North American Lithium Spodumene Mine Project -- Environmental Assessment Decision

OTTAWA, July 4, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is working to protect the environment for future generations while growing our economy. Today, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced that the proposed North American Lithium Spodumene Mine Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.  In reaching her decision, the Minister considered the Comprehensive Study Report, as well as comments received from Indigenous peoples and the public.

The project was assessed as a comprehensive study under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (the former Act of 1992). The Minister has referred the project to the responsible authority, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), for decision.

The project is a lithium mineral mine located in the southeastern part of the regional county municipality of Abitibi, in the municipality of La Corne, Quebec. Lithium is an important mineral used in the development of clean technology, and its demand is growing worldwide as the global transition to clean energy accelerates. The mineral is also of importance to the economic development of northern Quebec, as identified in Plan Nord.

Today's announcement reflects the Government of Canada'sInterim Approach and Principles for environmental assessments, which ensures that project decisions are informed by meaningful consultations with Indigenous peoples, public input and a rigorous assessment of scientific evidence, including Indigenous Knowledge, and consideration of the project's greenhouse gas emissions.

Quote

"The Government of Canada is working to protect the environment while supporting natural resource development to create jobs and economic opportunities for the middle class. This project will benefit the local community and contribute to the development of Canada's clean growth economy by supplying a mineral that is in growing demand worldwide as the transition to clean energy accelerates. My decision that this project would not have significant adverse effects was informed by knowledge and input provided by First Nations, the public and federal experts from across the government. Implementation of the identified mitigation measures will enable this project to go forward in a way that protects the environment while boosting the local economy."

– The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Relevant Links

• Environmental Decision Statement (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency)
• North American Lithium Spodumene Mine Project (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency)

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SOURCE Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency