Strange Lake B-Zone Rare Earth Mine Project

Transcription

Preliminary Information on a Northern Project
For the Gouvernement du Québec
Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et de la Lutte
contre les changements climatiques / Kativik Environmental Quality Commission
and
Summary Project Description
For the Government of Canada
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
March 2015
Preliminary Information on a Northern Project
For the Gouvernement du Québec
Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les
changements climatiques / Kativik Environmental Quality Commission
and
Summary Project Description
For the Government of Canada
60290419
March 2015
© AECOM All rights reserved.
AECOM
Quest Rare Minerals Ltd. – Strange Lake B-Zone Rare Earth Mine Project Preliminary Information and Summary Project Description (rev. F)
AECOM Project No. :
60290419
Prepared on behalf of:
Quest Rare Minerals Ltd.
Main Contributors:
Lucie Boisjoly
Sébastien Boudreau
Martin Côté
Normand Gauthier
Yves Leblanc
Paul McIlvenna
Valérie Tremblay
René Robitaille
Reviewed by:
60290419 – March 2015
Christen Audet
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List of Acronyms and Abbreviations
BOD5:
Biochemical Oxygen Demand – 5 day
BTEX:
Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene
CCME:
Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment
CEAA:
EA:
Environmental Assessment
ECP:
Engagement and Communications Plan
EIA:
Environmental Impact Assessment
ESIA:
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
FEL:
Frequent Effect Level
FS:
Feasibility Study
IBA:
Impact and Benefits Agreement
JBNQA:
James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement
MAH:
Monocyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
MDDELCC:
Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements
climatiques (Quebec Ministry of Environment)
MDDEFP:
Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement, de la Faune et des Parcs (now the
MDDELCC)
MRNF:
Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la faune (now the Ministère de l'Énergie et des
Ressources naturelles)
Mt:
Million Tonnes (metric)
Mtpa:
Million Tonnes (metric) per Annum
NEQ:
Quebec Enterprise (Business) Number
NEQA:
Northeastern Quebec Agreement
NTS:
National Topographic System
OEL:
Occasional Effect Level
PAH:
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon
PEL:
Probable Effect Level
PET:
Positron emission tomography
PFS:
Pre-Feasibility Study
RDL:
Reported Detection Limit
RMF:
Residue Management Facility
REE:
Rare Earth Element
REL:
Rare Effect Level
SAG:
Semi-autogenous grinding
SLBZ:
Strange Lake B-Zone
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SPIPB:
Société du parc industriel et portuaire de Bécancour
STP:
Sewage treatment plant
TEL:
Threshold Effect Level
TMF:
Tailings management facility
TREO:
Total Rare Earth Oxide
TSS:
Total suspended solids
VALE:
Vale Newfoundland and Labrador Limited
VEC:
Valued Ecosystem Components
VOC:
Volatile Organic Compounds
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Table of Contents
1 2 Introduction ..................................................................................................................1 1.1 Name of the Project................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 The Proponent ........................................................................................................................... 1 1.3 Environmental Assessment Requirements ............................................................................ 2 1.3.1 Québec Process (North of the 55th parallel) .......................................................................................... 2 1.3.2 Federal Process ....................................................................................................................................... 2 1.4 Other Relevant Information ...................................................................................................... 2 1.4.1 List of Jurisdictions and Other Parties Consulted ................................................................................ 2 1.4.2 Regional Environmental Studies ............................................................................................................ 3 Project Description ......................................................................................................5 2.1 Project Objectives and Justification ....................................................................................... 5 2.2 Project Location ........................................................................................................................ 5 2.2.1 Land Tenure and Property ...................................................................................................................... 6 2.2.2 Geology and Mineralization .................................................................................................................... 7 2.2.3 Related Projects ....................................................................................................................................... 7 2.2.4 Subsequent Phases ................................................................................................................................. 9 2.3 Project Alternatives................................................................................................................... 9 2.3.1 Site Selection Alternatives for Key Infrastructure ................................................................................ 9 2.3.1.1 Process Plant and Ancillary Facilities ........................................................................................................ 9 2.3.1.2 Tailings Management Facility..................................................................................................................... 9 2.3.1.3 Airstrip ...................................................................................................................................................... 10 2.4 Physical Features of Preferred Option.................................................................................. 11 2.4.1 Mine Pit ................................................................................................................................................... 11 2.4.2 Explosives .............................................................................................................................................. 11 2.4.3 Ore Processing Facilities ...................................................................................................................... 11 2.4.4 Ore Stockpile .......................................................................................................................................... 11 2.4.5 Waste Rock, Overburden and Soil Stockpiles..................................................................................... 12 2.4.6 Tailings Management Facility ............................................................................................................... 12 2.4.7 Access Road .......................................................................................................................................... 12 2.4.8 Airstrip .................................................................................................................................................... 13 2.4.9 Other Buildings ...................................................................................................................................... 13 2.4.10 Water Supply .......................................................................................................................................... 13 2.4.11 Sewage Treatment ................................................................................................................................. 14 2.4.12 Power Supply ......................................................................................................................................... 14 2.4.13 Fuel Storage and Distribution ............................................................................................................... 14 60290419 – March 2015
