Outdated gold rush laws from the 19th century pose a serious risk to the environment and human health across BC. To address the issue, the ELC asked BC’s Auditor General in March to examine the government’s apparent failure to adequately regulate placer mining.
Prepared on behalf of Fair Mining Collaborative, the submission calls on the Auditor General to examine whether placer mining’s effects on waterways, riparian areas, fish, drinking water, and Indigenous rights are being adequately managed.
The submission points out that there has never been an environmental assessment of a placer mine, and the minimal regulations and reclamation requirements placer miners are supposed to follow are not well enforced.
UPDATE: In early May, the Auditor General responded to say our request has been passed on to the audit planning team for consideration.