Four groups given $96k for assessments of Critical Elements project

4th April 2013 By: Henry Lazenby - Creamer Media Deputy Editor: North America

TORONTO (miningweekly.com) – The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) has allocated a total of $96 373 to four applicants to support their participation in the federal environmental assessment of project developer Critical Elements’ proposed Rose tantalum and lithium mining project, in Quebec.

This funding was made available to the public and Aboriginal groups through the Participant Funding Programme, administered by the Agency. It would enable the groups to participate in upcoming steps of the environmental assessment, such as consultation related to the environmental-impact statement and consultation on the draft environmental assessment report.

The Cree Nation of Eastmain was allocated $28 268, the Crees of the Waskaganish First Nation was allocated $20 890, the Cree Nation of Nemaska was allocated $37 065 and the Society to Overcome Pollution was awarded $10 150.

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 was conducting a federal environmental assessment of this project.

The Agency said the project was being assessed using a science-based approach, adding that if the project was permitted to proceed to the next phase, it would continue to be subject to Canada's strong environmental laws, rigorous enforcement and follow-up, and increased fines.

As proposed, the Rose project included the operation of an openpit, possibly followed by underground mining, a waste and tailings impoundment area, an industrial ore processing facility and the option of transforming concentrate off-site. The mine would produce about 4 500 t/d over a 17-year life span.