Cariboo Gold Project Virtual Open Houses – Early ... · Cariboo Gold Project Virtual Open Houses...

Cariboo Gold Project Virtual Open Houses – Early Engagement PhaseJune 17, 2020 – 2:00-4:00pmJune 23, 2020 – 7:00-9:00pm

Opening and Welcome

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Open House – purpose and goals• Introduce you to the proposed Cariboo Gold project and

environmental assessment in BC• Describe the timelines and phases involved in environmental

assessment• Encourage you to submit comments through the Public Comment

Period

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Open House Presentations

• These slides will be available soon on EAO’s project website:

projects.eao.gov.bc.ca - search ‘Cariboo Gold Project’

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AgendaTime Topic Presenter

10 mins Welcome and Introductions EAO

10 mins Environmental Assessment Act (2018) Overview EAO

10 mins Cariboo Gold Project Early Engagement Phase EAO

30 mins Cariboo Gold Project Overview Barkerville Gold Mines Ltd. (BGM)

45 mins Q&A EAO and BGM

15 mins Closure and next steps / Exit survey EAO

gov.bc.ca/eao – for more information on the Environmental Assessment Act

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Submitting a question – this Open House

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First Public Comment Period: June 12-July 27, 2020• Seeking input on the Initial Project Description and supplemental information• Provides insight into the public’s interests, values, and concerns• Provided to BGM for comment• Official public record• Additional public comment periods• Comments are accepted via online form, via mail or by fax

gov.bc.ca/eao - click ‘Commenting on Projects’

Environmental Assessment Act (2018)OVERVIEW OF THE NEW PROCESS

EAO.Cariboo.Gold@gov.bc.cawww.gov.bc.ca/eao

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What is the Environmental Assessment Process?

• First step for major projects that meet the Environmental Assessment (EA) criteria

• We are just at the beginning of the EA process – Early Engagement

• Common acronyms: • EA = Environmental Assessment• EAO = Environmental Assessment Office

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The EAO conducts reviews of major projects and administers the Environmental Assessment Act (2018), through:

• promoting sustainability by protecting the environment and fostering a sound economy and the well-being of British Columbians and their communities; and

• supporting reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in British Columbia.

Purpose of the Environmental Assessment Office

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The BC Regulatory Continuum

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What is a Reviewable Project?

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• New required assessment matters• Clear EA process – timely & predictable• Early identification of key issues & early

decision to determine if a project is ready to proceed to an EA

• Effective involvement of Indigenous nations, the public, stakeholders, local government & industry

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT AND FINDING CLEAR PATHWAYS TO PROJECT APPROVALS

EA Revitalization

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OVERVIEW OF THE EA ACT (2018) PROCESSHow it Works

Public Engagement Comment Period

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• Indigenous nations• The public• Stakeholders • Project proponent• Provincial and Federal agencies• Local governments• EAO-formed committees:

• Technical Advisory Committee• Community Advisory Committee

Who participates in EAs?

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• Nations can self identify as participating Indigenous nations • Development of each Indigenous nation’s “Understanding of Interests”• Engagement in the assessment may differ between different participating

Indigenous nations • Depends on the Nation’s priorities, governance, potential impacts and

interests in the project area

How the EAO will engage with Indigenous nations

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• Critical to environmental assessments• Additional public comment periods and open houses• Project website and posted information:

• projects.eao.gov.bc.ca - search ‘Cariboo Gold Project’

Public Engagement

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Purpose: To advise the EAO on the potential effects of the proposed project on the community

Objectives:• Provide input on the potential effects of the project on the community and

mitigation measures• Provide a link to the community by transmitting information about the project to the

broader community• Foster community learning about the EA process and the proposed project

Community Advisory Committee

Cariboo Gold ProjectEarly Engagement Phase

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Early EngagementPurpose: Build an understanding of the proposed project and identify potential interests and concerns raised by parties

Objectives: • Engage participants early and develop relationships• Support preparation for the EA process and consider

input on key project considerations• Identify interests of Indigenous nations• Identify interests and issues early and chart a path

towards resolution

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Key Milestones During Early Engagement• Initial Project Description • Engagement Plan• Public comment period• Notice of intent to be a participating Indigenous nation by Indigenous nations• EAO Summary of Engagement• Detailed Project Description

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EA Readiness Decision – Options Option Step 1 – the CEAO may: Step 2 – if the project is referred to Minister, the

