Environment must remain priority, Kinew says of Sio Silica mining MOU

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has asserted that environmental and ethical considerations must take precedence over a proposed silica mine project in southeastern Manitoba.

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I work for the people of eastern Manitoba not for the Davos crowd.

A memorandum of understanding has been established between Alberta-based Sio Silica and Arctic Gateway Group, which operates the Port of Churchill. They are collaborating with German solar panel manufacturer RCT Solutions GmbH and U.S.-based NanoXSolar to extract high-purity silica for a "fully integrated solar manufacturing hub in Manitoba." However, the project requires provincial government approval before proceeding.

Kinew expressed his commitment to the people of eastern Manitoba, stating, "I work for the people of eastern Manitoba not for the Davos crowd." He emphasized that the province will prioritize the drinking water and the needs of its residents. This stance contrasts with past actions, as Manitoba's ethics commissioner found that former Premier Heather Stefanson and some cabinet ministers violated conflict-of-interest law by advocating for the mine's approval.

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And so, we’re going to continue to put the drinking water and the priorities of people who live in this province first.

Announcing a public inquiry into Sio Silica's previous activities, Kinew clarified that he is not opposed to mining but stressed that environmental and ethical factors are paramount. "We want economic development activity, but I don’t think we want it at all costs, and I don’t think we need to say yes to everything," the premier stated.

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We want economic development activity, but I don’t think we want it at all costs, and I don’t think we need to say yes to everything.

Springfield Mayor Patrick Therrien indicated that his council will defer to the province but has previously voiced concerns about water quality and safety in a letter to the province. Sio Silica president Carla Devlin assured that the company is implementing safeguards to protect the aquifer and maintain transparency, noting the project's potential to create 8,000 direct and 17,000 indirect jobs, with a capital investment of $3.2 billion.

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We are putting in place as many checks and balances as we can to ensure that the aquifer is protected and that we’re transparent throughout the project.