Life of Mine Animation Avanti Mining converted

Summary

The Kit Sal Project is a proposed redevelopment of an abandoned mine located near Alice Arm, BC, aiming to produce 23.4 million pounds of meibum annually over a 16-year lifespan. The project will create 300 full-time jobs and generate significant economic benefits, including $6.4 billion in exports and over $1 billion in taxes. With a focus on sustainability, environmental planning, and community involvement, the mine will undergo a comprehensive reclamation process post-operation. Avante Mining has committed substantial investments and has the support of international financial partners, ensuring long-term stewardship of the land.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Kit Sal project is a proposed redevelopment of an abandoned mine located south of Alice Arm, British Columbia, about 200 km northwest of Terrace, BC.
• 😀 The mine site is accessible by road from Kit Sal and New Ien via Nisca Highway and Forest Service Roads, and has a 42 km, 138 kV power line connected to the BC Hydro grid.
• 😀 The project is situated within the Lime Creek Watershed, which is non-fish bearing and drains into Alice Arm, separate from the Nass River Watershed to the east.
• 😀 Avante Mining plans to build a mining facility capable of processing 40,000 to 50,000 tons per day, with an expected output of 23.4 million pounds of Meibom per year over a 16-year mine life.
• 😀 The Kit Sal project is expected to generate over $6.4 billion in exports for Canada, contributing $382 million in federal income taxes and $660 million in provincial income and resource taxes to British Columbia.
• 😀 During the 2-year construction period, the project will create approximately 700 jobs, with 300 full-time positions to be created during the 16-year life of the mine.
• 😀 The development plan includes a mine camp for employee housing, and preference will be given to local Nisga’a Nation individuals for training, employment, and service contracts.
• 😀 The mine will indirectly create an estimated 700 jobs in the surrounding communities through the provision of goods and services.
• 😀 The mine's environmental and engineering plans have been developed by top consultants to ensure sustainable mining practices, including the use of a primary crusher, conveyor system, and tailings management facility.
• 😀 A reclamation plan will ensure the restoration of the land after mining, with tailings and waste rock management facilities being covered and seeded with indigenous vegetation. A $31 million bond will be posted to cover the reclamation costs.

Q & A

What is the Kit Sal project and where is it located?

The Kit Sal project is a proposed redevelopment of an existing abandoned mine, located south of Alice Arm and approximately 200 km by road northwest of Terrace, BC. It is accessible via Nisca Highway and Forest Service Roads.

What key infrastructure supports the Kit Sal project?

The project site has a 42 km, 138 kV power line connected to the Ian Substation, part of the BC Hydro grid. This existing line can be reactivated to its full capacity.

What is the environmental context of the Kit Sal project in terms of watersheds?

The Kit Sal project is located within the Lime Creek Watershed, which is non-fish bearing and drains into Alice Arm. This watershed is separate from the Nass River Watershed to the east.

What is the production capacity of the proposed mine?

Avante Mining proposes to build a mining facility with a capacity of 40,000 to 50,000 tons per day, producing an average of 23.4 million pounds of malleable per year over a 16-year mine life.

What economic impact will the Kit Sal project have on Canada and British Columbia?

The project is expected to provide over $6.4 billion in exports to Canada, contribute $382 million in federal income tax, and generate $660 million in provincial income and resource taxes for British Columbia.

How many jobs will the Kit Sal project create?

During the 2-year construction period, approximately 700 people will be employed. Over the 16-year life of the mine, 300 full-time jobs will be created, along with an estimated 700 indirect jobs providing goods and services.

How does Avante Mining plan to support local employment?

The company plans to give preference to the Nisga'a people for training, employment, and service contracts. The mine will also create significant local employment opportunities.

What environmental considerations are part of the mine development plan?

Avante Mining has selected a tailings management facility after reviewing 12 potential sites based on environmental and closure criteria. The facilities are located in areas that are not fish bearing, and the mine's waste and tailings will be contained and treated if necessary.

What is the mine's reclamation plan after its closure?

The reclamation plan includes covering tailings and waste rock management facilities with soil and native vegetation. The camp, mill, and other site buildings will be dismantled, and the tailings and open pit will be converted into managed lakes. The access road will be maintained for ongoing monitoring.

What assurances are in place for the reclamation process?

Avante Mining is in consultation with various parties to complete an environmental assessment and ensure proper reclamation. The company will post a bond, estimated at $31 million, within the first year to cover reclamation costs.

How does Avante Mining ensure sustainable development and stewardship?

Avante Mining has invested tens of millions of dollars into the project and emphasizes the importance of stewardship for both the land and local communities. They have gained the support of the international financial community to develop the project sustainably.