Regarding the Ajax discussion at TRU’s Clock Tower on Oct 14. Among other speakers, Norm Thompson, representing the Ajax Mine, gave us his view.

He explained how very conscientious KGHM is being about its bid for permission to proceed. He explained to the many questioners that there will be few concrete answers until the environmental assessments are made. Mr. Thompson is a resident of Kamloops. I think we all believed he was sincere. But I wasn’t convinced about the integrity of the company that employs him, simply because nobody knows it and he doesn’t either. Can we be sure KGHM will have the peace and health of Kamloops citizens at heart?

That being said, I am convinced that no mining company, KGHM or any other, should be given a permit for operations on the very rim of this city next to schools and residents, positioned amongst our not-so-stable hills, to spew pollution down into our valley.

It shouldn’t take a team of environmentalists to come to the obvious conclusion — it’s not so much the company or the mine. It’s the proximity.

I get the impression these environmental assessments could go on for years. No one living in Kamloops should have to endure this tension for interminable future.

The obvious is too obvious. Sitting virtually on top of 90,000 people, the proposed mine is too close. We need our mayor and council to lead us into a united stand on this subject now. C’mon, Mayor Milobar. Be our voice. It might even save KGHM from wasting more money.

COLLEEN CARBOL

Kamloops