Sio Silica plans to try again with controversial project in Manitoba

Sio Silica is planning to try again with a controversial mining project in the same spot using the same method that the province rejected less than a year ago, but this time with more community engagement.

Sio Silica is planning to try again with a controversial mining project in the same spot using the same method that the province rejected less than a year ago, but this time with more community engagement.

Feisal Somji, the president and CEO of the Alberta-based mining company, said in an interview with CTV News that his company is hoping to submit a new proposal for a silica sand project in the new year.

“We've never left Manitoba. We've always been here. We do want to proceed with the new application when the timing is right,” he said.

In February, the province rejected a proposal from Sio Silica to set up a mining operation in an area near Vivian, Man.

Manitoba’s premier and environment minister said the environmental concerns outweighed ‘uncertain’ economic benefits.

“The technology that Sio is proposing to use is a new method of extraction. With this unproven approach, we cannot guarantee the safety of drinking water for future generations in this part of Manitoba,” Kinew said at the time.

“For these reasons, we are saying no to Sio and refusing the license today.”