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Granisle was originally built to house workers in the 1970’s to house workers from the Noranda copper mines located nearby. However, low copper prices in the 1980’s and 1990’s forced the mines to close. The town became a recreational and retirement community. However, a recent new development may open up new possibilities for the village.
Pacific Booker Minerals (PBM) is developing the Morrison Project, a porphyry copper/gold mineral deposit on east Morrison Lake, and is located just 35 km north of Granisle.
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The project is still in the Pre-Application stage of the BC Environmental Assessment process. Erik Tornquist, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating officer of PBM, told the Lakes District News, “We are not at the licensing stage yet, there is an environmental assessment required to obtain a certificate which can then be followed by a permit.”
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“First we have to do a feasibility study which is a technical and financial evaluation of the project. What we have to ensure is that the level of detail in the study is sufficient for the agencies that issue permits to base their decision on. If the feasibility study is successful then we can enter the engineering phase which will lead us to construction.” This study is expected to be completed in November 2007. Once the permits are issued, construction could begin in mid 2008.
The Village of Granisle is the closest community where mine employees could reside. Services in the village include a library, post office, medical centre, elementary and secondary school, and RCMP Station. PBM estimated that 450 people will be required during the construction phase, with about 220 people working in the mine.
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Houses in Granisle. |
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The planning of the route to deliver the ore from the mine to the port has yet to be decided. Either the ore will be barged across Babine Lake and head south from Granisle to Hwy 16 or will be trucked north along on the Morrison Lake FSR and join Hwy 16 at Hazelton. Obviously, Granisle is hoping for the former option.
The company plans to mill 30,000 tons of ore a day to produce around 155,000 tons of concentrate per year. The mine is expected to last approximately 16 years with production starting in late 2009.
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Granisle is 49 km from Highway 16. |
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The real estate market in Granisle has seen modest movement in the past year. BC Assessment noted that the assessment of a typical single family home rose 3% from 2005 to 2006. Their overall assessment roll rose from $10.6 million last year to $11.73 million this year, an increase of about 11%. Landcor data also shows that in the Village of Granisle over the past year, only 19 single family dwellings sold and there were no sales of vacant properties over two acres. However, the offerings are limited. Landcor reports only 188 single family homes and 9 vacant properties over two acres exist.
These are exciting times for the Village of Granisle. Located just 48 km (30 miles) away are NIHO’s Topley Estates. Connected to the area by paved road, and with power located to the property, this would make a good home base for anyone wishing to live in the area.
Click here
for more information.
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For More Information:
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Pacific Booker Minerals
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Village of Granisle
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Lakes District News
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