Senior staff from Thomas Resources, Pennecon, and third-party experts Stantec are hosting a public information session at the Glynmill Inn. The session will provide a chance for people to learn about the potential mineral exploration project the company is proposing.
Thomas Resources has requested permission from the City of Corner Brook to explore the mineral content in the Corner Brook lakes watershed area. As part of the research and analysis phase for a potential quarry project, the exploration work is described by the company as a low-impact stage of determining what resources exist and in what quantity.
The project’s controversy dates back to 2002 when, despite public lobbying and criticism, the council of the day approved in principle the proposal for a quarry. The controversy continued for a few years, but cooled off considerably after 2005 as activity and interest appeared to slow after the mapping and surveying phase was approved.
The potential garnet and kyanite quarry operation came back in the public spotlight in December, when the company submitted a proposal to move on to the next phase of its exploration.
This next phase, which requires city approval, is to conduct core drilling of 21 holes at nine different locations.
Council was to make a decision on the application following a 45-day public consultation. The process involved lobbying against the proposal, including fears regarding potential negative impacts to the city’s water supply. The company, however, requested an extension on that decision to hold this public session in the city.
Company representatives claim this project, and any other potential operations, would be carried out in an environmentally, socially and economically responsible fashion.
The session will be held at the Glynmill Inn from 7-9 p.m.
churley@thewesternstar.com
Twitter: WS_CoryHurley
