Mr. Malcolm Dorsey reports
TORR METALS TAKES BC GOVERNMENT TO COURT OVER LATHAM EXPLORATION PERMIT DENIAL IN BC'S GOLDEN TRIANGLE
Torr Metals Inc. has initiated judicial review proceedings in B.C. Supreme Court, challenging the denial of an exploration permit for the company's Latham copper project, located in Northern B.C.'s prolific "Golden Triangle."
Torr applied for its exploration permit in early 2022 following early engagement with the Tahltan Nation, spending approximately $2.84-million in exploration and community relations on the project. After many months of further constructive discussions, and the signing of two separate agreements with the Tahltan Nation, the Tahltan position suddenly changed and the permit was denied.
In its petition Torr alleges, among other things, that the government decision-maker failed to adhere to relevant legal principles following consultation with the Tahltan Nation, allowing them to determine the outcome, and did not undertake the balancing of interests that the Supreme Court of Canada requires.
"We did not want to end up in court but are profoundly concerned with how the permitting process is currently operating in northern British Columbia," said Malcolm Dorsey, president and chief executive officer. "It stands in stark contrast to what we have experienced elsewhere in Canada, including our Filion project in Northern Ontario, where we recently received our exploration permit."
Rich in critical minerals potential the Latham project has a long history of exploration dating back to the 1890s that includes the discovery of the Gnat Pass copper porphyry deposit located adjacent to Highway 37, recently slated for significant highway upgrades as part of a $195-million investment by the Province and Energy and Natural Resources Canada. The Latham permit denial came unexpectedly after draft permit conditions had already been shared with the company and at a time when the need to supply critical minerals, such as copper, are increasingly in demand for clean energy technologies and infrastructure development.
"The government of British Columbia frequently discusses the need for critical minerals, but its actions don't align with its words," added Mr. Dorsey. "It casts serious doubts on the stability and fairness of the exploration landscape in the region if a company like ours, which has strictly followed all protocols and made substantial accommodations for first nations, can be denied without proper justification."
In June, 2023, Torr also made an access request under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The original 30-day legislative time frame has been extended by the government three separate times, and the materials are still being withheld 400 days later.
Torr is represented by McMillan LLP. A copy of the petition is posted on the Torr website.
In order to pursue other interests, Ewan Webster has also stepped down from his role as a director of the company, effective immediately. The company thanks him for his contributions and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
About Torr Metals Inc.
Torr Metals, based in Vancouver, is committed to advancing its 100-per-cent-owned, district-scale projects in highly accessible mining regions of Canada. Focused on critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies, particularly copper, each project benefits from excellent existing infrastructure, year-round drilling potential and low-cost development opportunities.
We seek Safe Harbor.
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