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2.4.14 Stormwater Management ...................................................................................................................... 14 2.4.15 Waste Management and Landfill .......................................................................................................... 14 2.4.16 Emergency Response ........................................................................................................................... 14 2.5 Construction ............................................................................................................................ 15 2.5.1 Access Road and Airstrip ..................................................................................................................... 15 2.5.2 Camp, Mine and Supporting Infrastructure ......................................................................................... 15 2.5.3 Explosives .............................................................................................................................................. 15 2.5.4 Tailings Management Facility ............................................................................................................... 15 2.6 Operations and Maintenance ................................................................................................. 16 2.6.1 Mining ..................................................................................................................................................... 16 2.6.2 Explosives .............................................................................................................................................. 16 2.6.3 Mine Dewatering .................................................................................................................................... 16 2.6.4 Materials Handling ................................................................................................................................. 16 2.6.5 Ore Processing ...................................................................................................................................... 17 2.6.5.1 Crushing and Grinding ............................................................................................................................. 17 2.6.5.2 Flotation ................................................................................................................................................... 17 2.6.6 Tailings Management ............................................................................................................................ 17 2.6.7 Emergency Response ........................................................................................................................... 18 2.6.8 Environmental Discharges .................................................................................................................... 18 2.6.8.1 Air ............................................................................................................................................................ 18 2.6.8.2 Liquid Effluent .......................................................................................................................................... 18 2.6.8.3 Waste ....................................................................................................................................................... 19 2.7 Decommissioning and Rehabilitation ................................................................................... 19 2.8 Variants for Different Phases of the Project ......................................................................... 19 2.9 Project Schedule ..................................................................................................................... 20 Physical Environment ............................................................................................... 21 3.1 Climate...................................................................................................................................... 21 3.2 Ambient Air Quality ................................................................................................................. 21 3.3 Noise ......................................................................................................................................... 21 3.4 Geomorphology, Surficial Geology and Permafrost ........................................................... 21 3.4.1 Geomorphology and Surficial Geology................................................................................................ 21 3.4.2 Permafrost .............................................................................................................................................. 21 3.5 Hydrology and Fluvial Geomorphology ................................................................................ 22 3.6 Limnology ................................................................................................................................ 22 3.7 Surface Water Quality ............................................................................................................. 22 3.8 Soil Quality ............................................................................................................................... 22 3.9 Sediment Quality ..................................................................................................................... 22 60290419 – March 2015
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4 5 6 7 8 Quest Rare Minerals Ltd. – Strange Lake B-Zone Rare Earth Mine Project Preliminary Information and Summary Project Description (rev. F)
