GOLD MINING EXPLORATION RETURNS TO UNIACKE GOLD MINES

As if the residents of Cockscomb Lake and Uniacke Mines Road haven't already had enough to deal with in the ongoing "sweepstakes" surrounding the Rogers Brothers Uniacke Quarry Expansion, another potential industrial environment related concern has emerged.

Claimstaker Perry MacKinnon brought in Playfair Mining Ltd. To conduct several exploration drilling tests in and around the Little West Lake area, located within the historic Uniacke gold mine lands in the hills above the end of Uniacke Mines Road.

Many local residents are familiar with the old access road that has existed for decades and eventually connects through to Beamish Road. This route has long been used by area residents for hiking, four wheeling, recreational access, and travel between the East Uniacke / Lewis Lake area and the Cockscomb Lake region.

One of the major concerns arising from the recent 10-plus-day drilling operation was the decision by Mr. MacKinnon and his team to restrict access to the area while the work was underway. While some parcels of land in the area are privately owned, there are also long standing residents living in older cabins and structures further up the hill who have used these routes for many years.

Without advance public notice, access was suddenly restricted. Security personnel were station at the entrance to the trail throughout the drilling operation, and individuals were prevented from proceeding beyond that point unless they were associated with the Playfair Mining activities. It remains unclear whether anyone attempting to access the area from the opposite direction was similarly restricted or permitted passage.

A significant point of frustration for many residents was the lack of transparency surrounding the activity. The broader community was not made aware of the drilling operation until several days after it had already begun, whether residents attempting to use the trail to return to their cabins discovered that access had been blocked.

Many local residents believe this long-established route functions as a public access corridor, despite crossing through various private land parcels. Beyond recreational use, it is undoubtedly a long standing provincial fire acdess road - one that may require maintenance and upgrades but nevertheless serves an important purpose for the community.

Concerns regarding this latest industrial activity were brought forward to local representatives, including the MLA and district municipal officials, however, the limited response and apparent lack of engagement from those in positions of responsibility have left many residents questioning whether their concerns are being taken seriously.

For a community already navigating uncertainty surrounding major industrial proposals in the area, the sudden restriction of access to a long-used route has only added to the growing frustration and concern about transparency, public consultation, and the future of these lands.

What may new age Gold Mining bring to an already busy and environmentally sensitive area?

The main concerns are clear because they are really the heart of our community again: 1. Lack of transparency - basic questions were asked about permit, environmental safeguards and operating procedures, and communication apparently stopped the strongest concern. 2. Road closure and public safety - The closure appears to have happened with little public notice. 3. Road closure and public safety - The traffic control observed seems inadequate for an active drilling operation. 4. Environment protection - Particularly surface water and groundwater, given the proximity to Little West Lake and the broader watershed. This deserves more emphasis than it currently is getting. 5. What happens if gold is actually found - this is the bigger picture issue. Exploration itself may be relatively limited but a commercially viable deposit could potentially lead to much larger scale activity, with, with implications for roads, blasting, noise, dust, water, traffic, wildlife and nearby properties. 6. Community involvement - the question isn't simply "Are they allowed to drill?" It's also - "What are the rules, who approved this, and when does the community get a meaningful opportunity to know what is happening?"

AND THEN THERE'S THE BIGGER ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTION - The drilling itself isn't necessarily the biggest concern: "It's what the drilling is looking for and what happens if they find it?" If exploration identifies an economically viable gold deposit, the environmental questions become dramatically larger: mine footprint - forest clearing - roads - blatsing - waste rock/tailing - water management - groundwater - surface-water protection - long-term monitoring - eventual closure and reclamation. And gold exploration can sometimes involve additional converns depending on the geology and proposal extraction methods, including acid-generating rock, metals mobilized from exposed rock, and long-term water quality impacts.

