A citizens group opposing Ajax mine says controlling company KGHM is withholding data that may point to impacts on human health.
Kamloops Area Preservation Association (KAPA) has written to the company demanding data on elements that may be contained in waste rock, including arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, manganese, strontium and uranium.
KAPA said the data is contained within addenda to a feasibility study on the open pit mine. While the feasibility study is publicly available the background data has not been made public.
"We've asked for information for the local company and aren't getting any," said KAPA member John Schleiermacher.
The company told the group that only that member can come to the Kamloops office to view the data, but cannot take documents away. KAPA has contracted geologist and analytical geochemist Bruce Perry to study the data, when available, to determine if there is a threat from toxic elements in waste rock.
Abacus Mining & Exploration Corp. CEO Jim Excell said addenda to the feasibility study is considered proprietary because it contains information on items including mechanical design and pit layout. Sometimes investors want to see that information but it is only made available by an office visit.
The company is attempting to "work around" concerns about release of proprietary information to satisfy KAPA.
"We're trying to work through a system to make it easier," he said.
