Kami Iron Ore Project - Public Comments Invited and Federal Funding Available

OTTAWA, Feb. 6, 2012 /CNW/ - The proposed Kami Iron Ore Project (the Project) in Newfoundland and Labrador, with components in Quebec, is undergoing a cooperative federal-provincial environmental assessment.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) and the Environmental Assessment Division of the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Environment and Conservation are conducting a joint public comment period from February 6, 2012 to March 17, 2012. The public is invited to comment on the Project, the conduct of the comprehensive study environmental assessment and the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Guidelines. The draft EIS Guidelines identify the information that the proponent must include in its EIS. Comments received will be reviewed and considered before the document is finalized and issued to the proponent.

Consultation documents and more information on the Project are available on the Agency's website at www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca (registry reference number 12-03-64575) and on the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Environment and Conservation website at www.env.gov.nl.ca (registration number 1611).

Public comments received by March 17, 2012 will be considered. All comments received will be considered public and will become part of the project file.

Federal Funding Available

The Agency is making available $45,000 in participant funding to assist groups and individuals to participate in activities related to subsequent public consultations during this environmental assessment. Funding applications received by March 17, 2012 will be considered. For more information, please visit the Agency's website.

The Proposed Project

Alderon Iron Ore Corp.'s proposed project consists of constructing and operating an open-pit iron ore mine about 10 kilometres west of Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador. The mine would produce up to 16 million tonnes of iron ore concentrate annually and would include waste rock disposal areas, a tailings management facility, processing and support infrastructure, and a 12-kilometre rail connection to the existing Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway. There will also be storage and load-out facilities in Sept-Îles, Quebec.

Media may contact:

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

Or

Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Environment and Conservation
Melony O'Neill
Director of Communications
Tel.: [phone]