THE KEY ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS HERE: 1. Surface-water contamination * drill sites may be close to Little West Lake streams, wetlands or drainage channels * sediment from cleared areas, roads and drilling pads can wash into waterways * drilling fluids, duels, lubricants or other material need to be properly contained * a spill could be particularly problematic if drainage connects to the lake

2. Groundwater - This is one I'd emphasize given the location. Core drilling penetrates below the surface and can potentially encounter groundwater bearing formations. Questions include: * could drilling connect different groundwater zones? * are boreholes properly scaled when abandoned? * could contaminated surface water enter the borehole? * is there something for changes to groundwater conditions?

3. Drilling fluids and drill cuttings - Depending on the drilling methods, water and drilling additives may be circulated through the boreholes. Cuttings and drillings water need to be contained and managed rather than simply is charged onto the ground.

4. Fuel and chemical spills - A drill rig, support vehicles and generators introduce diesel, hydraulic fluids, oils and other potential contaminants into an otherwise relatively undeveloped area. The important question isn't whether spills will happen but what spill-prevention and emergency-response measures are in place.

5. Clearing and disturbance - Even exploratory drilling can involve: *clearing vegetation *widening or improving access trails * constructing drill pads *moving heavy equipment * disturbing soils * potentially damaging wetlands or wildlife habitat.

The cumulative disturbance becomes more significant if multiple drill sites are involved.

6. Erosion and sedimentation - This may actually be one of the more immediate concerns. Heavy equipment travelling on an existing trail can disturb soil and create damage problems. During heavy rai, exposed soil can send sediment downhills into the streams and ultimately the lake.

7. Wildlife and Habitat - Noise, machinery, vehicles, traffic and vegetation clearing can disturb wildlife. If exploration expands, the footprint can increase considerably.

8. Noise and Quality - core drilling isn't comparable to an open-pit mine, but drill rigs, generators and heavy vehicles create noise and potentially diesel emissions. For residents and recreational users, duration and hours of operations matter.

9. What happens to the drill holes afterward? - This is an often overlooked issue. Once drilling is finished, bore holes generally need to be properly decommissioned / sealed according to applicable requirements - otherwise, they can potentially become pathways for surface contaminants to enter groundwater or for groundwater zones to interact.

***THE BIGGER QUESTION*** WHAT ARE WE WILLING TO RISK?

The return of gold exploration to the historic Uniacke Gold Mines area raises questions that go far beyond a few drill holes in the woods. Exploration may be temporary, but the decisions made today could shape the future of this area for decades. The hills above Uniacke Mines Road, Little West Lake, Cockscomb Lake, and the surrounding watershed represents more than just mineral potential - they are part of a living ecosystem that supports residents, wildlife, groundwater systems, and recreational users who have valued these lands for generations. The concern is not simply that drilling is taking place. The concern is whether the proper safeguards, monitoring, transparency, and community consultation are in place before industrial activity expands further into an environmentally sensitive area. History has shown that the true impacts of resource development are not always visible at the beginning. A drill pad in the forest may seem minor, but it represents the first step in a much larger process. If a viable gold deposit is discovered, the conversation changes from exploration to development--------bringing with it the potential for expanded roads, increased traffic, blasting, noise, habitat disruption, waste management challenges, and long-term impacts on surface water and groundwater.

For communities already facing significant concerns related to industrial expansion, the question is not whether economic opportunities should be considered. The question is whether those opportunities can occur without compromising the environmental health and character of the place we call home.

The residents of this area deserve clear answers, meaningful involvement, and confidence that protecting our lakes, forests, groundwater and future generations is being treated as the priority -- not an afterthought because once an ecosystem is damaged, once groundwater is compromised, or once a watershed is altered, restoration is so often difficult, expensive and sometimes impossible.

The time to ask the hard questions is before the first shovel goes into the ground ---not after the damage has been done.

A significant point of frustration for many residents was the lack of transparency surrounding this activity. The broader community was not made aware of the drilling operation until several days after it had already begun, when residents attemptingto use the trail to return to their cabins discovered that the access had been blocked.

Many local residents believe this long-established route functions as a public access corridor, despite crossing through various private land and parcels. Beyond recreational use, it is undoubtedly a long-standing provincial fire access road - one that may require maintenance and upgrades but nevertheless functions as a public access corridor, despite crossing through various private and parcels. Beyond recreational uses, it is undoubtedly a long-standing provincial fire access road --one that may require maintenance and upgrades, but nevertheless serves an important purpose for the community.

