Slatco,
Yes, I understand the bonding requirement for use of ANY chemicals in Canada. That's a problem.
Governments and Regulatory agencies must use discretion in controls applied to miners. It is understood that the use of "hazardous" chemicals is a matter of social concern. SALT is not listed as a hazardous chemical in any jurisdiction that I know of outside of Canada. To restrict the use of ALL chemicals is not rational. Yes, it is possible that a miner might release SALT into a freshwater source. The fact that SALT is everywhere in the environment doesn't matter. "YOUR" salt requires regulation and is subject to bonding to mitigate the potential cleanup of any possible errant salt that gets into the environment.
Mining is a business. Even recreational mining comes as a cost/benefit calculation for miners. When we enter into this business of mining, we obligate ourselves to the responsibility of designing (creating out of thin air) a process that excludes any possible harm to the environment. That unfortunately comes at a cost. Miners have to begin a process of looking at the mineral resource and taking a pencil in hand to calculate the cost versus revenue just as you would in any other business venture. If the numbers don't work out - move on.
If you live in Canada, I can safely assume you live closer to Alaska than I do. I live 50 miles from the US-Mexico border! Canadians mine in Alaska for many reasons. One reason being the mining friendly jurisdiction. I elected to mine in Alaska even though it is 3000 miles from home because of the modest regulatory climate, including reasonable management of the mining process. Much of the DOMAIN in ALASKA is controlled by and under ownership of the State of Alaska. That avoids the excess regulation and Federal Government over-reach.
My advice is "follow the path of least resistance".
- Geowizard
