (3/9)

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BC Mining Law Reform @reformbcmining.bsky.social · 8d

⛏️ Mining in B.C. still operates under colonial law

The Mineral Tenure Act (with free entry from 1859 still granted!) allows companies to stake mining claims on most of the province without permission or the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of Indigenous peoples. (2/9)

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BC Mining Law Reform @reformbcmining.bsky.social · 8d

🧡 On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we honour Survivors and Indigenous communities.

We also confront how colonial systems — including BC’s outdated mining laws — continue to violate Indigenous rights.

Real reconciliation needs structural change. 🧵(1/9)

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BC Mining Law Reform @reformbcmining.bsky.social · 9d

🚨 Last day to speak up!

BC wants to fast-track mining under Bill 15—a law meant for schools & hospitals, not for-profit mining projects. Survey closes tomorrow at 4PM PT.

⚠️ Mining ≠ public infrastructure.
🗳️ Take 15 min & have your say: bit.ly/3I7qIpK

BC Mining Law Reform @reformbcmining.bsky.social · 14d

📢 Judicial review filed over Record Ridge mine

The project avoided an Environmental Assessment by lowering its declared production — despite no real changes to its design.

It was named in our 2025 Dirty Dozen report on B.C.’s riskiest mines.

🔗 Read more in SRRAC’s press release: bit.ly/46mQ2kS

BC Mining Law Reform @reformbcmining.bsky.social · 15d

This isn’t just about one mine — it’s about how outdated assessments, weak oversight, and profit-first priorities threaten our watersheds, salmon, and climate.

B.C. needs mining laws that reflect today’s science, values, and realities.

📘 2025 Dirty Dozen report: bit.ly/46yPN53
(9/9)

bit.ly

BC Mining Law Reform @reformbcmining.bsky.social · 15d

⚖️ Legal Challenges Underway

This week, SkeenaWild Conservation Trust and @ecojusticecanada.bsky.social are in the B.C. Supreme Court challenging the KSM mine’s “substantially started” status—granted despite outdated environmental data.

🔗 More: bit.ly/4gDUwHe
(8/9)

Environmental group in court to challenge substantial start decision of massive KSM mine | SkeenaWild Conservation Trust

SkeenaWild empowers communities to protect and strengthen salmon populations, improve management decisions, and deepen people's connection with wild salmon.

bit.ly

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BC Mining Law Reform @reformbcmining.bsky.social · 15d

➡️ What needs to happen:
✅ Reassess with current science
✅ Require Indigenous consent
✅ Prioritize critical minerals
✅ Minimize long-term environmental harm
(7/9)

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