West High Yield (WHY) Resources Ltd., in their latest update, has provided intriguing details concerning their application for a mining permit at the Record Ridge industrial mineral mine (RRIMM), a magnesium deposit located just 10 kilometres southwest of Rossland, B.C.
On June 27, 2023, the provincial mining development review committee (MDRC) facilitated a meeting in Rossland, B.C. that initiated the technical review of West High Yield’s permit application process. Spearheaded by British Columbia’s Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, the meeting created a platform for substantial discussions about involving relevant stakeholders as the permit process and project development progress.
The MDRC meeting saw the attendance of several government officials, technical experts, and representatives from first nations groups and indigenous peoples. Furthermore, it presented the opportunity for West High Yield to introduce its proposed mitigation strategies, which have been designed in response to feedback obtained through their public engagement initiatives.
The mitigation strategies include the following:
1. Using mechanized equipment instead of explosives for ore extraction to ensure environmental friendliness and safety.
2. Implementing enclosed environments for crushing equipment to manage dust and noise efficiently.
3. Proposing the idea of using a trucking route along Highway 22 to Northport, Washington, thereby avoiding passing through the city of Rossland. This proposal has been explored with the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
“We appreciate the community members who provided feedback at our open houses in May, and we have responded to show our commitment to working together to make this the best possible project,” expressed Barry Baim, director and corporate secretary of West High Yield. “We look forward to ongoing conversations to demonstrate the positive benefits of the project for the first nations and indigenous people and community.”
In its ongoing commitment to fostering healthy relationships with local communities, West High Yield continues its engagement with first nations groups and indigenous peoples residing in the project territory. Discussions with the Osoyoos Indian Band about the development of the Record Ridge magnesium project are advancing in a positive direction.
The constructive approach adopted by West High Yield has been appreciated by local communities. “We look forward to working with the company and the B.C. government to ensure that any decisions going forward reflect an approach that is sustainable and includes the Osoyoos Band,” remarked Clarence Louie, chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band.
The progress of West High Yield (WHY) Resources Ltd. with its Record Ridge magnesium deposit suggests a promising future, where effective community engagement and environmental mitigation strategies are at the forefront of mining industry practices.
