Shell’s Jackpine mine expansion project gets nod

The Joint Review Panel has recommend approval of Shell’s Jackpine mine expansion project. “We see from this approval that the JRP has prioritized oil industry profits before the health and well-being of our community and the environment. It’s truly appalling,” said Eriel Deranger, communication coordinator for the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, in a news release. In a 413-page report, the province’s energy regulator listed 88 recommendations and 22 conditions for both the government and the company. The expansion will mean an increase of daily oil production capacity by 100,000 barrels to a total of 300,000 barrels and space for new mining and processing facilities along the east side of the Athabasca River, about 70 km north of Fort McMurray. ACFN, the Mikisew Cree, local non-status Indians, the Métis Nation of Alberta and several Métis locals all argued they had not been adequately consulted by Shell Canada. They also argued that the project violated their constitutional rights, threatening an area which is a culturally significant waterway for traditional practices. “We appreciate that the panel heard many of our concerns and created many non-binding recommendations ….  Unfortunately, many of the panel’s recommendations are likely to continue to fall upon deaf government ears,” said ACFN Chief Allan Adam.