Rose Mining Project - Public Comments Invited

OTTAWA, Oct. 22, 2012 /CNW/ - As part of the strengthened and modernized Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012) put in place to support the government's responsible resource development initiative, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency has determined that a federal environmental assessment is required for the proposed Rose Mining Project - Tantalum and Lithium located approximately 38 km north of Nemiscau, in Québec. The Agency invites the public to comment on which aspects of the environment may be affected by this project and what should be examined during the environmental assessment.

The public can review and comment on the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Guidelines, a document that identifies the potential environmental effects to be taken into consideration and the information and analysis that needs to be included in the proponent's EIS.

Critical Elements Corporation is proposing the construction, operation and decommissioning of an open pit tantalum and lithium mine located approximately 38 km north of Nemiscau, in Québec. As proposed, the project includes the operation of an open pit, possibly followed by underground mining, waste and tailings impoundment area, an industrial ore processing facility and the option of transforming concentrate off-site. The mine would produce about 4500 tonnes of ore per day over a 17-year life span.

Written comments must be submitted by November 22, 2012 to:

Rose Mining Project - Tantalum and Lithium
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
901 - 1550 d'Estimauville Avenue
Quebec QC G1J 5E9
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]

To view the draft EIS Guidelines or for more information, visit the Agency's website at www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca (registry reference number 80005). All comments received will be considered public.

Copies of the draft EIS Guidelines are also available for viewing at the following locations:

Public Library 601, 3e rue Chibougamau (Québec)

Public Library 30 Cavelier Street Matagami (Québec)

Consistent with the transparency and public engagement elements of CEAA 2012, this is one of four opportunities for Canadians to comment on this project. Following this comment period, the Agency will finalize and issue the EIS Guidelines to the proponent. An application period for participant funding and a future public comment period related to the EIS will be announced later.

This project will be assessed using a science-based approach.  If the project is permitted to proceed to the next phase, this project will continue to be subject to Canada's strong environmental laws, rigorous enforcement and follow-up, and increased fines for those who break the rules. To learn more about the Responsible Resource Development Initiative, please visit the website: http://actionplan.gc.ca/en/page/r2d-dr2.

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 (CEAA)

Media may contact: 

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