Letter to the Editor

In response to the May issue article entitled: “Critical mining in British Columbia: $36 Billion in critical minerals investment at stake,” I would like to point out that the map on page 41 omits the largest undeveloped cobalt–copper deposit in BC, namely Windy Craggy. I note that the B.C. Geological Survey has posted a critical cobalt map showing Windy Craggy in their 2024 atlas of critical Minerals in British Columbia (page 28). Thus, the survey must have considered that this deposit has merit.

Windy Craggy has an historical resource (1992) estimate of 297,400,000 tonnes: 1.38% Cu, 0.069% Co, 0.20 g/t Au, and 3.83 g/t Ag, using a 0.5% copper cut-off grade. This estimate should be considered a minimum, as a new zinc-rich zone was discovered at the end of latest drilling campaign in 1990.

I would also point out that the past legacy (~1994) of Windy Craggy probably generated in excess of one billion dollars by way of investment dollars leaving B.C. to other parts of the world, jobs and investment in the expropriation compensation leading to the development of the Kemess south mine, creation of a park to prevent the development of this deposit, B.C. government revenues and benefits for the local First Nations involved in the Kemess mine development. There were no perceived benefits to the Champagne Aishihik First Nation on whose traditional territory Windy Craggy is situated. Now, just imagine what the long-term economic impact Windy Craggy would have on the benefits and balance sheet of future stakeholders.

An interesting past and future legacy story and Windy Craggy has yet to be developed.

Bruce Downing, M.Sc., P.Geo., FGC, FEC (hon.)