Fire Lake North Iron Ore Project - Federal Funding Allocated to Participate in the Environmental Assessment

OTTAWA, March 27, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency has allocated a total of $128,355.46 to seven applicants to support their participation in the federal environmental assessment of the proposed Fire Lake North Iron Ore Project located in Quebec. Funding was made available to Aboriginal groups and the public.

This funding is allocated through the Participant Funding Program administered by the Agency to enable the participation of the public and of Aboriginal groups in upcoming steps of the environmental assessment such as consultation related to the Environmental Impact Statement and consultation on the draft Environmental Assessment Report.

Details of Allocations

Applicant	Allocation
Comité ZIP Côte-Nord du Golfe	$4,388.50
Conseil de la nation Innu de Matimekush-Lac John	$31,030.00
Conseil régional de l'environnement de la Côte-Nord	$5,200.00
Innu Nation, on behalf of the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation and the Mushuau Innu First Nation	$31,080.00
Innu Takuaikan Uashat mak Mani-Utenam	$37,267.00
Organisme de bassins versants Duplessis	$9,240.00
Société pour Vaincre la Pollution	$10,149.96
Grand Total	$128,355.46

For more information on the Participant Funding Program, the federal environmental assessment process and the project, please visit the Agency's website at www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca Registry number: 80014).

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 is conducting a federal environmental assessment of this project.

This project is being assessed using a science-based approach. If it is permitted to proceed to the next phase, it will continue to be subject to Canada's strong environmental laws, rigorous enforcement and follow-up and increased fines.

The Proposed Project
Champion Iron Mines Ltd. is proposing the construction, operation and decommissioning of an open-pit mine and an iron concentrate processing plant on the mine site located near Fermont, Quebec. The proposed project consists also of constructing an access road connecting the site to Route 389, a railroad between the mine and the city of Sept-Îles, and a storage site in Pointe-Noire. The proponent predicts that the mine would generate 65 700 tonnes per day for a period of 25 years.

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.

SOURCE: Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

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