A British Columbia-based company, Vitreo Minerals, plans to open a silica sand mine near Bear Lake, 60 kilometres north of Prince George, to support Canada’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry. The sand, used in hydraulic fracturing, is currently mostly imported from Wisconsin. CEO Scott Broughton argues that domestic production supports the “Buy Canadian” movement and should apply to industrial materials.
The $300 million project would feature an industrial mine, quarry, and finishing plant, creating about 150 ongoing jobs. Broughton promoted the proposal at the Minerals North conference in Prince George, while Vice President Cullen McCormick described the site as a “glorified sand and gravel pit.”
B.C.’s Environmental Assessment Office is reviewing the project and will hold a public open house at Bear Lake Community Hall on May 13. The proposal comes as the province accelerates approvals for industrial developments to reduce dependence on U.S. markets and stimulate economic growth.
The mine’s output would serve the Montney oil and gas basin, with expected demand increases from the LNG Canada project in Kitimat, which processes gas for export to Asia. Both federal and provincial governments see LNG as a strategic solution amid trade tensions with the U.S., with five LNG projects in various approval stages across B.C.
Supporters of LNG highlight its role as the cleanest-burning fossil fuel, but critics argue it exacerbates climate change due to its resource-intensive production. Dr. Melissa Lem, president of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, warned of health risks and higher public costs due to fracking and LNG infrastructure.
The province’s latest Climate Change Accountability report shows B.C. is not on track to meet its 2030 emissions goals, primarily due to transportation and industrial emissions. While emissions intensity has decreased, overall output has spiked with LNG expansion.
B.C. Green Party interim leader Jeremy Valeriote criticized the government for prioritizing industrial growth over environmental action, arguing that new clean energy projects won’t offset the environmental impact if they power LNG production.
On Thursday, B.C. Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma announced upcoming legislation to expedite major public and private projects. The new rules would streamline permitting without affecting assessment standards or First Nations’ rights.
While the Bear Lake project is still in early development, McCormick said it presents an opportunity to localize economic benefits from ongoing LNG and fracking activities.
Source: Swifteradio.com
