In June, more than 80 residents from the Cherry Creek area visited New Afton to take part in an engaging and informative open house. The event provided an opportunity for residents to connect directly with mine staff, explore interactive displays, and gain a deeper understanding of the mine’s operations.
“One of the key questions they asked was about how we manage our tailings facility to ensure safety and stability,” said David Igbinedion, a Tailings Engineer at New Afton Mine. “It was rewarding to have an honest conversation about the safeguards in place and to see how much they care about understanding our operations.”
“The staff were friendly and very informative. All the stations were well represented.”
– Attendee
Held in the mine’s Emergency Services Building, attendees were able to move between different stations, each covering topics like tailings management, safety protocols, environmental monitoring, community initiatives, and more. The event aimed to answer questions and build understanding of the operation for those living near the mine site.
“Our goal was to create an open and welcoming space where residents could ask questions, share their concerns, and see firsthand the work we’re doing,” said Elsa Poppleton, New Afton’s Community Relations Coordinator. “The conversations we had demonstrated the value of these connections and the effectiveness of our engagement approach in fostering trust and understanding within the community.”
Attendees were invited to complete a feedback survey following the event, providing New Afton with feedback and suggestions that will help shape both future events and how the mine engages with neighbours.
“Thank you for letting us get a better glimpse into the mine! It was super informative.”
– Attendee