Minister may decide to:

Resubmit Require a revised DPD due to deficiencies -

Termination Refer to Minister and recommend termination Terminate project from process

Exemption Refer to Minister and recommend exemption Exempt the project from the EA requirement (project proceeds to permitting)

EA referral Refer to Minister with a recommendation that an assessment body conduct the EA

Proceed to an EA by assessment body

Conduct EA Proceed to an EA -

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Public Engagement Comment Period

Cariboo Gold:Environmental Assessment Timelines

Early Engagement Began

• May 14, 2020

Readiness Decision

• Expected late2020

Process Planning

Application• Expected late

2021

Effects Assessment

Recommend-ation

Decision• Expected

2022-2023

BGM: Cariboo Gold –proposed project

Cariboo Gold Project OverviewBarkerville Gold Mines Ltd.Early Engagement Phase Virtual Open HouseJune 17, 2020

Presentation Overview

Introduction and Site HistoryCariboo Gold Project Overview Project Components and OptionsApproach to Indigenous Nation and Stakeholder EngagementNext Steps

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Our Vision

Vision: To re-establish a safe, long life mining operation in BC’s historic Cariboo Mining District that has a low environmental impact and positive socio-economic return for our Indigenous partners and stakeholders

Cariboo Gold Quartz Mine, circa 1935

Mining

Exploring new targets

Plan, develop and operate the Cariboo Gold Mine

Operating Bonanza Ledge Mine - currently applying to extend life of mine

Commitment to progressive and ongoing reclamation

A Full Life-Cycle Approach from Exploration to Reclamation:

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StudiesExploration

Our Approach

Reclamation

• Barkerville Gold Mines Ltd. (BGM) is proposing to construct and operate the Cariboo Gold Project in the historic Cariboo Mining District east of Quesnel

• The Project consists of an underground mining operation, processing and tailings facilities, and a transmission line

• BGM is a Canadian company owned by Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.

• BGM is based in Wells and headquartered in Toronto, Ontario

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Our Company

• Underground mining with concentrator and service facilities near Wells

• Concentrate transported to the existing QR mill

• Milling and tailings storage located at the QR mill

• 69 kV transmission line from Barlow substation near Quesnel to mine site at Wells

• Mine life of 12 - 15 years with local and regional employment and economic contributions

• Uses areas of prior disturbance, where possible, to limit environmental footprint

Proposed Cariboo Gold Project

• Early engagement to date has influenced design

• We’ve been discussing the Project with Indigenous nations and the community since 2015

• We will continue to engage with and listen to Indigenous nations and the community

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Stakeholder Engagement

Photo Credit: Lindsay Chung/Quesnel Cariboo Observer/Black Press Media

Mine Site• Average production of 4,750 tonnes per day

underground mine• Concentrator with service facilities

Bonanza Ledge• Waste rock storage facility

QR Mill• Upgrades to existing processing facility• Filtered tailings (dry stack) technology

Transportation• Use of existing roads for concentrate, goods,

personnel• New highway bypass before Wells

Transmission Line• 69 kV; from Barlow Substation to mine site

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Cariboo Gold Project – Project Components

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Socio-Economic and Environmental Considerations• Baseline and technical studies: 2016 to 2020• Minimizing impact and maximizing benefits through

design

Employment• Construction: +/- 250 jobs• Operations: +/- 350 direct jobs and 50 contractors

Mine Life• 12 to 15 years

Capital Cost• $400 – 500 Million

Low environmental

impact

Positive socio-economic

return

Cariboo Gold Project – Sustainable Development

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Community of Wells and Proposed Mine Site

Town of WellsOld Cariboo Quartz Mine Mill and Portal

Concentrator

Bonanza LedgeBarkerville Historic Site

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Using and Improving Existing Infrastructure

Tailings Pond – Proposed Filtered Tailings Facility Location

Bonanza Ledge Mine Site – Proposed Waste Rock Storage Facility LocationHistoric Cariboo Quartz Mine – Proposed Mine Area

QR Mill

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• Mine site outline• Underground access

portals- Cariboo Gold Portal- Island Mountain

Portal

Proposed Cariboo Gold Project Complex

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Surface infrastructure• Proposed layout• Approximately 19 ha• Mine access road

Key facilities• Backfill area (waste)