For a community already navigating uncertainty surrounding major industrial proposal in the area, the sudden restriction of access to a long-used route has only added to the growing frustration and concern about transparency, public consultation, and the future of these lands.

What may new age Gold Mining Bring to an already Busy and Environmentally Sensitive area.

The main concerns are clear, because they are really the heart of our community again.

1. Lack of transparency - basic questions were asked about permit, environmental safeguards and operating procedures, and communication apparently stopped. The strongest concern!!!!!

2. Road closure and public safety - the closure appears to have happened with little public notice, and the traffic control observed seems inadequate for an active drilling operation.

3. Environmental Protection - Particularly surface water and groundwater, given the proximity to Little West Lake and the broader watershed. This deserves more emphasis than it currently is getting.

4. Particularly surface water and groundwater, given the proximity to Little West Lake and the broader watershed. This deserves more emphasis than it currently is getting.

5. What happens if gold is actually found - This is the bigger-picture issue. Exploration itself may be relatively limited, but commercial viable deposit could potentially lead to much larger scale activity, with implications for roads, blasting, noise, dust, water, traffic, wildlife and nearby properties.

6. Community involvement - The questions isn't simply "Are they allowed to drill?" It's also "What are the rules, who approved this, and when does the community get a meaningful opportunity to get a meaningful opportunity to know what is happening?"

AND THEN THERE'S THE BIGGER ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTION

The drilling itself isn't necessarily the biggest concern.

It's what the drilling is looking for and what happens if they find it?

If exploration identifies an economically viable gold deposit, the environment questions become dramatically larger.

**mine footprint - forest cleaning - roads - blasting - waste rock / tailing - water management - groundwater - surface-water protection - long-term monitoring - eventual closure and reclamation.

And gold exploration can sometimes involve additional concerns depending onthe geology and proposed extraction method, including acid generating rocks, metals mobilized from exposed rock, and long-term negative water quality impact.

THE KEY ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS HERE:

The return of gold exploration to the historic Uniacke Gold Mines area raises questions that go far beyond a few drill holes in the woods.

Exploration may be temporary, but the decision made today could shape the future of the area for decades. The hills above Uniacke Mines Road, Little West Lake, Cockscomb Lake, and the surrounding watershed represent more than just mineral potential - they are part of a living ecosystem that supports residents, wildlife, groundwater systems and recreational users who have valued the land for generations.

The concern is not simply that drilling is taking place. The concern is whether the proper safeguards, monitoring transparency and community consultation are in place before industrial activity.

History has shown that the true impacts of resource development are not always visible at the beginning. A drill pad in the forest may seem minor, but it represents the first step in a much larger process. If a viable gold deposit is discovered, the conversation changes from exploration to development -- bringing with it the potential for expanded roads, increased traffic, blasting, noise, habitat disruption, waste management challenges, and long-term impacts on surface water and groundwater.

For communities already facing significant concerns related to industrial expansion, the question is not whether economic opportunity should be considered. The question is whether those opportunities can occur without compromising the environmental health and character of the place we call home.

The residents of this area deserve clear answers, meaningful involvement, and confidence that protecting our lakes, forests, groundwater and future generations is being treated as the priority -- not an afterthought -- because once an ecosystem is damaged, once groundwater is compromised, or once a watershed is altered, restoration is often difficult, expensive and sometimes impossible.

The time to ask the hard question is before the first shovel goes into the ground -- not after the damage has been done.

While some parcels of lane in the area are privately owned, there are also long-standing residents living in older cabins and structures further in up the hill who have used these routes for many years.

Without advance public notice, access was suddenly restricted. Security persons were stationed at the entrance to their trail throughout the drilling operation and individuals were prevented from proceeding beyond the point unless they were associated with Playfair Mining activities. The area from the opposite direction was similarly restricted or permitted passage.

A significant point of frustration for many residents was the lack of transparency surrounding this activity. The broader community was not made aware of the drilling operation until several days after. The area from the opposite direction was similarly restricted or permitted passage.

