Skawahlook

Cogburn Magnesium Project

North American Alloys has been investigating the possibility of opening a large-scale magnesium extraction and refining facility in the Ruby Creek area, within 3 miles of Skawahlook First Nation. The mining proposal is referred to as the Cogburn Magnesium Project. If successful an estimated 120,000 tonnes of high purity magnesium will be produced at the plant during the next 25 years.

The Skawahlook First Nation is firmly opposed to the opening of this plant, as there are many environmental and health hazards associated with magnesium excavation and refining. Improper supervision and regulation of such a large-scale plant can lead to severe polluting of water, land and air. Magnesium has been identified as a major source of Hazardous Air Pollutants including chlorine, hydrochloric acid, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) such as dioxins and furans and trace amounts of Hazardous Air Polluting Metals including phosphorous and manganese.

Prolonged human contacts with these substances have been demonstrated to cause the following health problems:

· Damage to the liver, kidney, thyroid, endocrine, immune and nervous systems.
· Birth Defects
· Cancer
· Child Growth Retardation
· Stunted intellectual function
· Decreased survival rates in children
· Reduced levels of male reproductive hormones
· Diabetes

In addition to the potential harm the magnesium refining plant would have on our community, the proposed plant would also alter the flow of natural water sources (to “minimize” water contamination) from Ruby Creek. Both the contamination and alter in water flow would have a negative impact on the quality and quantity of water, fish habitat, fish, fishery, wetland, wildlife habitat, wildlife and hunting. The Skawahlook First Nation has made it clear to North American Alloys that we have no interest in receiving water as we already have one of the best water supplies in the province.

With these immediate and long term environmental and health hazards Skawahlook First Nation will not support the Cogburn Magnesium Project and are taking the necessary steps together with Ratcliff & Co. in putting a stop to the plant. We will attend community information forums to voice our concerns and opposition.

We appreciate any further information on North American Alloys, magnesium production, and the health and environmental hazards associated with mining and refining. Also, your letters of support would be greatly appreciated and useful.