A potential copper mine being considered in Grass River Provincial Park is an “assault” on Manitoba’s parks, a local environment group says.

In a Winnipeg Free Press report, the Wilderness Committee fears a proposed underground copper mine in the park is near provincial approval despite a 25,000-strong petition opposing industrial development in provincial parks.

Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting Co. Limited is eyeing the mine at Reed Lake, about 91 kilometres southeast of Flin Flon. The 50-person camp would produce 1,300 tonnes per day. The province says the park is on “one of the most prolific mining belts in Canada,” and that the mine is being built on an exploration site and will be subject to environmental review before any approval. The deadline for public input on the project is Feb. 19.