Biological Environment ............................................................................................. 23 4.1 Vegetation ................................................................................................................................ 23 4.2 Fish and Fish Habitat .............................................................................................................. 23 4.2.1 Fish Communities .................................................................................................................................. 23 4.2.2 Benthic Invertebrates ............................................................................................................................ 23 4.3 Amphibians and Reptiles .......................................................................................................23 4.4 Birds ......................................................................................................................................... 23 4.5 Mammals .................................................................................................................................. 24 4.5.1 Caribou ................................................................................................................................................... 24 4.5.2 Other Mammals ...................................................................................................................................... 24 4.6 Species at Risk ........................................................................................................................ 24 Socioeconomic Environment ................................................................................... 25 5.1 Land Use and Traditional Ecological Knowledge ................................................................ 25 5.2 Archaeology ............................................................................................................................. 25 5.3 Socio-Economic Issues .......................................................................................................... 25 5.4 Landscape ................................................................................................................................ 26 5.5 Significant Areas ..................................................................................................................... 26 Environmental Effects and Possible Impacts ......................................................... 27 6.1 Aboriginal Peoples .................................................................................................................. 27 6.2 Fish and Fish Habitat .............................................................................................................. 27 6.3 Migratory Birds ........................................................................................................................ 28 6.4 Transboundary Effects ........................................................................................................... 28 6.5 General Mitigation Measures ................................................................................................. 30 Consultation ............................................................................................................... 33 7.1 Public Consultation Modalities .............................................................................................. 33 7.1.1 Consultation Meetings........................................................................................................................... 33 7.2 Issues and Concerns Raised ................................................................................................. 35 7.2.1 Government Departments and Agencies ............................................................................................. 35 7.2.2 Aboriginal Groups ................................................................................................................................. 35 7.2.3 Non-aboriginal Stakeholders ................................................................................................................ 36 7.3 Engagement and Communications Plan .............................................................................. 36 Federal Involvement .................................................................................................. 39 8.1 Funding .................................................................................................................................... 39 8.2 Federal Lands .......................................................................................................................... 39 8.3 Federal Approval Requirements ............................................................................................ 39 60290419 – March 2015
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References .............................................................................................................................. 41 List of Tables
Table 2-1 Tailings Management Facility (TMF) Site Selection Matrix ............................................................ 10 Table 2-2 Estimated Quantities per Type of Material Transferred at the Mine Site ....................................... 17 Table 2-3 Key Schedule Milestone Dates....................................................................................................... 20 Table 6-1 Preliminary List of the Project’s Critical Environmental Components, their Key Indicators and
Rationale......................................................................................................................................... 29 Table 6-2 Possible Impacts of Each Project Phase on Potential Valued Ecosystem Components ............... 31 Table 7-1 Government and other Institutional Stakeholders Consulted ......................................................... 33 Table 7-2 Aboriginal Governments and Institutions Consulted ...................................................................... 34 Table 8-1 List of Potential Federal Permits, Licenses and Authorizations Applicable to the Project ............. 39 List of Figures
Figure 2-1 Communities in the vicinity of the SLBZ REE Mine Project ............................................................. 6 Figure 2-2 Quest Mineral Claims Property in the vicinity of the Strange Lake B-Zone ..................................... 7 Figure 2-3 Related Quest Project Components and Logistics ........................................................................... 8 Figure 2-4 Typical Road Cross-Section ........................................................................................................... 13 List of Appendices
Appendix 1
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Maps 60290419 – March 2015
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1
Introduction
1.1
Name of the Project
The name of the project is “Strange Lake B-Zone Rare Earth Mine Project” (SLBZ REE Mine Project).
1.2
The Proponent
The proponent is Quest Rare Minerals Ltd (Quest), a Canadian exploration and development company focused
on the development of its Strange Lake Rare Earth Element (REE) deposit in northeastern Québec.
Name of the proponent:
Quest Rare Minerals Ltd
Address (Head Office):
1155 University Street, Suite 906
Montreal, Québec
H3B 3A7
Chief Executive Officer:
Name:
Official Title:
Peter J. Cashin, M.Sc., P. Geo.
President & CEO
Address:
10 King St. East, Suite 900
Toronto, Ontario
M5C 1C3
Telephone number:
Fax number:
Email Address:
1 (416) 916-0777
1 (416) 916-0779
[email protected]
Principal Contact Person (for EA):
Name:
Official Title:
Dirk Naumann, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President - Development
Address:
10 King St. East, Suite 900
Toronto, Ontario
M5C 1C3
Telephone number:
Fax number:
Email Address:
1 (647) 393 6783
1 (416) 916-0779
[email protected]
Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ):
1164687828
EA Consultant:
AECOM Consultants Inc.
