Notice of Commencement of an Environmental Assessment

BlackRock Mining Project

Chibougamau, Lemoine Township (QC)

May 30, 2011 (Updated October 14, 2011) -- Under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (the Act), the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) is responsible for exercising the powers and performing the duties and functions of the responsible authority for certain projects subject to a comprehensive study.

Based on information it has received, the Agency has determined that the project is described in the comprehensive study list and that an environmental assessment pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act is required. As a result, a comprehensive study commenced on May 25, 2011.

BlackRock Metals Inc. is proposing to develop an iron, titanium and vanadium mine with an estimated production capacity of 20,000 to 50,000 tons 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, and a transmission line.

The scope of the project includes the following activities and works: Mining pits; Extraction of iron, titanium and vanadium ore (open-pit mines); Ore crushers; Waste rock dumps; Ore processing plant; Tailings sites; Polishing ponds; Water intakes; Access roads and secondary roads; Transportation of concentrate; Manufacture and storage of explosives; Power line; Transfer point; Borrow pits; Administrative buildings and staff accommodations if required; All other works, permanent or temporary structures, or activities directly related to the project are also included in the project scope (e.g., temporary access roads, tree clearing, cofferdams, earthworks and revegetation).

An environmental assessment is required in relation to the project because Fisheries and Oceans Canada may take action in relation to subsection 35(2) of the Fisheries Act. Natural Resources Canada is participating in this environmental assessment as they might be required to make a decision in respect of the project.

This project is also subject to the environmental assessment requirements of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement Regime.

As per the Cabinet Directive on Improving the Performance of the Regulatory System for Major Resource Projects, this environmental assessment has been identified as a major natural resource project. For additional information refer to the Major Projects Management Office's Tracker that monitors the progress of proposed major resource projects through the federal regulatory review system.

For further information on this environmental assessment, please contact:
BlackRock Mining Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Kambale Katahwa, Project Manager
901-1550 d'Estimauville Avenue
Québec  QC  G1J 0C1
Telephone : 418-648-6444
Fax : 418-649-6443
Email : MinierBlackRockMining@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

and refer to Registry reference number 11-03-62105