EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Issues of a Remote Quarry Mine

Limestone Quarry Mine, Taxada Island
British Columbia, Canada

Explanation:  This week we find ourselves flying over the beautiful, remote, and rugged west coast of North America.  Here, in the land of bears and wolves, are found some of the most extensive temperate rainforests on the planet, scattered among hundreds of islands, islets, inlets, and uninhabited coastlines. 

And suddenly, along the coast of British Columbia, Canada, this view greets us.  But don't jump to conclusions.  

This is an open-pit quarry mine, a vital source of limestone for the regional economy.  This is Texada Island, part of the Gulf Island archipelago in the Strait of Georgia off of Vancouver Island.  Mining here, initially for gold, began in the late 19th century.  Later, many other minerals were discovered and mined here, including copper, iron ore, and limestone.  

Texada Island is currently inhabited by about 1200 people and has some surprises to offer, such as evidence of ancient settlements of First Nation People.  

However, some have condemned the British Columbia government for avoiding environmental protection for existing or proposed new quarry mines on the island.   

So if the quarry looks like an intrusion upon the landscape and environment, also consider that at least the government of British Columbia has established a 7-hectare reserve around an environmentally significant and sensitive limestone (karst) cave on the island to protect it from quarry development.  And the industry and community are coordinating on wildlife habitat protection and the benefits of ecotourism.