Our Resource Based Economy Canada, and particularly BC rely heavily on the revenue from the sale of our resources. If it wasn't for these we would be in bigger financial trouble than we are.
And yes, I don't want a coalmine in my backyard either but I want to live in the comfort that our western economy affords me. It's a trade off, isn't it. We mine and sell coal, copper, iron, gold , silver, natural gas, oil, etc to a world greedy for energy and minerals then enjoy the good life as a result.
If we give up mining, forestry, aguaculture and fishing what do we have left that will support us in the style to which we have become accustomed.
I worked in the mining industry in the late 70's. There have been many changes since then not only in the technology of mining but especially in caring for the environment. And, as times goes on our use of technology will continue to make mining a cleaner industry. But nothing happens overnight it takes time and money and the criticisms from those who are genuinely concerned about the environment to influence positive change. It is happening, but slowly. Slow change is good and usually well thought out.
The environmental reviews that we go through today were unheard of in the 70's. The damage caused by leaking tailing pounds and seepage into the groundwater from carelessly dumped effluent was common. I could go on and describe many of the environmental violations I observed. Under current legislation these violations would result in permanent closure. We've come a long way in 40 years.
After reading the posts on this board I know that many opinions are based on fear and misunderstanding. Fear in the form of the personal economic losses that might occur from having a mine in my backyard and genuine concern from those who are true environmentalists. And, misunderstanding of the new techniques and technologies used in the mining industry and in the attitudes of those who own and operate mines in BC today.
CEC is part of a larger organization that is in the business of mining and making money. You don't make money and continue to grow an organization by getting everyone upset at you. After following and observing the development of the Copper Mountain operation I'm convinced that the principles behind it are responsible and law obiding individuals. They will obide by the laws of the land and it's up to us to change the laws if we don't like them. I'm convinced this will carry over to the operation of CEC at the Raven deposit.
Because of their entrpreneurshhip, we will continue to prosper and enjoy that prosperity in an economically stable and free country that we are very lucky to live in. A country where we can actually make democratic changes.
BGT