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The Davidson molybdenum deposit (formerly known as the Yorke-Hardy deposit), is nine kilometres northwest of Smithers, British Columbia.  It is the largest undeveloped molybdenum deposit in Canada.  The presence of molybdenite (MoS2) on Hudson Bay Mountain was first noted in 1944, and extensive exploration work was carried out by Climax Molybdenum Corporation from 1966 to 1980.  Blue Pearl Mining acquired 100% control of the property in 2005.

Overview

Blue Pearl is proposing the construction of an underground mine to gain access to the high-grade molybdenite ore of the Davidson deposit.  The mine is anticipated to produce 2,000 tonnes of ore per day.  The development plan does not include a processing facility; instead the ore will be trucked approximately 220 kilometres southeast to the Endako Mine for processing.

Experience

Rescan has completed extensive environmental and socio-economic baseline studies and an Application for an Environmental Assessment Certificate for the Davidson Project.  The studies included water quality, hydrology, hydrogeology, metal leaching and acid rock drainage, meteorology, air quality, noise, traffic, visual quality, wildlife, vegetation, ecosystem mapping, archaeology, and detailed socio-economic studies.  This Project presented a unique challenge because of its proximity to local residents and the town of Smithers.  This has shaped the development of the Project design, the consultation process, and the scope of the environmental and social baseline studies.  The Environmental Assessment Application is under review, and the BC Environmental Assessment Office is expected to make its recommendation to the Ministers of Environment and Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources in 2009.