William Wicken
The New Brunswick government has appointed York University history Professor William Wicken to a four-member Environmental Assessment panel. The members of the panel will listen to the public concerns regarding a proposed tungsten and molybdenum open pit mine.
The multi-billion project, proposed by Sisson Mines Ltd (SML)., has the potential to create 500 construction jobs and 300 permanent jobs over the 27-year life of the mine’s operation. The company has submitted a 1500-page Environmental Assessment plan, which has been accepted by the Minister of the Environment and the local government. Wicken has been appointed because of his expertise in First Nations issues. His appointment is until Oct. 31 of this year.
The panel will be holding a series of public meetings throughout New Brunswick, and prepare a report outlining their opinions as to whether the Environmental Impact Assessment report adequately addresses the public’s concerns.
Further information can be found on the project’s website. More information on the project can also be found at CBC News.