Niobec Mine Expansion Project - Federal Funding Availability

OTTAWA, March 6, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is making available $40,800 to support public participation in the federal environmental assessment of the Niobec Mine Expansion Project located in Québec.

Funding will be provided to eligible individuals and groups to enable their 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.

To apply for funding or for more information on the project and the environmental assessment process, visit the Agency's website at www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca (registry reference number 80011) or contact the Participant Funding Program by writing to [email protected] or by calling 1-866-582-1884.

Applications received by April 5, 2013 will be considered. Funding recipients will be announced at a later date.

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.

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 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.

SOURCE: Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

For further information:

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