Potential silica mine brings positives and negatives to consider
A proposed mine near La Ronge by Garcia Silica Inc. is a major opportunity for northern Saskatchewan, but there are positive and negative aspects residents should consider.
Those are the words of Lac La Ronge Indian Band member Teco Bird, whose family has been residing on a piece of land less than two kilometers away from the potential site for more than 40 years. His family’s history at the site began when his grandparents, the late Hector and Virginia Bird, were searching for a spot to lay down their roots.
“My grandmother is originally from Molanosa and grandfather was from La Ronge,” Bird told larongeNOW. “She didn’t want to move into town because she hated the town life. She was used to growing up in the bush. So, that was their compensation to meet halfway.”
Bird also shared memories of growing up on the land and how we and other relatives would catch the bus to school at the junction. But, with the mine’s plan calling for 300 semi trucks, he believes the way of life in the area will become completely different. Bird is concerned not only about the amount of dust, noise and garbage the mine will bring, but also the amount of damage the traffic will do to Highway 2 and other nearby roads. The area is also a prime spot for miushroom pickers and people who enjoy camping during the summer.