Abrupt end to Robertson headframe talks surprises Miramar

The company responsible for the cleanup of Con Mine saysitmet all thedemands the N.W.T. governmentrequired to preserve the Robertsonheadframe, only to have the government unexpectedly end negotiations without a deal.

The headframe, which was built in the mid-1970s, supported an elevator that carried miners to and from work undergroundand lifted ore outwhen the Con gold mine was operating. At 76 metres, the headframe is the tallest structure in the Northwest Territories and has become an iconic Yellowknife landmark.

Some Yellowknifers have campaigned toturn the headframe into a monument or tourist attraction.

"Following several months of discussions, we believed the revised agreement met all of theGNWT'sdemands and the agreement was therefore acceptable to both parties," said Scott Stringer, a general manager with Miramar Northern Mining Ltd., by email.

"Despite this, on July28, theGNWTnotified the company of their decision to discontinue the discussions regarding preservation of the structure."

Stringer declinedto do an interview.

In the email, hesaid the GNWTaskedthe company enter this latest round ofnegotiations. He said Miramarmade it clear to the territorial government that,"the purpose of any new discussions must be to conclude an agreement between the parties that met the requirements necessary to preserve the Robertson headframe."

In a July 29news release, the territorial government said, "Confidential discussions between the GNWT and Miramar have now concluded and the GNWT has determined that a suitable agreement could not be reached."

On Aug. 3,Robert C. McLeod, the minister of Lands, revealed that cabinet was concerned about passing theliability for thestructure onto future governments. He estimated the potential liability fordemolition costs and environmental cleanup at $2 million.

Stringer saidMiramar has worked in good faith over the past five to six years to preserve the headframe, but now has no further alternatives.

"The company is forced to move forward with the demolition of the structure," Stringer said.