RE: Questions surfacing I just spent some time on the BC Shellfish Grower's Association webpage.
I believe that the two industries (mining and shellfish) can coexist.
The Association cites several sources in relation to Ocean Acidification, including National Geographic.
After reading the cited articles, I noticed that mining is not at all mentioned.
National Geographic spoke of CO2 emitions from burning fossil fuels, including coal, causing the pH of the ocean to gradually change. Again, this is against coal in general - not the Raven project specifically. The Raven project is a model coal mine project.
ARD (acid rock drainage) occures both naturally, and by industry, depending on the geology. Mining exposes fresh rock faces, which allows for accelerated oxidization and a decrease in pH (more acidic).
This happens when sulphides are present, like in most copper mines.
The solution being applied by today's mines is to seperate this kind of rock labelled as "PAG" (potentially acid generating) so that it can be treated. The rock is first identified by drilling and assaying.
First, ask yourself if this geology is even present at this deposit (it's a coal bed, not a copper porphyry)
Second, ask if there is a solution to the process. (there is... just in case)
I hope this mine is approved so that mining jobs (~350 new)) can be added to the existing shellfish jobs (600+ , not all in fanny bay existing jobs)
We've all gotta make a living, and young adults shouldn't have to leave the island to find work.