New hope for Galore Creek project
Cariboo Press
Wed 06 Feb 2008
Page: 0001
Section: Smithers Interior News - News
The multi-billion dollar Galore Creek project could be back online as early as 2009.
Since Teck Cominco and NovaGold shocked the B.C. mining community by shelving the project
earlier this year, last week's announcement is the first time the two partners have committed to
any timeline to restart the mine.
Following the hiring of a new senior management team late last month to oversee a
reassessment of Galore Creek, NovaGold has announced it will have a new development plan in
place, including a startup date, in the next 12 to 18 months.
Construction on the Galore Creek copper-gold mine was abruptly halted late last year after cost
estimates more than doubled to $5 billion due to difficulties handling mine tailings.
One measure being considered is milling the ore in a separate location, shipping by pipeline and
slurry away from the glacial runoff in the Galore Creek Valley.
Diverting that glacial waterflow of Galore Creek was cited by NovaGold and Teck Cominco as the
major reason for the doubling of cost estimates.
The Galore Creek Project cancellation also put government plans for a $400 million power line on
hold, since it was dependent on a $158 million share from the Galore Creek project. Without the
power line, running up the Stewart- Cassiar Highway from Kitwanga, 15 other existing and
potential projects were left scrambling for electricity options.
However, last week Mines Minister Kevin Krueger said the plan to extend B.C. 's electricity grid
into remote northwestern B.C. could be revived soon with the support of mining projects in the
region.
Krueger and B.C. Minister of Energy and Mines Richard Neufeld met with more than 100
stakeholders in the power line project, including Smithers mayor Jim Davidson and other
municipal, industry and First Nations leaders in an unprecedented gathering at the Association for
Mineral Exploration of B.C.'s annual roundup conference in Vancouver.
Davidson said the government's statements didn't offer a lot of reassurance for rapid resumption
of the project, but ultimately he felt the Minister did get the message pressed by stakeholders.
"This is pivotal," said Davidson. "The Northwest is saying, we've got to continue with the
preliminary work so that when the mines go ahead we're ready. I think the government is well
aware now of the sentiment, and I think they're also aware of the importance."
The 335-km high-voltage line requires federal and provincial environmental approval, and
consultation with nine aboriginal groups who claim territory in the region.
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The last-minute meeting in Vancouver with the government was designed by stakeholders to
illustrate a broad coalition still felt the power line was crucial, regardless of any individual project,
said Mining Association of British Columbia vice president Byng Giraud.
"There was no attempt to light torches and get out the pitchforks. It was a very honest discussion,
with people looking for solutions rather than making demands."
Giraud confirmed there are still commitments from industry partners to see the project realized,
regardless of Galore Creek's involvement.
MABC is spearheading studies that look at both the social and economic impacts of the power
line. Giraud said he's confident the work will result in a strong case to convince the government
the project can stand on its own.
"Sometimes, I think we all have to walk up to the precipice and look down at the rocks before we
are smart enough to step back," said Giraud. "Maybe we counted too much on one project. I think
everybody -- from the First Nations, to the communities, to industry -- has realized we need to
take a broader view of this thing."
Copyright 2008 Smithers Interior News
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