A JUNIOR resource company with plans to develop a gold mine in northwestern BC has given Northwest Community College $100,000 to develop a trades program aimed at secondary school students.
Seabridge Gold also gave the college $100,000 last year in support of the college’s trades program.
The second cheque was presented this week at the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia’s Mineral Exploration Roundup Conference 2014 in Vancouver.
It’ll help promote trades education for Grade 10 students in secondary schools in Terrace, Smithers and the Hazeltons.
“We know there will be challenges finding and retaining skilled workers so we are using our resources to help ensure that the local labour market is ready for us,” said Seabridge chief executive officer Rudi Fronk.
“We are pleased with Seabridge’s continuing support. Because of their generous donation, we are able to further advance trades training in Northwest B.C.,” said college official Dave O’Leary who accepted the $100,000 cheque.
Seabridge is deep into the provincial environmental approval process for its KSM project northwest of Stewart and expects a decision the middle of this year.
The KSM project is billed as one of the largest gold projects in the world with a potential mine life of 50 years.
Seabridge also has an agreement with the Nisga’a Lisims Government to work on an economics benefit agreement covering employment and business opportunities.
At the same time, the Gitanyow First Nation is worried about the effects of the mine on moose populations and on the potential for acid drainage from its tailings pond.
It has asked the provincial to slow down the environmental approval process to better focus on environmental considerations.
