News Release
BlackRock Mining Project – Public Consultation Period and Federal Funding Available
OTTAWA – May 30, 2011 – The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) is conducting a comprehensive study, which is a type of environmental assessment, for the BlackRock Mining Project located in Quebec. At this time, the comprehensive study is in its early stages. The Agency is inviting the public to comment on the project and the conduct of the comprehensive study and to identify environmental issues that should be considered in the environmental assessment.
The Agency has prepared a background document that contains information on the proposed project, on the federal requirements of a comprehensive study and on the proposed environmental components to be considered in the review of the project.
The document and more information on this project are available on the Agency’s website, in the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry under reference number 11-03-62105. The document is available in hard copy by request as well.
The Agency is also making available $50,000 under its Participant Funding Program to assist groups and individuals to take part in upcoming steps in the federal environmental assessment of this project.
Public comments and funding applications received by June 30, 2011 will be considered.
This is the first of several public comment periods that will occur during the environmental assessment of the project. Future public participation opportunities, including one on the Comprehensive Study Report, will be announced at a later date.
BlackRock Metals Inc. is proposing to develop an iron, titanium and vanadium mine with an estimated production capacity of 20,000 to 50,000 tonnes per day, located on James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement territory in the municipality of James Bay. The project could potentially consist of an open pit, a processing plant, an access road, a conveyor system or a railway, and a transmission line.
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the federal environmental assessment process, which identifies the environmental effects of proposed projects and measures to address those effects, in support of sustainable development.
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For more information, media may contact:
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Céline Legault
Communications Advisor
Tel.: 613-957-0278
Document Reference Number: 3