There were several restrictions put in place as a public access corridor, despite allowed crossing through various private access corridors. Beyond recreational use, it is undoubtedly a longstanding provincial fire access road - one that may require maintenance and upgrades but nevertheless serves an important purpose for the community.

Concerns regarding the latest industrial activity were brought forward to local representatives, including the MLA and district municipal officials. However, the limited response and apparent lack of engagement from those positions of responsibility have left many residents questioning whether their concerns are being taken seriously.

For a community already navigating uncertainty surrounding major industrial proposals in the area, the sudden restriction of access to a long used route has only added to the growing frustration and concern about transparency, public consultations, and the future of these lands.

What may new-age Gold mining bring to an already Busy and Environmentally Sensitive area.

The main concerns are clear, because they are really the heart of our community again: 1. Lack of transparency - basic questions were asked about permits, environmental safeguards and operating procedures, and communication apparently stopped. The wrong concern. Road closure and public safety - The closure appears to have happened with little public notice, and the traffic control observed seems inadequate for an active drilling operation. 2. Environmental protection - Particularly surface water and groundwater, given the proximity to Little West Lake and the broader watershed. This deserves more emphasis than it currently is getting. 3. What happens if gold is actually found? - This is the bigger-picture issue. Exploration itself may be relatively limited, but a commercially viable deposit could potentially lead to a much larger scale activity, with implications for road blasting, noise, dust, water, traffic, wildlife and nearby properties much larger scale activity with implications for road blasting, noise, dust, water, traffic, wildlife and nearby properties. 4. Community involvement.....the question isn't simply "Are they allowed to drill?" It is also "What are the rules, who approved this, and when does the community get a meaningful opportunity to know what is happening?"

AND THEN THERE'S THE BIGGER ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTION The drilling itself isn't necessarily the biggest concern. It's what the drilling is looking for and what happens if they find it?

If exploration identifies an economically viable gold deposit, the environment questions become dramatically larger. ***mine footprint -- forest clearing -- roads -- blasting -- waste rock/tailing water management -- groundwater -- surface-water protection -- long-term monitoring -- eventual closure and reclamation.

WHAT MAY NEW AGE GOLD MINING BRING TO AN ALREADY BUSY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREA?

The main concerns are clear, because they are really the heart of our community again. 1. Lack of transparency - basic questions were asked about permits, environmental safeguards and operating procedures, and communication apparently stopped. The strongest concern. 2. Road closure and public safety - The closure appears to have happened with little public notice, and the traffic control observed seems inadequate for an active drilling operating. 3. Options as a public access corridor, despite crossing through various private land parcels, is definitely NOT acceptable. Beyond recreational use, it is undoubtedly a longstanding provincial fire access road - one that may require maintenance and upgrades but nevertheless serves an important purpose for the community.

Concerns regarding this latest industrial activity were brought forward to local representatives, including the MLA and District Municipal officials, however, the limited response and apparent lack of engagement from those in positions of responsibility have left many residents questioning whether their concerns are being taken seriously.

Road closure and public safety - The closure appears to have happened with little public notice, and the traffic control observed seems inadequate for an active drilling operation.

* Environmental protection -- Particularly surface water and groundwater, given the proximity to Little West Lake and the broader watershed. This deserves more emphasis than it currently is getting. What happens if gold is actually found -- this is the bigger-picture issue. Exploration itself may be relatively limited but a commercially viable deposit could potentially lead to much larger-scale activity, with implications for roads, blasting, noise, dust, water, traffic, wildlife and nearby properties.

* Sensitive Areas -- Community involvement - The question isn't simply "Are they allowed to drill?" It's also "What are the rules who approved this, and when does the community get a meaningful opportunity to know what is happening?"

AND THEN THERE'S THE BIGGER ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTION

The drilling itself isn't necessarily the biggest concern. It's what the drilling is looking for and what happens if they find it.

