Mosaic Forest Management is closing pubic access to the historic Tyee mine site on Mount Sicker while professionals investigate the risks associated with a partially collapsed shaft, a statement posted to the company’s website said Wednesday.

“Out of an abundance of caution, the area has been closed to public access effective immediately until the safety hazard has been addressed,” the statement said.

“Public safety is our priority. We are working closely with local authorities, the Province and other experts to determine next steps and ensure the site is made as safe as possible before reopening to the public.

“We recognize that Mount Sicker is a popular destination for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, and other recreational users, and we appreciate the community's patience and understanding as we work through this.

“We ask that all visitors respect the gates, signage and public closures in the area. These measures are in place for your safety.”

(The statement: https://www.mosaicforests.com/news-views/public-safety-notice-mount-sicker )

When sixmountains.ca visited the Tyee site on Feb. 10 the shaft location was a relatively minor depression in the ground. But during a visit Tuesday the site featured a crater-sized hole close to 10 metres deep — with the prospect of it getting bigger.

Sasquatch Resources, which hopes to rework the Tyee’s waste pile, first learned of the problem last Friday and immediately notified the province, Mosaic and others.

The company also installed a temporary fence around the site.

The Tyee site is within Mosaic's private forest lands, but Sasquatch Resources has mineral rights.

Mosaic describes itself as "Canadian owned and backed by public service pension funds...."

Sasquatch Resources: https://sasquatchresources.com/

In his book about Mount Sicker’s mining history, Riches to Ruin, Cowichan Valley historian T.W. Paterson wrote that the main shaft of the Tyee mine “once descended 1,200 feet into the ground.”

Sasquatch Resources says that based on historic mining documents the depth could be closer to 1,500 feet.

The company has applied for a mining permit from the province. If successful, Sasquatch pledges to “address the hazards” on the site, including the mine shaft.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals said in a written statement that the Tyee is a "historic mine site that predates current legislation, therefore was never permitted.”

The ministry added that "on private land, responsibility for site management and associated hazards rests with the landowner and/or tenure holder.”

Under B.C.’s Mines Act and the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code, where mine activities are authorized, operators are required to make mine openings safe to protect public safety and the environment, the ministry said.