• Concentrator and paste backfill plant

• Water management and treatment

• Offices, mine dry, warehouse, shops, storage

• Accommodation for 150 –200 people

• Electrical substation

Proposed Cariboo Gold Mine Complex

Electrical Substation

Accommodation

Concentrator

BackfillStorage Facility

Sediment Pond

Water Treatment

Plant

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Cariboo Gold Deposits

• 4 underground deposits projected to surface

• Access between zones via mine ramps

Underground Mine

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Underground Workings

CARIBOO GOLD ISLAND MTNPORTAL

CARIBOO GOLD PORTAL

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Waste Rock Facility

• Footprint overlaps the existing Bonanza Ledge Mine Site – 18 ha (approximately)

• Lined waste rock storage facility

• Water management infrastructure

Proposed Waste Rock Storage Facility

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A Road

• For waste rock transport

• New access from mine will be developed to bypass Wells

C Road

• C Road would be maintained for secondary access and other project needs

Waste Rock Transport Options

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Mill and Tailings Facilities

• Mill upgrades

• New tailings filtering and thickening plant

• 3 proposed filtered tailings storage facility options

QR Mill and Tailings Storage Facility Options

Use of existing roads• Highway 26, 2700 and 500 Nyland Lake

roads for workers, equipment, supplies• Highway 26 and 500 Nyland Lake Road

for concentrate transport from the mine to QR Mill

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Transportation Routes

• New 69kV electrical transmission line from Barlow substation to the mine site for operations to provide additional capacity and 3-phase power. Two options being considered

- Highway 26 Route generally follows exiting right-of-way

- Northern Route in a new right-of-way north of Highway 26

• New substation at mine site

• Replace diesel fired generation at the mine site for operations

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Existing Hwy 26 Transmission Line

69 kV Transmission Line - Example

Energy Requirements

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Highway 26 Route: • 69 km, mix of private and Crown land• Majority current BC Hydro right-of-

way (ROW)

Northern Route (preferred): • 72 km, primarily Crown land• New ROW generally following existing

forest service roads

Transmission Line Route Options

• Proactive, open approach with early and ongoing involvement

• Strengthen existing relationships and build new relationships

• Discuss with Indigenous nations how they want to be involved

• Incorporate input into the Project by:

- Supporting Nation-specific studies

- Considering traditional and contemporary knowledge and use and environmental, social and cultural values

- Identifying concerns and/or effects and working to address them

- Identifying potential training, employment and business opportunities 46

Approach to Indigenous Nation Involvement

• Early and ongoing engagement• Proactive approach to identifying

potential interested parties• BGM specific and corporate

events• Staffed community office in Wells• Access to BGM representatives

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Stakeholder Engagement

BGM Community Office

ValuedComponents

(VCs)

What is Important to you and your

family?What is

important in your

community, and why?

How do you use the land in the area around the

project?How do you

see your community

in the future?

How will the project

interact with your

interests?

What’s important to you in the

natural environment?

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Your Input on Valued Components

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Valued Components

Project Design• Advance overall engineering design • Confirm project components where options still exist

Detailed Project Description (Fall 2020)• Update Project Description with new information• Describe how engagement contributed to the proposed project design

Application Information Requirements (Fall 2020)• Consider items important to Interested Parties • Identify Valued Components relevant to the Project

Project Studies• Continue to advance technical and environmental baseline studies

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Next Steps

Questions? Thank you!

Questions?

Closing and next steps

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Next steps for the EA• Public: Submission of Public Comments • Indigenous nations: Inform the EAO if and how they wish to participate• EAO: Summary of Engagement Report • BGM: Detailed Project Description• EAO: Readiness Decision

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Next steps for the public during Early Engagement

• Please provide your public comments by July 27th, 2020• Comments are accepted via online form, via mail or by fax: 250-356-7477• Go to gov.bc.ca/eao - click ‘Commenting on Projects’ for more details• Indicate your interest in subscribing to a Community Advisory Committee

subscription.

Submitting a public comment during the Public Comment Period

1. Go to gov.bc.ca/eao - click ‘Commenting on Projects’

2. Click on the “Submit and View Comments” button, a new window will open then click on the “Submit Comment” button.

Submitting a public comment during the EAO Public Comment Period

3. Click on “Next”, fill out the required information and click “Submit”.

Thank you!For more information please go to EAO’s website:

www.projects.eao.gov.bc.cawww.eao.gov.bc.ca

Contact us:EAO.Cariboo.Gold@gov.bc.ca