If exploration identifies an economically viable gold deposit, the environment questions become dramatically larger. mine footprint--forest clearing--roads--blasting--waste rock/tailings-- water protection--long-term monitoring--eventual closure & reclamation

And gold exploration can sometimes involve additional concerns depending on the geology and proposed extraction method, including acid-generating rock, metals mobilized from exposed rock, and long-term water-quality impacts.

THE KEY ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS HERE

1. Surface-water contamination" * Drill sites may be close to Little West Lake streams, wetlands or drainage channels. * Sediment from cleared areas, roads and drilling pads can wash into waterways. * Drilling fluids, fuels, lubricants or other materials need to be properly contained * A spill could be particularly problematic if drainage connects to the lake

2. Groundwater" - This is one I'd emphasize given the location. Core drilling penetrates below the surface and can potentially encounter groundwater bearing formations.

QUESTIONS INCLUDE: * Could drilling connect different groundwater zones? * Are boreholes properly sealed when abandoned? * Could contaminated surface water enter the borehole? * Is there monitoring for changes to groundwater conditions?

3. Drilling fluids and drill cuttings: Depending on the drilling method, water and drilling additives may be circulated through the borehole. Cuttings and drilling water need to be contained and managed rather than simply discharged onto the ground.

4. Fuel and chemical spills: A drill rig, support vehicles and generators introduce diesel, hydraulic fluids, oils and other potential contaminants into an otherwise relatively undeveloped area.

The important question isn't whether spills WILL happen, but WHAT SPILL-PREVENTION AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE MEASURES ARE IN PLACE.

5. Clearing and disturbance. Even exploratory drilling can involve * clearing vegetation * widening or improving access trails * constructing drill pads * moving heavy equipment * disturbing soil * potentially damaging wetlands or wildlife habitat The cumulative disturbance becomes more significant if multiple drill sites are involved.

6. Erosion and sedimentation: This may actually be one of the more immediate concerns. Heavy equipment travelling on an existing trail can disturb soil and create drainage problems. During heavy rain, exposed soil can send sediment downhill into streams and ultimately the lake.

7. Wildlife and Habitat: Noise, machinery, vehicle traffic and vegetation clearing can disturb wildlife. If exploration expands, the footprint can increase considerably.

8. Noise and air quality: Core drilling isn't comparable to an open-pit mine, but drill rigs, generators and heavy vehicles created noise and potentially diesel emissions. For residents and recreational users, duration and hours of operation mater.

9. What happens to the drill holes afterward?: This is an often-overlooked issue. Once drilling is finished, boreholes generally need to be properly decommissioned/sealed according to applicable requirements. Otherwise, they can potentially become contaminants to enter groundwater or for groundwater zones to interact.

The Bigger Question ----What are we Willing to Risk? The return of gold exploration to the historic Uniacke Gold Mines area raises questions that go far beyond a few drill holes in the woods.

Exploration may be temporary, but the decisions made today could shape the future of this area for decades. The hills above Uniacke Mines Road, Little West Lake, Cockscomb Lake and the surrounding watershed represent more than just mineral potential - they are part of a living ecosystem that supports residents, wildlife, groundwater systems and recreational users who have valued these lands for generations.

The concern is not simply that drilling is taking place. The concern is whether the proper safeguards, monitoring, transparency, and community consultation are in place before industrial activity expands further into an environmentally sensitive area.

History has shown that the true impacts of resource development are not always visible at the beginning. A drill pad in the forest may seem minor, but it represents the first step in a much larger process. If a viable gold deposit is discovered, the conversation changes from exploration to development ---- bringing with it the potential for expanded roads, increase traffic, blasting, noise, habitat disruption, waste management challenges, and long-term impacts on surface water and groundwater.

The residents of this area deserve clear answers, meaningful involvement, and confidence that protecting our lakes, forests, groundwater, and future generations in being treated as the priority --not an afterthought.

Because once an ecosystem is damaged, once groundwater is compromised, or once a watershed is altered, restoration is often difficult, expensive, and sometimes impossible.

THE TIME TO ASK THE HARD QUESTIONS IS BEFORE THE FIRST SHOVEL GOES INTO THE GROUND ---NOT AFTER THE DAMAGE HAS BEEN DONE.