Address
85 Ste-Catherine West
Montreal, Québec
H2X 3P4
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Project Environmental Lead:
Christen Audet, ing.f., Ph.D.
Telephone number:
Fax number:
Email Address:
1 (514) 287-8500 ext. 8798
1 (514) 287-8600
[email protected]
Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ):
1161553129
1.3
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Environmental Assessment Requirements
The Project will require environmental assessments and approvals from multiple jurisdictions, as detailed further
in the following sub-sections, based on the project’s scope and location (north of the 55th parallel) in Quebec.
1.3.1
Québec Process (North of the 55th parallel)
According to Chapter II of the Environment Quality Act, RSQ, c. Q-2 and the James Bay and Northern Québec
Agreement (JBNQA), all projects located north of the 55th parallel in Quebec are subject to a regional
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Review Procedure.
All mining developments are automatically subject to this ESIA and Review procedure (Schedule A of the
Environment Quality Act). In this case, the procedure is administered by the Deputy Minister of the Ministre du
Développement durable, de l’Environnement et de la Lutte aux changements climatiques du Québec
(MDDELCC), with analysis and review undertaken by the Kativik Environmental Quality Commission.
1.3.2
Federal Process
At the federal level, according to paragraph 16 (c) of the Schedule of the Regulations Designating Physical
Activities, “The construction, operation, decommissioning and abandonment of a new rare earth element mine or
gold mine, other than a placer mine, with an ore production capacity of 600 t/day or more” is a designated project
under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012. According to paragraph 26 (c), “The construction,
operation, decommissioning and abandonment of a new all-season runway with a length of 1,500 m or more” is
also designated.
1.4
Other Relevant Information
1.4.1
List of Jurisdictions and Other Parties Consulted
The Project has consulted the Kativik (Québec Inuit), Québec, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunatsiavut
(Labrador Inuit) and federal governments or regional governing bodies. It also interests aboriginal groups, nongovernmental organizations and community stakeholders. Consultations have been initiated with the following
Aboriginal groups, including:





the Quebec Inuit, particularly the villages of Kangiqsualujjuaq and Kuujjuaq;
the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach, in Quebec;
the Quebec Innu community of Matimekush-Lac John;
the Labrador Inuit (Nain, Hopedale, Postville, Makkovik and Rigolet); and
the Labrador Innu (Natuashish and Sheshatshit).
Consultation has not yet begun with non-aboriginal communities and groups likely to have an interest in the
Project.
Refer to Section 7 for further detail on groups consulted as well as issues, concerns or questions raised.
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1.4.2
Regional Environmental Studies
The Project is located in a remote area in Northern Quebec where there have been no known regional
environmental studies.
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2
Project Description
2.1
Project Objectives and Justification
The Strange Lake B-Zone Mine project will produce a rare earth element (REE) concentrate to be further
processed to specifications of industrial customers.
Rare earth metals are critical materials used in permanent magnets for electric motors and in phosphors for
fluorescent and LED lights. Permanent magnets in wind turbines and electric vehicles allow the electric motor to
be smaller, lighter, more reliable and more efficient than alternative technologies. Phosphors are critical materials
in energy efficient fluorescent and LED lights that emit light and light of different colours. Rare earth metals also
have a number of smaller applications including lasers, Positron emission tomography (PET) scanners and
specialty ceramics.
The SLBZ project is ideally positioned to meet this growing customer demand. In this context, timely project startup will help secure a loyal customer base.
2.2
Project Location
The project site is situated on lands known as Category III land subject to the James Bay and Northern Quebec
Agreement (JBNQA) and the Northeastern Quebec Agreement (NEQA), which settle the respective land claims
and Aboriginal rights of the Nunavik Inuit and the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach (Map 1, Appendix 1).
The Project site is located approximately (Figure 2-1):




235 km northeast of Schefferville, Québec;
150 km west of Nain, Newfoundland and Labrador;
125 km west of the Voisey’s Bay nickel-copper mine, owned and operated by Vale, near Nain;
1,100 km northeast of Québec City, Québec.
