Winnipeg Free Press
By: Don Sullivan
Opinion
CAN White Sands Inc. (CWS), an Alberta-based company proposing to operate a silica sand mining operation, began exploratory extraction activities near Vivian in southeastern Manitoba back in 2018.
This initial exploratory activity by CWS was undertaken to test its unconventional mining method for extracting silica sand deep within the Winnipeg Formation, where a major aquifer supplies drinking water to all of southeastern Manitoba, and to test the quality and quantity of the silica sand using this unconventional extraction method.
Under the Manitoba Mines and Minerals Act, mining companies that extract 500 tonnes of mineral for sampling purposes are undertaking "advance exploration activities" and by law must file, with the director of the Manitoba Mines Branch, a mine closure plan prior to commencement of the advance exploration activities.