Donkin Export Coking Coal Project - Federal Funding Allocated to Participate in the Environmental Assessment

OTTAWA, Feb. 14, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) has allocated a total of $14,301 to two applicants to support their participation in the federal environmental assessment of the proposed Donkin Export Coking Coal Project (the Project) in Nova Scotia. The recipients are: Sierra Club Canada (Atlantic Canada Chapter) and Ecology Action Centre.

This funding is allocated through the Participant Funding Program administered by the Agency and is intended to support public participation in upcoming steps of the comprehensive study process, including the review of the Comprehensive Study Report.

A funding review committee, independent of the environmental assessment process, was established to assess the funding requests. The Funding Review Committee's report, along with further information on the Project, is available on the Agency's website at www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca registry number 11-03-63924).

Xstrata Coal Donkin Management Limited's proposed project consists of the construction, operation and decommissioning of an underground coal mine facility at the site of the existing Donkin Mine located on the northeastern tip of Cape-Breton in Nova Scotia. The mine would have a lifespan of 30 plus years and extract approximately 3.6 million tonnes of coal per year. The Project also includes a coal handling and processing plant that would be constructed to produce coal ready for transfer to a new barge loading facility. The coal would be loaded onto a barge, moved by tug to a new transshipment location, and loaded into ocean going vessels.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the federal environmental assessment process, which identifies the environmental effects of proposed projects and measures to address those effects, in support of sustainable development.

media may contact:

Céline Legault
Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Tel.: [phone]