VICTORIA — The B.C. Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals has approved Western High Yield (WHY) Resources’ mining permit for the Record Ridge magnesium mine near Rossland.

The Mine Development Review Committee, which included representation from local governments, First Nations and technical subject-matter experts, conducted a review of the mine project and provided recommendations to the statutory decision-maker.

The Record Ridge project itself “resembles a typical quarry operation and does not require tailings storage facilities. With the three-year Mines Act permit in place, WHY Resources anticipates production up to seven months of the year, with a workforce of approximately 30-40 people,” a release reads.

The project underwent a thorough regulatory review to assess potential effects such as noise and dust. The company must implement mitigation measures, including noise controls, dust-management systems and continuous environmental monitoring.

The project, as currently proposed, does not meet the threshold to require an environmental assessment by the Environmental Assessment Office, the release adds.

There are still two permits under consideration.

Ministry of Transportation and Transit permitting is still required for use of local roads. If an Environmental Management Act permit is issued, it will prescribe water-management requirements.

All mines in British Columbia are required to comply with the environmental requirements of the Mines Act, the Environmental Management Act, and the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in B.C.