Victoria city council has passed a motion supporting a mining moratorium in a First Nations group's territory where a subsidiary of Imperial Metals (TSX:III) has been granted an exploration permit.
The provincial capital joins Tofino's district council in calling for a halt to any mining projects in the area the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation has declared a tribal park.
Selkirk Metals, a subsidiary of Imperial Metals, obtained an exploration permit last year for the long-shuttered Fandora gold mine site in Clayoquot Sound, about 20 kilometres from Tofino.
Tla-o-qui-aht Coun. Saya Masso said he wants to sit down with representatives from Selkirk Metals, the province and other stakeholders to resolve concerns about the project.
"We're trying to advance this dialogue in a way without having to do this in conflict. We've been not effectively consulted with on the decision-making," he said.
"Our goal is to have a sustainable livelihood. We have a land-use plan that has jobs for hundreds of years, not 10 years of jobs and 500 years of impact."
Steve Robertson, Imperial Metals' vice-president of corporate affairs, said in an email he was unaware Victoria city council passed a motion April 10 supporting a mining moratorium.
"We've been engaged with both the Tla-o-qui-aht and the government on this issue and plan for additional consultation in the coming months," he wrote.
