Dear Mr Laine I’m sure you…

Dear Mr Laine
I’m sure you have already received numerous comments regarding Flag Resources and the importance of preserving the old growth forests and the delicate ecosystem surrounding Wolf Lake (an area I have visited and hiked/swam at on several occasions).

I suspect that I come from a different perspective from many of these commentators, as I work in the exploration sector, doing very similar work to that being proposed by Flag Resources. I appreciate the importance that the mining sector can bring to an area with regards to investment, jobs etc. I have worked with communities in both Ontario and Quebec, fostering positive relationships and explaining the benefits of the mining and exploration, to elders, schoolchildren and community members.

However, I believe it is critical that mineral exploration and mining is conducted in a transparent, sustainable and sensitive manner with regards to local communities and environments. Mining has a dark environmental legacy, which is finally being shaken off by environmental sustainability policies, accountability and innovation in the industry. The proposals by Flag Resources represent a short-sighted step backwards, putting one of the few remaining old growth red wood forests at risk of significant and lasting environmental damage (I have visited historic exploration trenches near Espanola from the 1930’s that look as though they were dug only a few months ago). As a small junior company, Flag Resources lacks the capital to move the project through to a mining phase or even an advanced exploration phase and it is highly dubious that any larger organizations would be interested in such a controversial project that lacks any widespread community support. Instead the damage will be done and eventually Flag Resources will move on too, leaving a lasting scar on an area beloved by visitors and locals for its pristine woodland and lakes (something Sudbury, of all places, should be seeking to protect). When I am confronted for the work I do (which happens from time to time), and the legacy it leaves, I point to all the benefits and positives that exploration can bring to a region, and I mean it. With Flag Resources, I cannot honestly support it, as I cannot see it’s benefits repairing or offsetting the damage it will cause to such a important and unique wilderness.

Ultimately, there is a ‘right time’ and a ‘right place’ to be conducting mineral exploration. Flag Resources proposal is in the ‘wrong place’ and should not proceed. The short term financial gains for the small circle of investors will not meaningfully benefit the local communities and cannot outweigh the long term sustainability and protection of such a rare ecosystem and beloved area of Northern Ontario for future generations to enjoy. Please make the right choice at the right time and protect these forests for our children.

Yours Sincerely
Jon