B.C. company wants to open $300M made-in-Canada sand mine to fuel anticipated fracking, LNG boom

A British Columbia-based company is looking to open a silica sand mine north of Prince George to support the anticipated increase in liquefied natural gas (LNG) production. Vitreo Minerals’ proposed mine, located near Bear Lake, would provide locally sourced sand for hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, operations in the oil and gas industry.

Currently, most of the sand used in fracking is imported from Wisconsin. However, CEO Scott Broughton believes that there is a market for locally sourced sand in Canada, especially as the country looks to reduce its reliance on the United States for energy exports. The project is estimated to be worth $300 million and would create approximately 150 jobs.

The proposed mine is currently undergoing an environmental assessment, with a public feedback session scheduled for May 13 at the Bear Lake Community Hall. The project is seen as a way to support the growth of the LNG industry in British Columbia, particularly with the upcoming opening of the LNG Canada facility in Kitimat.

While advocates for the LNG industry argue that it is a cleaner alternative to other fossil fuels, critics have raised concerns about the environmental impact of fracking and LNG production. Dr. Melissa Lem, president of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, has warned that increasing demand for fracking could worsen health outcomes and contribute to the climate crisis.

In response to these concerns, the British Columbia government has acknowledged that it is not on track to meet its emission reduction targets. The province is looking to fast-track new industrial developments, including the Vitreo Minerals’ sand mine, as a way to diversify the economy. However, critics argue that these projects may not align with the province’s environmental goals.

Despite the push for industrial development, there are calls for the government to make “hard decisions” to address climate change. The B.C. Green Party has criticized the government’s focus on resource projects and called for a shift towards clean energy initiatives. Content creator Hazel Thayer has expressed frustration at the lack of discussion around emissions during recent political debates.

In an effort to speed up project approvals, B.C. Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma has announced new legislation that will streamline the permitting process for major projects. The legislation will give cabinet the power to designate projects as significant and will include measures to ensure obligations to First Nations are met.

As the proposal for the silica sand mine progresses, Vice President of Operations Cullen McCormick emphasizes the importance of creating local jobs and keeping economic opportunities within the region. He believes that by sourcing sand locally, the project can support the growth of the LNG industry while benefiting the local economy.