Wet'suwet'en Chiefs Withdraw Support for Blue Pearl Moly Mine

SMITHERS, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - April 3, 2009) - The Wet'suwet'en Hereditary Chiefs have announced they are withdrawing support for Blue Pearl's Davidson project, a proposed molybdenum mine on Hudson Bay Mountain near Smithers. They say their decision is due a lack of response from Blue Pearl regarding suggested amendments to the mine's haul route and water treatment plan.

"The Chiefs have strong concerns about potential negative impacts on our water, fish, and wildlife as a result of the proposed mine plan," said Don Ryan, lead negotiator for the Wet'suwet'en.

Blue Pearl's proposed mine falls within the territory of House Chiefs Gyologet and Wah Tah K'eght, who are members of the Gitdumden and Laksilyu clans. The mine is proposed in the small remaining portion of Gyologet territory not already impacted by land development.

"The proposed haul route would have negative impacts on important riparian features and wildlife habitat," said David de Wit, Natural Resources Manager with the Office of the Wet'suwet'en. "Furthermore, Blue Pearl has not put forward a water treatment plan that meets our standard."

The Wet'suwet'en have participated in the Environmental Assessment process for the proposed mine since its inception. They are now calling on the BC government to fully halt the Environmental Assessment process for Blue Pearl's project.

"Although we no longer support this project, we remain committed to working with other mining companies toward appropriate mineral development on Wet'suwet'en territory that respects aboriginal title and rights," said Ryan.