Administration for the region is covered by the Administrative Region of the Nord-du-Québec and the Kativik
Regional Government based in Kuujjuaq (325 km northwest of the mine). The nearest communities are
predominantly aboriginal.
The Strange Lake property is covered by Canadian National Topographic System (NTS) map sheets 24A08,
24A09, and 14D05. The latitude and longitude for the Project is approximately 56°19’22” N and 64°09’58” W
(GEO NAD83).
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Figure 2-1
2.2.1
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Communities in the vicinity of the SLBZ REE Mine Project
Land Tenure and Property
All of the mineral claims comprising the Strange Lake project are entirely owned by Quest. The Strange Lake
project is currently comprised of 211 active individual mineral claims covering a total area of approximately
9,367 hectares. The mineral claims in Québec entirely cover the B-Zone deposit (see Figure 2-2).
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Figure 2-2
2.2.2
Quest Mineral Claims Property in the vicinity of the Strange Lake B-Zone
Geology and Mineralization
The Strange Lake deposit is part of a post-tectonic, peralkaline granite complex which has intruded along the
contact between older gneisses and monzonites of the Churchill Province of the Canadian Shield. Mineralization
of interest at Strange Lake occurs within peralkaline granite-hosted pegmatites and aplites and, to a lesser
degree, within the host granites, particularly in intra-pegmatitic granites.
2.2.3
Related Projects
As shown in Figure 2-3, Quest is developing a concurrent project to provide private road access from the Quebec
border to the Port facility located on the Labrador coast to the east. This will be constructed over a 152 km
distance of flat and hilly segments. The Road will entail three major water crossings requiring bridges or arch
culverts before leading to a port terminal, with transfer infrastructure such as a concentrate storage shed, in
Edward’s Cove off of Anaktalak Bay near Vale’s Voisey’s Bay mine site, located about 30 km southwest of Nain.
These Project Components will be the subject of an Environmental Assessment under requirements defined by
the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and by the Nunatsiavut (Inuit) Government, in addition to CEAA as
applicable.
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Figure 2-3
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Related Quest Project Components and Logistics
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The mineral concentrate would be shipped to a second related Quest project: a processing facility owned and
operated by a distinct Quest subsidiary (NEQ 1169448629) – QTM Extraction Ltd., to be located in Southern
Québec (see Figure 2-1). The proposed site for the processing plant and residue storage facility (RSF) is located
in an Industrial Park, which is managed and operated by the Société du parc industriel et portuaire de Bécancour
(SPIPB), a provincial crown corporation. The industrial park is located on the southern shore of the SaintLawrence River and within the City of Bécancour, just above the 46th parallel. This Project Area would be
potentially subject to Quebec’s southern environmental assessment process, in addition to CEAA if applicable.
These related projects will be described in different project description documents.
2.2.4
Subsequent Phases
Beyond the 30-year planning horizon for the current mine plan, mineral resources within the B-Zone, as well as
other potential deposits within Quest’s Quebec properties found within the larger Strange Lake Alkali Complex,
are expected to lead to subsequent phases of mining.
These subsequent phases are not included in the current project description, nor will they be considered in the
Environmental Assessment.
2.3
Project Alternatives
2.3.1
Site Selection Alternatives for Key Infrastructure
Maps 2 and 3 (Appendix 1) show respectively the preferred mine site layout and the detailed layout around the
ore processing facilities and the accommodations camp. Several of the key infrastructure locations were
established further to compare several variants.
2.3.1.1
Process Plant and Ancillary Facilities
To select the best location for the Process Plant and related facilities in the vicinity of the mine, a trade-off study
was conducted in which three locations were compared. The three options considered for the Process plant were
all located more than 1 km from the pit crest to avoid interaction with blasting in the pit. For winter season
protection, the Plant and the Camp were located close enough to be linked by walking through an arctic corridor.
Selection took into account economical, technical, environmental, social, health and safety criteria.
2.3.1.2
Tailings Management Facility
Potential locations of the Tailings Management Facility (TMF) were considered within a 10 km radius of the
B-Zone deposit where the open pit is located (see Map 4, Appendix 1), as indicated in the MDDELCC
Directive 019. Topography, water bodies and wetlands limited access to much of this area. The proximity of the
Newfoundland and Labrador border also constrained land available for a TMF within a 10 km radius. For these
reasons, the following territory was not retained for further consideration: the eastern part of the studied area (in
Labrador, or near the provincial border in Quebec) as well the West and North part of the Quebec territory across
Lake Brisson.
