The Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals has approved Western High Yield Resources’ mining permit for the Record Ridge magnesium mine near Rossland.  

The ministry worked with the community and the mining industry to ensure transparency throughout the permit application process, including consideration of feedback received during the public comment period. The Mine Development Review Committee, which included representation from local governments, First Nations and technical subject-matter experts, conducted a rigorous review of the mine project and provided recommendations to the statutory decision-maker. The review ensured the decision meets B.C.’s high standards for environmental protection and public safety.

The Record Ridge project resembles a typical quarry operation and does not require tailings storage facilities. With the three-year Mines Act permit in place, WHY Resources anticipates production up to seven months of the year, with a workforce of approximately 30-40 people.  

The project underwent a thorough regulatory review to assess potential effects such as noise and dust. The company must implement comprehensive mitigation measures, including noise controls, dust-management systems and continuous environmental monitoring, to minimize any potential disruption to the community.

Reviews conducted under the Mines Act and the Environmental Management Act assessed potential impacts on the environment and community. The project, as currently proposed, does not meet the threshold to require an environmental assessment by the Environmental Assessment Office.

There are still two substantial permits under consideration. Ministry of Transportation and Transit permitting is still required for use of local roads, to ensure safety risks due to mine traffic are appropriately mitigated before the mine operates. If an Environmental Management Act permit is issued for this project, it will prescribe water-management requirements. It is expected that water-management practices will be continually monitored and improved upon as needed throughout the life of the mine. Related permit conditions have been added in the Mines Act permit.

All mines in British Columbia are required to comply with the environmental requirements of the Mines Act, the Environmental Management Act, and the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in B.C.

Learn More:

For information about the mine and further details regarding authorizations, visit: https://mines.nrs.gov.bc.ca/mine/65b3e2957c6b1c00222b1eef/authorizations