Uranium mining in B.C. has been dead since 1980, when Bill Bennett's Socred government imposed a seven-year moratorium, citing health risks. Although the moratorium lapsed more almost 20 years ago, no companies have attempted to go ahead. But rising prices, fueled in part by demand in China, have sparked new interest in B.C. Deposits.

The Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility, which is part of the Uranium Free B.C. Coalition, oppose uranium mining.  Uranium emits a radon gas which can leak into the watershed.  Radon is the largest cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and high levels can more than double risks of lung cancer in smokers and non-smokers.  Little radon is actually released in the mining process, but the very spectre of an uranium mine could affect perception of the Big White alpine resort environment. 

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The mineral rights to the Blizzard deposit, located less than 50 kilometres from Kelowna, are owned by Boss Power Corp., which applied for a work permit three days before the province announced a B.C.-wide moratorium on uranium development.  The Blizzard deposit is by far the largest in the province. A consortium including Norcen Energy and Ontario Hydro had announced plans for a mine when the moratorium was imposed. Sparton and Santoy plan to employ "low environmental impact, in-situ solution mining," the companies said in a release. The method is the most widely used system in uranium mines today. A liquid is pumped through the deposits, leaching out uranium, which is then extracted. The companies are paying $450,000 in cash, plus shares, to acquire the claim. They are also committing to a $1.5-million development program

But they face some tough hurdles. Karen Wristen of the Society Promoting Environmental Conservation says a ban on uranium mining should be reinstated. "Mining carries risks for people who do the work and to the environment", she said. "It's not speculative," Wristen said. "It's a very real danger." Green party Leader Adriane Carr also supports a ban. "British Columbians, justifiably worried about the deadly effects of uranium on their health and the health of their environment, fought hard in the past to stop uranium mining," she said. "They'll mobilize to fight again." Government officials weren't available to comment. Uranium mining is booming around the world, fuelled by prices that have almost tripled in the last three year.