Policy & Positions Manual
Policy Priority Area - A Vibrant Resource Sector
Kemess Power Line (2009)
Kemess South Mine, an open pit operation with 400 full-time employees, is approaching the end of its mine life as ore reserves are nearing exhaustion. An integral part of mine closure is the requirement by Government for the removal of infrastructure and reclamation by the company.
Infrastructure in this case includes an important power line which could be used in future to supply needed power to several potential new mines, including the Cirque (Stronsay) lead-zinc deposit and the Kemess North gold-copper deposit. Additionally, there is interest for power generation plants that would benefit from using this line (or at least the right of way to add lines) to transport power into the provincial power grid.
These projects would be very helpful industries in diversifying our economy, be very important to this area, and would be beneficial to the province in its quest to support its mineral industry and grow its electrical generation capacity to meet future needs.
Furthermore, the Kemess Power Line runs in relatively close proximity to three small communities, Kwadacha, Tsay Keh and Germansen Landing. These communities currently use diesel generation to provide their electricity. As an added benefit the potential exists to use this line to put these communities onto the provincial Hydro Grid, thus meeting another provincial objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
We understand that the province has the opportunity to acquire this power-line at minimal cost and thus preserve this opportunity to support new development and new jobs in the region.
THE CHAMBER RECOMMENDS
That the Provincial Government:
- exercise its option to purchase the Kemess power line; and
- maintain the line in place to service future power needs and assist in bringing to production new mines in this part of British Columbia.
