A Tale of Two (Would-Be) Mines
One has Victoria's backing but not Ottawa's;
the other has Ottawa's blessing but not Victoria's
The apparent contradiction is baffling to both the mining industry and the environmental movement. On the one hand Premier Christy Clark's government says it is devoted to expanding the number of mines and is cheerleading one particularly controversial gold-copper mining project in BC despite two negative federal environmental reviews. On the other hand, Victoria is opposing a similar gold-copper project even though it obtained a positive provincial environmental assessment. Is the different approach to the two Vancouver companies, favoured son Taseko Mines Ltd. and smaller and seemingly out-of-favour Pacific Booker Minerals Inc., about politics? Or perhaps about the company and its backers? Does the size and location of the project, and the implications on fisheries, nearby communities and aboriginal claims, play a role? "It certainly is a head scratcher," said Jessica Clogg, executive director and senior counsel at West Coast Environmental Law. Read Vancouver Sun article.

BC Mining Remains Strong in 2013, Adds New Jobs
BC’s mining industry continues to grow and expand as new projects, construction starts and expansions drove job creation and investment throughout the mining industry in 2013. The most important highlight of 2013 was the celebration of a new mine going into production in August. Mt. Milligan mine north of Prince George, a $1.5-billion project with 350 permanent jobs, shipped its first copper ore in late summer and celebrated its commissioning in October. Additionally, a number of operating mines made improvements to their operations. Both Gibraltar mine in the Cariboo and Line Creek in the Kootenays received Mines Act permit amendments that resulted in almost $400 million in investment and ensured jobs for 650 workers. Mine construction dominated industry progress in 2013 with a number of large projects well on their way to becoming producing mines. Red Chris mine in the Northeast is well on its way. The $500-million project is expected to start producing ore in 2014. Roman mine, near Tumbler Ridge, also started construction and the company is working toward production in 2014. Read full government news release.

Newly Revised Coast Appraisal Manual
The Timber Pricing Branch has published the revised Coast Appraisal Manual, effective January 1, 2014. Click here to view the new version, with amendments highlighted in red. 

BC Plans to Tighten Laws on Pesticides
Opponents say outright ban on cosmetic use is required
The provincial government is looking to tighten regulation around pesticides for cosmetic use – but health and environment groups are saying BC should follow the lead of other provinces and ban them outright. Currently, it's legal for homeowners in BC to use pesticides on their own property if, for example, they want to make their lawn look better. Other provinces, including Ontario and Quebec, have already passed legislation banning pesticide use for cosmetic purposes. Several BC municipalities also have bylaws restricting their use, but some groups, including the BC NDP, have been calling for provincial legislation over the past few years. Read more on The Province website.

Environmental Appeal Board Decisions
There was one Environmental Appeal Board decision released in the month of December. The decision involves Fernie Corbel's appeal of the decision of the Regional Manager, Recreational Fisheries and Wildlife Programs, Skeena Region, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (the "Ministry"), denying his application for a permit transferring the right of property in a dead wolverine from the government to Mr. Corbel.

• Wildlife Act – Fernie Corbel v. Regional Manager [FINAL DECISION – APPEAL DISMISSED]

BC Closing the Gap on Overdue Environmental Penalties
The Province is naming names and taking away privileges as part of a new strategy aimed at increasing the collection rate of overdue environmental court penalties, announced Environment Minister Mary Polak. In a report released today, Closing the Gap, the Province publicly names the 18 businesses and 155 individuals with overdue environmental court penalties owing to the Province or to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation. [In December], letters [were] sent to those identified with fishing and hunting licences revoking these privileges. Once paid in full, these individuals will again be eligible to obtain licences or permits. The ministry will be updating the list at the end of January 2014. Read full government news release.