Part of 160+ Years of History
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In 1862, five years before Confederation, and nine years before British Columbia would join Canada, Billy Barker struck gold on Williams Creek (now Barkerville).
In the nearly 160 years since that discovery, the area around Barkerville and present-day Wells has been home to numerous mining operations.
Osisko’s investments in Barkerville Gold Mines and the Cariboo Gold Project are part of a new legacy of mining that has a large focus on community engagement, consultation with Indigenous nations, remediating historic mining land, and investing in the future.
The Cariboo Gold Project received its environmental assessment from the Environmental Assessment Office of the Province of British Columbia on October 10, 2023.
TIMELINE
1858
Gold is discovered on the banks of the Fraser River.
1862
William “Billy” Barker spearheads a twenty-year, multi-billion-dollar project by initiating a mining venture in the Cariboo Region.
1920s
Fred Wells arrives in the Cariboo Region and establishes the Town of Wells and the Cariboo Gold Quartz Mine.
1930s
Population of Wells reaches 4500 people.
1940s
Cariboo Gold Quartz Mine closes and many residents moved away.
1980s
Mosquito Creek Mine operated in Wells.
2007
A Bulk Sample is taken from Bonanza Ledge
December 2011
A Mines Act Permit is granted for the Bonanza Ledge Project, enabling a four-year mining operation.
2014-2015
Bonanza Ledge Mine begins its open pit operation and the QR Mill is restarted to process Bonanza Ledge ore.
2016
Engagement for the Cariboo Gold Project begins.
2017
Bonanza Ledge Mine permits are amended to allowing for underground operations to commence.
May 2020
Proposed Cariboo Gold Project is accepted for review under the BC Environmental Assessment Act, 2018.
July 2020
The BC Environmental Assessment Office initiates the initial public comment period for the Cariboo Gold Project.
December 2020
BC Environmental Assessment Office issues a notice that the proposed Cariboo Gold Project will proceed to the Environmental Assessment phase.
November 2022
The Public Engagement report on the Cariboo Gold Project is made public.
January 2023
Positive feasibility study announced for the Cariboo Gold Project.
MAY 2023
Joint Permit Application for a Mines Act/Environmental Management Act permit for the Cariboo Gold Project is submitted to the Major Mines Office for review.
September 2023
The Effects Assessment concludes and the Cariboo Gold Project is referred to Ministers for Decision.
September 2023
The Joint Permit Application for the Cariboo Gold Project is accepted and review begins.
OCTOBER 2023
BC Environmental Assessment Office grants the Environmental Assessment Certificate for the project.
Q1 2024
Anticipated issuance of Mines Act and Environmental Management Act permits for the Cariboo Gold Project
Q2 2024
Construction is anticipated to begin for the Cariboo Gold Project.