Vancouver, BC

March to Imperial Metals: Protest Mount Polley Disaster

2:00pm
- 4:00pm
Monday August 11 2014

The recent tailings pond breach and toxic spill disaster by Imperial Metals in the Cariboo region sent a slurry-like mixture of 10 million cubic metres of water and 4.5 million cubic metres of fine sediment into Polley Lake, Hazeltine Creek and into Quesnel Lake. This has huge devastating impacts on drinking water quality and salmon runs.

This is one of the most disastrous environmental events, a result of unfettered access to mining companies to unceded Indigenous lands.

The Secwepemc Women's Warrior Society has called this action against Imperial Metals. Join them in opposing Imperial Metals and all destructive projects. As Secwepemc land defender Janice Billy says, "Stop the destruction of Mother Earth, no more mining on our territories."

BACKGROUND ON IMPERIAL METALS:

Imperial Metals, operates the Mount Polley tailings pond. Imperial Metals has a number of other proposed projects including Ruddock Creek project which is located near Tum Tum lake in the headwaters of the Upper Adams River. The project is in the advanced stage of exploration but has not obtained the consent of Neskonlith for current or any future activities. The Secwepec territory includes the Adamas River Watershed – home to the world’s largest sockeye salmon run and the location of Imperial’s Ruddock Creek lead and zinc project. The area is of great importance to the Neskonlith who continue to use and occupy the area for hunting, gathering, education and ceremonies. In addition to being the headwaters of the Adams River, the area is also home to threatened mountain caribou and grizzly bear populations.

Imperial Metals is also planning two mining projects in Clayoquot Sound. Chitaapi (Catface Mountain) in Ahousaht territory, contains low-grade copper-molybdenum ore. Catface Mountain mine is a mountain-top removal scheme that would take place only 3 km from the village of Ahousat. Fandora, a potential gold mine, would be at the head of Tranquil Valley, on Tla-o-qui-aht territory, for which the provincial government is currently reviewing an application for exploration. They have not consulted with the Tla-o-qui-aht, who are opposed to mining in their homelands.