Sio Silica sand mining project kiboshed by Manitoba government – Winnipeg [Video]

After saying yes to one silica sand project this week, the Manitoba government is saying no to the Sio Silica sand extraction project, planned for the RM of Springfield.

The Alberta-based company planned to extract silica sand through more than 1,000 wells south of Vivian, Man., but was met with opposition — voted down by the municipal council twice.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said the decision was Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt’s after analyzing data provided by experts, including a report by the Clean Environment Commission (CEC), and a consultation with impacted communities.

“After taking the time and doing our due diligence, our government has come to the decision that the risks of this proposal outweigh any potential benefits,” Kinew said, adding that the decision was made for health and environmental reasons.

Kinew said the CEC report pointed to a number of serious environmental concerns with the project, …