WHEREAS the province is rich in mineral wealth, including uranium, which has been the foundation of the economy of our province; AND WHEREAS recent uranium exploration in the province has raised the concerns of the public, who are worried about pollution, groundwater contamination, and the ruination of a pristine wilderness area: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities request that the provincial government introduce a moratorium on exploration for uranium to allow for effective and meaningful public consultation and a cradle to grave management strategy.
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources The British Columbia mining industry has enjoyed a tremendous resurgence in the last several years which has led to an increase in expenditures on mineral exploration from 29 million in 2001 to 265 million in 2006. This increase has benefited all British Columbians and has been achieved without sacrificing the high environmental standards presently existing in the Province. Uranium mining is regulated by the Federal Government and any application to mine uranium requires federal approval. British Columbias uranium policy is the same today as it was throughout the 1990s. In addition, the Provinces Energy Plan states that nuclear power will not be part of BCs energy future. The Provinces Geological Survey Branch has determined that while there is an abundance of low-level uranium found throughout British Columbia, our geology does not appear to be conducive to higher, commercial-grade deposits of uranium. Most radiation exposure comes from natural sources in the earths crust. Mining is one of the safest heavy industries in the Province. Exploration for all minerals in British Columbia is controlled through the Mines Act and the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia Code. The Code contains specific rigorous requirements for uranium exploration to ensure the safety of workers and the public, and the protection of provincial water resources and the environment. The safety of mine workers and the public, and the protection of provincial water resources and the environment, are of paramount importance to all British Columbians. Please be assured that our human and natural resources will continue to be protected to the highest standards.