OTTAWA, Dec. 14, 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 must determine whether a federal environmental assessment is required for the proposed Whabouchi Mining Project near Nemaska, Quebec. To assist it in making its decision, the Agency is seeking comments from the public on the project and its potential effects on the environment.
Nemaska Lithium inc. is proposing the construction, operation and decommissioning of an open pit spodumene mine for the production of lithium. The Whabouchi mine is located at 30 km of the cree community of Nemaska and 280 km north of Chibougamau. As proposed, the project includes the operation of an open pit, waste and tailings impoundment area, a concentrator of ore as well as administration buildings and maintenance. The mine would produce about 3 000 tonnes of ore for 23-year life span.
Written comments must be submitted by January 3, 2013 to:
Whabouchi Mining Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
901-1550, d'Estimauville Avenue
Quebec, QC G1J 0C1
Tel.: 418-649-6444
Fax: 418-649-6443
[email protected]
To view a summary of the project description or for more information on the project and on the environmental assessment process, visit the Agency's website (registry reference number 80021). All comments received will be considered public.
The Agency will post a decision stating whether a federal environmental assessment is required on its website.
If it is determined that a federal environmental assessment is required, the public will have three more opportunities to comment on this project, consistent with the transparency and public engagement elements of CEAA 2012.
Projects subject to CEAA 2012 are assessed using a science-based approach. If the project 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 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:
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Céline Legault
Communications Advisor
Tel.: 613-957-0278
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