On Path Towards Permitting Of Gold And Silver Mine In BC
Benchmark Metals Inc. (TSXV: BNCH) (OTCQX: BNCHF) continues to make good progress with its ongoing environmental baseline work to support the environmental assessment (EA) for permitting of the Lawyers Gold-Silver Project in north-central British Columbia, Canada.
Benchmark has selected Tsay Keh Nay (TKN) for the completion of multiple baseline studies to maximise opportunities for collaboration and incorporate local and traditional knowledge. Tsay Keh Nay (TKN) are Sekani speaking Indigenous peoples including the Tsay Keh Dene Nation, Kwadacha Nation and Takla Nation, collectively referred to as the “Partner Nations”, with whom Benchmark recently signed an Exploration Cooperation and Benefit Agreement.
The TKN group includes Chu Cho Environmental LLP (Chu Cho), a wholly owned Indigenous company, and Sasuchan Environmental LP (Sasuchan) in partnership with other sector experts. Seven baseline studies led by TKN include:
- Surface Water & Hydrology;
- Aquatic Life;
- Fish & Fish Habitat;
- Meteorology, Noise and Air Quality;
- Wildlife;
- Vegetation, and;
- Topography and Soils.
In addition to TKN leading the baseline work, Benchmark continues to work with the Partner Nations in an Environmental Management Committee to help develop and monitor the studies.
Chief Pierre of Tsay Keh Dene stated “It’s very encouraging to see a company in the resource industry that understands the value of creating a respectful relationship with First Nations early in the life of a project.
‘This is the blueprint for avoiding delays, minimising impacts and maximising benefits for everyone with an interest in the project.”
John Williamson, CEO of Benchmark, said the company is impressed with the professionalism and quality of the work by TKN.
“The start of baseline work in parallel with project development keeps the project on the path to Environmental Assessment readiness decision in 2023, ensures continued early engagement with our Partner Nations and facilitates transparent and fluid communication as the project develops collaboratively.”
In addition, Benchmark has engaged pHase Geochemistry to lead the geochemistry baseline work for both the static and kinetic (humidity cells) test work.
The scope and proposal review were led by a team of Benchmark Metals and Knight Piésold Ltd. (KP) for all eight studies. The studies are required to establish baseline conditions, and provide important input into future project development plans, environmental assessment (EA) and regulatory permitting.
While these studies do not represent the entire complement of environmental baseline studies, they represent all studies that are on the time-sensitive critical path to EA readiness. Other studies will be implemented as the programme advances.
For further information please visit: https://www.benchmarkmetals.com/
