Abrupt end to Robertson headframe talks surprises Miramar
Talks on preserving Con Mine landmark fell apart after company met GNWT demands, company says
The company responsible for the cleanup of Con Mine says it met all the demands the N.W.T. government required to preserve the Robertson headframe, only to have the government unexpectedly end negotiations without a deal.
The headframe, which was built in the mid-1970s, supported an elevator that carried miners to and from work underground and lifted ore out when the Con gold mine was operating. At 76 metres, the headframe is the tallest structure in the Northwest Territories and has become an iconic Yellowknife landmark.
Some Yellowknifers have campaigned to turn the headframe into a monument or tourist attraction.
"Following several months of discussions, we believed the revised agreement met all of the GNWT's demands and the agreement was therefore acceptable to both parties," said Scott Stringer, a general manager with Miramar Northern Mining Ltd., by email.
"Despite this, on July 28, the GNWT notified the company of their decision to discontinue the discussions regarding preservation of the structure."
Stringer declined to do an interview.
In the email, he said the GNWT asked the company enter this latest round of negotiations. He said Miramar made it clear to the territorial government that, "the purpose of any new discussions must be to conclude an agreement between the parties that met the requirements necessary to preserve the Robertson headframe."
In a July 29 news release, the territorial government said, "Confidential discussions between the GNWT and Miramar have now concluded and the GNWT has determined that a suitable agreement could not be reached."
On Aug. 3, Robert C. McLeod, the minister of Lands, revealed that cabinet was concerned about passing the liability for the structure onto future governments. He estimated the potential liability for demolition costs and environmental cleanup at $2 million.
Stringer said Miramar has worked in good faith over the past five to six years to preserve the headframe, but now has no further alternatives.
"The company is forced to move forward with the demolition of the structure," Stringer said.