Environment Minister Herb Cox speaking with reporters in Saskatoon on Tuesday.
A proposed potash mine in southern Saskatchewan has passed the first of many hurdles before construction can begin.
On Tuesday, the provincial government conditionally approved the environmental assessment of the proposed Yancoal solution potash mine near Southey.
The report looked at the possible effect the mine could have on local infrastructure, water and air quality.
Environment Minister, Herb Cox, says the assessment was rigorous and detailed.
“All of the work done by our very credible and experienced professionals as well as the public comments we have received have led us to be confident that this is the right move to go forward to approve this first step,” said Cox.
The Chinese owned Yancoal will now need to meet several more conditions and requirements for the project to move forward.
“There are several more steps regarding permitting and licensing across ministries,” said the Environment Minister. “I think there are still 21 more licenses and permits that will be required in the upcoming future before this project will proceed.”
Among the further conditions is an agreement with the RM of Longlaketon as well the development of a community involvement plan and environmental protection plan.
The proposed site of the mine is located near 13 different First Nation communities.
According to the report, Duty to Consult wasn’t required because the project is being built on private land and ‘no impacts to Treaty and Aboriginal Rights or traditional uses are anticipated’. However, Yancoal did reach out to all of the surrounding communities for feedback. Many of the bands cited concerns of the water source for the mine as well the potential impact the mine could have on water and wildlife used for traditional use.
Minister Cox says he was pleased with the engagement Yancoal committed to these communities.
“I believe Yancoal has been working with First Nation and Metis communities since 2008 on this project,” said Cox. “They have done their work in consulting in the area. They have had several public meetings, so I think all of that due diligence has certainly been done on an ongoing basis.”
The First Nation communities were not the only ones concerned about the water availability for the project. However, the Water Security Agency did confirm the Buffalo Pound Lake would be able to supply enough water to sustain the project without significant negative impact to downstream areas.
The proposed mine is near the junction of Highway 6 and 731.