Whabouchi Mining Project - Public Comments Invited

OTTAWA, Jan. 29, 2013 /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 commenced a federal environmental assessment for the proposed Whabouchi Mining Project located in Quebec on January 29, 2013. 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. This document 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.

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 Nemiscau 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 February 28, 2013 to:

Whabouchi Mining Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
901-1550, d'Estimauville Avenue
Quebec, QC G1J 0C1
Tel.: [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 80021). All comments received will be considered public.

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

Municipal Library 601, 3^rdStreet Chibougamau QC	Municipal Library 30 Cavelier Matagami QC
32 Machishteweyaau Trail, Némiscau QC	Isaac Shecapio Sr. Administration Building 187, Main Street Mistissini QC

Consistent with the transparency and public engagement elements of CEAA 2012, this is the second 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, 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 more information, media may contact: 
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Céline Legault
Communications Advisor
Tel.: [phone]