Roxul Inc. has sent an application to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources to commence surface drilling in the Phoenix mine area.
The site is located off of Lone Star Road, where Roxul currently has an existing quarry (Winner Quarry) next to the proposed site.
“Roxul has owned and operated the Winner mine since 2000,” stated Leslie McLaren, corporate communications manager of Roxul Inc., from Milton, Ont.
“We use some of the mined rock as one of the raw materials in our production process.”
Roxul produces stone wool insulation in Grand Forks and in Milton, Ont.
The application stated there would be 10 drill sites with a maximum of 20 holes drilled, with the diamond drill program placed adjacent to the existing quarry.
All access to the site already exists.
City of Grand Forks Chief Administrative Officer Lynne Burch clarified that the city does not approve the request.
“All we get to do is comment,” said Burch.
“Council’s comments on that particular application for a permit is that the city’s interest were not impacted.”
Former city councillor Chris Moslin, a supporter of Roxul’s corporate citizenship, is more concerned with the potential recreational impact being affected at Phoenix.
“My concern isn’t about the quarry, which already exists, but also in haulage down the road,” stated Moslin.
“The road is well maintained but my concern is what about the extra wear and tear on the road for those who want access.”
Phoenix Mountain is also used for its hiking and biking trails, cross-country skiing and other outdoor activities.
McLaren stated that the surface drilling would be done under a permit issued by the Ministry of Energy and Mines and contracted out to a B.C. contractor.
“The core drilling has no environmental impact,” she pointed out.
“Surface drilling is a common mining practice and helps us ‘map’ the mine to determine the location of the raw materials needed.”
The proposal indicates that the new site is not located near any streams or creeks, timber will not be disturbed and the sites outside the quarry expansion will be re-seeded.
“The process will take approximately four to five months and will employ approximately eight to 10 people full-time.”
Moslin noted the process would lead to more economic stability for the company.
“Like Interfor, who has just invested $19 million (to Grand Forks sawmill),” said Moslin.
“It might not lead to a huge increase in jobs, but it’s a huge increase in the stability of that mill. The first jobs we have to protect are the ones we have…”
The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Mining were reached for comment but had not responded to the Grand Forks Gazette’s requests as of press time.