Niobec Mine Expansion Project - Federal Funding Allocated to Participate in the Environmental Assessment

OTTAWA, May 2, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency has allocated a total of $47,067.70 to four applicants to support their participation in the federal environmental assessment of the proposed Niobec Mine Expansion Project located in Quebec.

This funding was made available to the public and Aboriginal groups through the Participant Funding Program administered by the Agency. It will enable participation 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 Allocation

Applicant	Allocation
Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan	$24,428.50
Conseil régional de l'environnement et du développement durable du Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean	$6,809.20
Organisme de bassin versant du Saguenay	$5,650.00
Société pour vaincre la pollution	$10,180.00
Total	$47,067.70

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: 80011).

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
Mine Niobec, the proponent, proposes to substantially increase ore production at the Niobec mine, located in Saint-Honoré, in the Saguenay region, by changing its underground mining method. This would increase the ore production capacity from 2.2 to 10 million tonnes per year and triple the annual production of ferroniobium. The proposed project would have a 40-year life span and would include the construction of a new industrial complex with facilities to handle the ore treatment and the disposal of additional volume of tailings.

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

For more information, media may contact: 
Céline Legault
Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Telephone: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]