Five sites located south of the mine pit were selected and examined in greater detail. Table 2-1 presents the
results of the analysis of the five sites considered. TMF Option no. 1 was retained for further consideration,
including condemnation drilling to ensure that the future access to a mineralized area would not be blocked.
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Table 2-1
TMF
#
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Tailings Management Facility (TMF) Site Selection Matrix
Residue
Management
Alternative
Dry stack with
potential for slurry
deposition
Result
Preferred
option
Preliminary
Environmental
Justifications
Located in the same
aquatic system as
TMF # 4, but at its
headwaters.
Other Considerations
(Technical, Legal)
Within the footprint of the Strange Lake Alkalic
Complex that contains the REEs ore, but no
significant REEs value further to condemnation
drilling.
Sufficient capacity over the 30-year period and
can be expanded to be significantly larger.
Potential for slurry deposition as a fallback
management approach should future studies
demonstrate dry-stacking as economically
unfeasible.
2
Dry stack
Not
retained for
further
studies
Limited aquatic
system.
Too far from the B-Zone and too close to the
Labrador-Quebec boundary. Potential for delays
to officially survey interprovincial border at this
location.
To be considered for long term expansion of the
mine life.
Advantage of being partly outside the Strange
Lake Alkali Complex.
3
Dry stack
Not
retained for
further
studies
Presence of ponds
and water courses
with fish habitat.
Topography not suitable.
4
Slurry deposition
Rejected
Location of a small
lake presumed to
have fish habitat, over
an area of 0.25 km2.
Best available topography to set up a tailings
dyke.
4A
Dry stack
Second
option
Limited aquatic
system
Within the footprint of the Strange Lake Alkalic
Complex that contains the REEs ore.
Near the preferred airport location
To be considered for long term expansion of the
mine life.
2.3.1.3
Airstrip
Seven possible locations for positioning the airstrip were identified, also within a 10km radius approximately. Only
two options were retained after considering surrounding topography, drainage, Obstacle Limitation Surface
restrictions, prevailing winds, environment restrictions (proximity to observed harlequin duck habitat, caribou),
distance from the other Mine Site Facilities and the road alignment. These two options, both in the south part of
the 10 km radius, were compared with each other based on technical and environmental criteria. The preferred
option (shown on Map 2) was selected based upon the following criteria:
 Prevailing winds - the highest percentage of favorable prevailing winds.
 Environment analysis – less potential impact on ecological systems and water resources.
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2.4
Physical Features of Preferred Option
The following sections provide a brief description of key infrastructure planned for the site.
2.4.1
Mine Pit
The Project’s mineral resources are contained in a single deposit: the B-Zone. The mine plan may develop more
than one pit within this deposit. The current 30-year mine plan scenario, subject to change, has identified a
smaller standalone pit east of a main pit area (Micon, 2014); both are within the B-Zone (Map 2).
Mining is designed to be a standard truck and shovel open pit operation. The total mineralized material to be
mined is estimated at 85,215,000 tonnes (dry basis). The mine will have a median annual rate of material
movement of approximately 4.9 Mtpa including 1.6 Mt of ore for processing and 2.1 Mt to a lower grade stockpile.
The pit will be continually developed throughout a 23-year life, after which the processing feed will be taken from
the lower grade stockpile. Pit design is further constrained by a 120 m offset from Lake Brisson which lies to the
northwest, as shown on the layout in Map 2 (Appendix 1).
2.4.2
Explosives
Explosives manufacturing and storage facilities will be located in proximity to the mine pit. The explosive plant will
be located on a spur road off the main access road, within about 5 km of the open pit. The exact location will be
determined based on safe distances from other infrastructure and activity areas.
2.4.3
Ore Processing Facilities
Ore crushing, grinding and beneficiation by flotation will be designed to operate for 12 months per year at a
relatively constant design output of 357,600 tonnes of concentrate annually (dry basis), over the 30-year span of
the project.
