Raven CO2 and Methane emissions WILL increase acid emission sequestering is still in the experimental stage and to date not feasible (80% of project budget with 35% vagrancy rate). Thus any claim CEC makes that it will not harm the environment is simply greenwashing --that is defined spending more money on advertising sustainability claims rather than creating sustainability.
Methane and CO2 Emissions from Raven will be around 4 million tonnes a year based on the standard (2.07 X tonnage mined) formula with methane (around 25% more heat producing than C02) continuing to emit after mine closure.
Scientists warn that any risk of additional emissions WILL harm fish and shellfish that are already dying at unprecedented rates. See BCSGA.ca for an up to date bibliography of peer reviewed credible scientific evidence on acidification and the fish and shellfish.
Coupled w/ the inevitablility of acid mine drainage containing heavy metal toxins, (see Quinsam mine record of continuous poisoning Long Lake after just a few years of production), Raven will pollute both air and water and affect not only the shellfish industry, but ecotourism and economic diversity based on keeping Baynes Sound free from additional pollutants.
Opponents to the mine know this information, the government knows this information, and yet the politics behind permitting mines that pollute have to date prevailed. With lax permitting practices becoming an election issue, opposition is mounting against Raven.