They’re united under the slogan Stop Ajax Mine but opponents of the proposed open pit copper project say they aren’t trying to elect an anti-mine slate through a council forum next week.

The group that opposes development of the mine south of Aberdeen has invited council candidates as well as representatives from KGHM-Ajax to the forum on Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. in TRU’s Ike Barber roundhouse.

Organizer Ruth Madsen said the format will see representatives invited to speak from Kamloops Area Preservation Association (KAPA) as well as from the mining company — if it agrees to participate.

The company has not replied to an invitation and a representative could not be reached for comment Tuesday. Retired TRU instructor and Daily News columnist David Charbonneau is the moderator.

Following those presentations, council candidates will be invited to stake their position on the proposed copper-gold mine. There will also be a question-and-answer session with candidates.

While some members, including Madsen, are vehemently opposed, she said others are willing to accept a decision by a federal panel review — a process thus far not granted by the federal government. Instead, the mine is receiving a less structured comprehensive review without formal public hearings.

“We want to vote for people who support a panel review,” Madsen said. “The basis is not going against a mine — it’s a panel review. Many people in KAPA would accept whatever a panel review comes up with.”

City council voted last month to call for a federal panel review, rather than continuing with the current comprehensive review operated jointly by Ottawa and Victoria. Madsen said some are worried a new council could reverse that decision and back down from its earlier call for a panel review.

“We didn’t ask city council to oppose the mine. We think Kamloops deserves a better process.”

The same day the group called for the public forum, the Mining Association of B.C. released an economic report showing the industry paid nearly $1 billion in total tax revenue and provided 46,000 jobs in 2010.

Madsen said she doesn’t dispute short-term economic impacts of the mine. Ajax is expected to contribute 400 jobs to Kamloops and would instantly become one of its major job producers.

“We’re not arguing the economic aspect at all for the simple reason — and a First Nations group said it best to me — ‘We’d support Ajax if there’s no long-term damage.’ That’s not possible.”