News Release

Proposed Aquarius Gold Mine Receives Environmental Assessment Go-Ahead

Ottawa - June 30, 2000 - Federal Environment Minister David Anderson today announced his approval of the environmental assessment of the Aquarius Gold Mine near Timmins, Ontario. The Minister concluded that further environmental assessment by a review panel or mediator was not necessary and referred the project back to the responsible authority, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, for appropriate next steps.

After reviewing the public comments and the environmental assessment report, Minister Anderson concluded that the project, with the implementation of all mitigation measures and a follow-up program, is unlikely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. "In making my decision," said Minister Anderson, "I fully considered the comments expressed by the public, including concerns over groundwater levels in the vicinity of the mine."

Management of the groundwater is a critical component of this project, and an innovative technology will be used to provide the required groundwater control.  The mine workings will be isolated from the adjacent aquifer by the creation of a freeze wall that will  surround the perimeter of the open pit.  Experts from the federal government reviewed the information provided on this technology, and concluded that the freeze wall barrier is an effective and environmentally sound solution in preventing the decline of groundwater in the area surrounding the open pit.

The Aquarius project comprises an open pit gold mine and ore processing facility on property owned by Echo Bay Mines Ltd., in Ontario.  This facility will support a 7,500-tonne per day mining and milling operation, over approximately five years.  The property is located in Macklem Township just east of Night Hawk Lake and immediately south of Highway 101, some 40 km east of Timmins. 

This project was subject to an environmental assessment process known as a comprehensive study. Projects subject to comprehensive study are set out in regulations under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.  These projects are complex and have the potential to cause adverse environmental effects, and therefore, require more in-depth study.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is a federal agency reporting to the Minister of the Environment.  Environmental assessment is a planning tool used to identify the possible adverse effects of development projects on the environment.

For more information, please contact:

William McCullough
Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Tel: (819) 997-3071
E-mail: william.mccullough@ceaa-acee.gc.ca