Voices of Impact: Assessing the Felt Impacts of Open-Pit Gold and Copper Mining in British Columbia

Abstract

Salmon bearing river systems connect communities of Southeast Alaska and Northern British Columbia supporting rich ecological diversity throughout the region. The fishing economies, cultural traditions, and identities of coastal and river communities in this region survive by the health of these rivers. The watersheds support subsistence lifestyles that First Nations have relied on for over 10,000 years. An increase in mineral demand worldwide has led to a rapid growth of open-pit gold and copper mining in Northern BC, which has become known for its lenient policies and regulations toward resource extraction. Contemporary mining practices, inadequate public consultation and insufficient regulation around such large-scale projects leads to polluted waterways and degraded ecosystems, impacting communities who rely on these landscapes. This research utilizes story mapping as a tool to analyze the environmental and social impacts experienced by residents in the watershed and highlight the need for incorporating more human experience and qualitative data into Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). I used video interviews from community stakeholders throughout the region that share their experience and concerns around open-pit mining, which I analyzed and mapped to generate a more comprehensive understanding of the felt impacts of mining and determine the spatial boundaries of impact. The findings from this research demonstrate the importance of incorporating qualitative data and local knowledge of the environment, including indigenous knowledge in the EIA process to adequately mitigate impacts. It suggests that story mapping could act as a platform to create a resilient community network and could provide a research tool to fill in gaps created by an inadequate review process of public engagement in the EIA.