LETTER TO THE EDITOR

In response to an article published in December 2023/January 2024 issue of the Canadian Mining Journal, entitled, “The rise of resource nationalism in the global critical minerals industry,” I would like to point out that the governments of Canada and British Columbia essentially nationalized a major cobalt-copper deposit in B.C. by incorporating it into a park in 1994. This deposit is Windy Craggy. This was done without any involvement or consultation with the First Nation on whose traditional territory this deposit is located. Now, both governments are promoting the development of critical minerals and planning to make sure to include Indigenous participation. If both governments are serious, then they would review their 1994 decision and allow this deposit to be developed.

Windy Craggy has a 1992 non-NI 43-101 compliant historical resource 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. This deposit would be considered as the largest of the resources of cobalt and copper in North America that are listed under both British Columbia and Canada critical minerals designation.

I have been involved with the Windy Craggy project since 1975 and was project geologist from 1989 to 1992. I have been engaged with Mr. James Allen (former chief of Champagne Aishihik First Nation) since 2011 regarding this project, and together we have compiled a list of benefits for all stakeholders with a positive and innovative way forward.

Bruce Downing, MSc, P Geo, FGC, FEC (hon)