IDM Mining secures environmental assessment certificate for Red Mountain gold project

The company proposes a year-round, high-grade underground gold-silver operation using bulk mining methods, primarily longhole stoping. Mineralised material will be trucked to a mill located within the adjacent Bitter Creek Valley, producing gold-silver doré bars. Tailings will be stored within a lined storage facility, with water treated prior to discharge. Mining crews will be locally based with road and power access via Highway 37A and the BC Hydro grid, located just north of Stewart, BC. 

In addition to the 38 conditions that are part of the Red Mountain EA certificate, design requirements are specified in the certified project description, which are legally binding requirements that IDM must meet to maintain compliance with the certificate. The conditions were developed following consultation and input from Indigenous groups, government agencies, communities and the public. IDM is required to obtain other federal, provincial and local government permits to proceed with construction of the project.

"Nisga'a Treaty lands are rich with natural resources.  We are confident that this decision and conditions will provide significant opportunities for our citizens, with strong protection of the land, water and wildlife," said Eva Clayton, President of Nisga'a Lisims Government (NLG). 

"Over 50 years ago, IDM's President and CEO, Rob McLeod's father and former mayor of Stewart, Ian McLeod, campaigned for Nisga'a politician Frank Calder, helping to elect the first Native to any legislature in Canada. The Nisga'a Nation looks forward to working together with Rob and IDM Mining for the benefit of all northerners," said Brian Tait, Chairperson of NLG. 

"I am happy with this decision, which will see significant jobs and business opportunities along with appropriate safeguards to protect and support our community," said Gina McKay, Mayor-elect of Stewart, BC. "Stewart is a mining town supported by deep family roots; Rob's dad is looking down on us and smiling, knowing that underground miners and their families will be back in town and going to work every day at Red Mountain."

"Responsible natural resource development is an important part of our government's plan to develop sustainable economies in rural B.C, with mining a cornerstone industry in the Northwest. We applaud the hard work by IDM and all stakeholders that contributed to this decision to advance the Red Mountain Gold Project," said Hon. Doug Donaldson, MLA for Stikine.

"This is a significant step for the company and the realisation of the potential of the Red Mountain gold project. With the successful completion of a rigorous process in a timely way, we have demonstrated the value and validity of our approach to project permitting, community engagement and project development" said Michael McPhie, Chair of IDM's Board of Directors. 

"We value our relationships with the people and officials of the District of Stewart, the Nisga'a Nation and the other communities of northern British Columbia. Their support made this possible and we look forward to moving ahead with the development of the Project in the near term."

"We are grateful for our shareholders, particularly those who have supported and invested for several years through difficult markets and have shared our vision of a high-margin gold mine with significant exploration upside. Also, we are grateful for the effort of regulators and stakeholders, particularly the community of Stewart and the Nisga'a Nation that has led to this decision," said Robert McLeod, President and CEO of IDM Mining. 

"Finally, I am grateful for the inspiration of my late father Ian and late uncle Don, two drop-outs turned underground miners then eventual elders and leaders in the Golden Triangle and for whom IDM is named."

This decision concludes a process initiated in 2016, and provides a defined set of conditions and commitments that will allow for the commercial development and operation of the project.  With this important step now complete, the company is focused on completion of the requisite operations permitting and final stage of the Canadian Environmental Assessment (CEA) process.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/exploration-development/10102018/idm-mining-secures-environmental-assessment-certificate-for-red-mountain-gold-project/