A gold mine in the French River watershed?
Here's what you need to know.
Effects of Gold Mines On Water Tables : Report by scientist & water quality expert Ann Maest : there is a high risk of the French River watershed area being adversely affected by gold mining.
Gold mining is one of the most destructive forms of mining and the Warwick Mountain gold mine is proposed to be located in an area of 30,560Ha that includes the French River Watershed. This watershed provides the clean drinking water to the Village of Tatamagouche and also connects to other bodies of water throughout the North Shore. There is no adequate protection for the watershed; therefore, a gold mine would impose a large risk on our water supply.
Contamination could impact an additional 6 watersheds providing water to up to 36 communities
Introduction of toxic chemicals (cyanide, arsenic, mercury, sulphuric acid, and other heavy metals)
Drawdown of the water table puts water availability at risk
Increased truck traffic on local roads
Established services (hospitals, schools, seniors residential care centres, etc.) at risk of water contamination
Destruction of beautiful landscape
Water contamination and disturbance of our pristine landscape poses a threat to the Northumberland Shore's $200 million tourism industry
Negative impact on local fisheries and agriculture due to introduced contaminants
The Provincial government expects to issue exploration permits sometime in 2022 (original date was April 2018)
No adequate protection is in place for the watershed nor the surrounding environment
Community engagement should be taking place
Additional resources:
www.miningwatch.ca