Author: Simon Wiebe

BC’s critical mineral push and the erosion of accountability

August 11, 2026 by Simon Wiebe

British Columbia is currently in the grips of a "critical mineral" frenzy, accelerating approvals for projects in the name of a clean energy transition and economic security. Governments argue faster permitting is essential to remain competitive and secure minerals needed…

Where mountains once stood

May 14, 2026 by Simon Wiebe

Historical and contemporary repeat photography from the Mountain Legacy Project reveals how half a century of mountaintop-removal coal mining has altered the geography of the Elk Valley.

The billion-dollar blind spot in BC’s mine cleanup system

May 6, 2026 by Simon Wiebe

British Columbia’s mine cleanup policy is built on a simple principle: companies should pay to clean up the environmental damage they cause. But as mining projects expand and pollution risks grow, an important question remain

Wildsight requests independent review of Fording River mine expansion impacts

March 25, 2026 by Simon Wiebe

Wildsight has asked Canada to appoint an independent panel of experts to review the environmental impacts of a proposed mine expansion in British Columbia’s Elk Valley.

Why small gains on Elk Valley water pollution don’t mean the problem is solved

February 25, 2026 by Simon Wiebe

There are finally signs of improvement on water pollution from metallurgical coal mining in B.C.’s Elk Valley. But the Elk Valley’s water pollution problem is far from resolved, and it likely won’t be for many decades.

B.C. opens first public comment period for Fording River mine expansion as selenium contamination continues

January 13, 2026 by Simon Wiebe

The proposed expansion of Elk Valley Resources’ (EVR) Fording River coal mine has formally entered British Columbia’s environmental assessment process public comment period.

The Fording River mine: polluted water and broken promises

November 20, 2025 by Simon Wiebe

The B.C. government has accepted the Fording River Expansion into the Environmental Assessment process without a public comment period, arguing the public process they had back in 2021 was enough.

Record Ridge mine faces legal challenge as push for protections continues

October 9, 2025 by Simon Wiebe

The fight to protect Record Ridge and its threatened species and ecosystems is far from finished. Several major developments have reshaped the story, including some recent legal action and a Wildsight push for protections.

Wildsight renews call for emergency order as B.C. dismisses Record Ridge mine review

August 27, 2025 by Simon Wiebe

Wildsight is resuming efforts to obtain an emergency order for the endangered mountain holly fern, after learning last week that B.C. won’t require the proposed Record Ridge mine to undergo an environmental assessment.

Reclamation isn’t enough: Research shows coal mines leave lasting water pollution

August 25, 2025 by Simon Wiebe

When a coal mine closes, we’re told that reclamation will return the landscape to something close to what it once was. But new research from Alberta shows that even when fully reclaimed, pollution continues to flow.