The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, located near Tofino, British Columbia, expresses frustration and anger over the recent issuance of more than 30 mineral exploration-related permits by the British Columbia government within its territory. Mining activities are prohibited in the Tranquil Creek watershed, located northeast of Tofino, where these exploration permits have been granted. Saya Masso, the lands and resources manager for the Tla-o-qui-aht, emphasizes that the permits, aimed at exploring quartz with gold veins in the region, contradict the nation’s conservation efforts in the area. Masso highlights the nation’s focus on priorities such as drinking water quality from the river and the restoration of fisheries, stating that mining conflicts with their interests in tourism, culture, fishing, and water resources.
The Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals explains in a written statement that the multi-year area-based permit issued to Imperial Metals will expire in February 2031. The permitted work includes twenty-two drill sites for core drilling with minimal land impact, six trenches ranging from 50 to 200 meters in length and one to two meters in depth, and three helipads measuring a maximum of 10 meters by 10 meters each to minimize road use and land impact. The total ground disturbance allowed under the permit is 0.33 hectares, all of which must be restored. The ministry also mentions water-use restrictions on Tranquil Creek, archaeological safeguards, and measures to avoid disturbing old-growth areas as part of the permit conditions.
Despite the ministry’s assertion of an “extensive review process” involving the Tla-o-qui-aht and the ʕaḥuusʔatḥ nations, Masso believes that the review was inadequate. He expresses dissatisfaction with the lack of consultation, emphasizing that the mining permits contradict the land vision for Clayoquot Sound. The nation has invested millions of dollars in rebuilding and recovering from the adverse effects of logging and deforestation.
Imperial Metals President Brian Kynoch appreciates the exploration permits, citing the importance of mineral exploration and mining for British Columbia’s economy, job creation, local business opportunities, and community support. Kynoch acknowledges the concerns raised by the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation regarding mineral exploration and commits to respectful engagement with First Nations and local communities throughout the project’s progression. However, Masso raises environmental concerns, citing past issues such as acid rock leakage and tailing pond incidents in the mining industry. He highlights Imperial Metals’ involvement in the Mount Polley Mine tailings pond collapse in 2014 and expresses skepticism about proceeding with mining activities without negative impacts on the region’s watersheds.