British Columbia approves silica sand mine near Prince George
Environment and Parks Minister Tamara Davidson granted an environmental assessment certificate for the Vitreo Minerals‑owned Angus Project, an open‑pit silica sand mine located about 60 km north of Prince George and 10 km east of Bear Lake in British Columbia. The project represents a C$300 million investment and is expected to create roughly 150 construction jobs and 140 permanent positions, producing about two million tonnes of sand each year for a 20‑year lifespan. The sand will be used for hydraulic fracturing in oil and gas operations.
The assessment process lasted three years and included consultation with the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, McLeod Lake Indian Band, Tsay Keh Dene Nation and West Moberly First Nation. The issued certificate contains 19 legally binding conditions covering air quality, wildlife protection, greenhouse‑gas reduction, health and emergency planning, and ongoing monitoring of impacts to the First Nations. Planned facilities include a raw‑sand plant, water‑management infrastructure, waste‑rock and fines stockpiles, and a finishing plant.