Carta Exploration Ltd

Surviving the Environmental Assessment Process
Is your advanced project entering the Environmental Assessment process? British Columbia has one of the most stringent environmental assessment procedures in the world. That can add up to millions of dollars in extra costs for resource companies intent on developing a mine in BC.

Broad and Complex Scope
Every potential effect bad or good of your Project must be anticipated, documented and analyzed in detail. This takes the work of dozens of scientists, engineers and social scientists and can produce over 20 separate baseline reports. The Environmental Assessment scope and methodology is impressive in its complexity.

Multiple Stakeholders
More than a dozen different agencies and departments from the provincial and federal government weigh in and review your Project. You must also solicit opinions on the Project from many other stakeholders including First Nations communities (possibly multiple bands), other residents, townsfolk, hunters, trappers, other industrial users in the area such as forestry.

Shepherd of the Process
Dr. Selina Tribe helps Proponents (resources companies) through the permitting process using her direct knowledge, experience and success with:

• Critical review of the Proponent’s (the mining company's) Environmental Assessment Application ensuring the Proponent’s business interests are represented using clear communication, science and high standards of reporting. 
• Initiation, Management and Approval of Environmental Baseline Studies – these studies should be started as soon as the Property warrants it and as early as possible to speed up the Environmental Assessment process; 1-year of baseline information is an absolute minimum, more is better.  
• Writing the Project Description – the document that introduces your Project to regulators (government federal, provincial, municipal), stakeholders and the public, and that determines whether a second process of federal review applies too.
• Writing the Terms of Reference – the document specifying the scope of the Environmental Assessment Application.  Developing a Terms of Reference, or TOR, is a long process involving public meetings, advertising, Working Group meetings and meetings with First Nations.  Although formally issued by the EAO, the TOR should be written by the Proponent in order to maintain some control over the scope and content of required studies.
• Identification of and Application for Concurrent Permits – some permits can be obtained months earlier if they are submitted concurrently and reviewed at the same time as the Environmental Assessment Application.  This allows ground preparations to start early.
• Permit Applications during the Pre-Production and Operating Phases.
• Project Management for all or part of the process.

Steps for Success

1. When drilling the resource and doing geotechnical drilling for feasibility-level open pit design, ensure there are some drillholes that pierce the upper walls of bedrock surrounding the ore zone – these holes in the pit wall are necessary to characterize the ML-ARD potential.  
2. Start consultations with stakeholders and document every letter, notice, meeting, phone call or email in a consultation log. Note the Date, Time, Attendees, Agenda, Action Items, Comments at a minimum.
3. Retain a specialist to maintain some control through the Permtting Process and ensure the Proponent’s (the mining company's) interests are best served.
4. Maintain a realistic appraisal of costs and time involved.  Delays and mounting expenses can be stressful and demoralizing, especially when you have to face the Board.  One rule of thumb is that an Environmental Assessment and supporting studies may cost 2-5% of the projected capital cost of the project.
5. Ensure the company has performed a review of the Environmental Assessment Application in advance of its publishing.  Details and complexities are many to get wrong.  The Environmental Assessment Application is in the public record and can be accessed by stakeholders, shareholders, NGO's and the public.  Delays in the screening  or review process cost the Proponent precious time and money.
6. Coordination and Liaison with government assuring the Proponent’s interests are best identified and served.

EAO Flow Chart and BC Major Projects
Mine Proponents Guide to the Environmental Assessment Process

List of baseline studies required for a metal mine in BC: