OTTAWA, July 29, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, today announced that the proposed Whabouchi Mining Project in Quebec, located 30 kilometres from Nemaska and 280 kilometres north-northwest of Chibougamau, is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.
In her environmental assessment Decision Statement, the Minister has set out legally binding conditions, which include mitigation measures and follow-up requirements, which must be fulfilled by the proponent throughout the life of the project.
In reaching her decision, the Minister considered the Environmental Assessment Report that includes the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency's (the Agency) conclusions and recommendations on the potential environmental effects of the project, the proposed mitigation measures, the significance of any remaining adverse environmental effects, and the follow-up program.
As part of the strengthened and modernized Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 put in place to support the government's Responsible Resource Development Initiative, the Agency conducted a federal environmental assessment of this project using a science-based approach.
As the Project proceeds to the next phase, it will continue to be subject to Canada's strong environmental laws, rigorous enforcement and follow-up, and fines for non-compliance.
Quick Facts
- Nemaska Lithium Inc. intends to construct, operate and decommission an open-pit surface and underground spodumene mine for the purpose of producing lithium. The project includes the operation of an open-pit and underground mine, a waste and tailings impoundment area, an ore concentrator, administrative and maintenance buildings. The mine would have a production capacity of approximately 3,000 tonnes per day over an estimated mine life of 26 years.
- More information on this project is available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry website, reference number 80021.
- 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.
Associated Links
- Whabouchi Mining Project (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency)
- Basics of Environmental Assessment (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency)
- Responsible Resource Development (Canada's Economic Action Plan)
SOURCE Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Ted Laking, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of the Environment, 819-997-1441; Maja Graham, Communications Advisor, Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, 613-960-1519, [email protected] ; Follow us on Twitter: @CEAA_ACEE
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