B.C. mining company ordered to shut down unauthorized worker camp

B.C.'s Environmental Assessment Office is forcing a mining company to dismantle a workers' camp 110 kilometres south of Vanderhoof by Aug. 31 after finding it did not have approval to build or operate the camp on an electrical transmission corridor beyond the mine site. 

The order to remove the camp located at what's called the Chu site, was issued to the Blackwater Gold Project open pit gold and silver mine, after a May 14 on-site inspection. Blackwater Gold is owned by Artemis Gold Inc.

According to the inspection record, the uncertified facility had at least 48 accommodation units, three generators, and potable water storage and had been housing Blackwater Gold transmission line construction workers since April. 

Blackwater Gold's environmental certificate only permits a main construction camp for up to 1,000 people and an operations camp housing up to 500 people. Both must be located within the mine site. 

In a statement, Artemis Gold said in March, the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation transferred a permit to occupy the Chu site from a company that had previously abandoned the site. 

The statement said Artemis spent $200,000 to remove old buildings and remediate the site. 

However, the EAO, which operates under the Ministry of Environment, ordered Blackwater Gold to cease operations at the Chu site by Aug. 7. An extension to Aug. 21 was granted by the EAO because wildfire contractors had been using the facility. 

Artemis Gold said workers from the Chu site have been relocated to the main camp. 

"Work to demobilize the Chu camp location is well underway. We do not expect any issues with completing this work and complying with the order," said the statement.

The EAO enforcement order says the camp has to be removed by 6 p.m. PT, Aug. 31.