The crushed ore feed to the concentrator will vary, due to the current plan to prioritize the most accessible higher
grade ore. For the first 23 years, an average of 1,575,300 tonnes per year, or up to 1,788,000 tonnes per year
(dry basis), of mainly high grade ore will be transferred to the processing complex. A plant expansion, will then
enable the processing of up to 3,305,000 tonnes per year of lower grade stockpiled ore from year 24 onwards to
the end of planned production. The crushing, milling and flotation circuits, as well as tailings filtration, will have an
increased capacity for the last 7 years of operation.
There will be two main process buildings forming the processing complex, one for the crushing and milling
(grinding) circuit and another one for the flotation circuit. Near the flotation building, there will be a concentrate
storage area with a storage capacity equivalent to 7 months of concentrate production, which represents
approximately 238,400 tonnes. This concentrate holding capacity is required due to the constrained marine
st
th
shipping season which is essentially restricted to five months per year (July 1 to Nov 30 ), to avoid shipping in
sea-ice conditions.
2.4.4
Ore Stockpile
The extracted medium and low grade mineralized material will be stockpiled to be processed later after year 24 of
the mine plan. The low grade ore stockpile will be located in such a way that it will facilitate the reclaiming in the
future, as shown in Map 2 (Appendix 1).
The exact location will be confirmed after verifying in situ to minimize any potential effects on fish habitat and for
local technical constraints.
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Environmental stockpile design for groundwater protection and wastewater treatment will be developed based on
local site conditions and Quebec Directive 019.
If mining is extended beyond 30 years, the lower grade stockpiled material would be completely exhausted by the
38th year; however, the current project description assumes a 30-year life, which results in 26,018,000 tonnes of
lower grade mined mineralization remaining in the low-grade stockpile after 30 years.
2.4.5
Waste Rock, Overburden and Soil Stockpiles
Where possible, overburden and waste rock will be stockpiled in segregated piles east of the mine pit (see Map 2;
Appendix 1).
An estimated 6,777,000 tonnes of overburden will be removed from the pit area.
The waste rock stockpile will be designed for 23,939,000 tonnes, the maximum extent over 30 years as shown in
Map 2 (Appendix 1).
Potential reuse of waste rock will be considered based upon geotechnical and geochemical investigations to
determine the technical and environmental suitability.
Any topsoil or other soil substrate suitable for local re-vegetation will be stockpiled nearby for future and/or
progressive remediation of the site.
Environmental stockpile design for groundwater protection and wastewater treatment will be developed based on
local site conditions and Quebec Directive 019. At a minimum, the design of the storage areas for waste rock, soil
and overburden, will allow for stormwater runoff from the stockpiles to be collected by a surrounding drain or berm
and conveyed to a sedimentation pond for suspended solids removal prior to discharge to the environment. If
necessary, additional measures will be taken to minimize any potential impact on the environment.
Supplementary geochemical and geotechnical investigations will be undertaken to finalize the design of the waste
rock and overburden stockpiles.
2.4.6
Waste residues from the flotation plant will be stored in the Tailings Management Facility (TMF). In order to
minimize any potential effect to the local environment, it is expected that the tailings will be thickened, filtered,
mixed with a cementing agent, transported by truck to the TMF, and dry-stacked. The TMF shown in Map 2
represents its expected size at the end of the 30th year of mine life.
Supplementary geochemical, hydrogeological and geotechnical investigations will be undertaken to finalize the
design of the TMF and associated wastewater holding pond for sedimentation and/or retention for treatment.
Groundwater protection and wastewater treatment will be developed based on local site conditions and Quebec
Directive 019.
2.4.7
Access Road
Site access roads will link the mine and the ore processing area with the other buildings, as well as with the
stockpiles (ore, waste rock, overburden, topsoil), sedimentation ponds, TMF, landfill and airstrip.
In addition, the first 18 km of the all-weather road linking the Mine to the Port facility located on the Labrador coast
to the east, will be located in the province of Québec. The preliminary road design is for an all-weather access
road with the following characteristics: use of crushed rock or gravel surface to sustain anticipated traffic volumes;
8 m minimum width; avoidance cuts in permafrost areas; balancing of cut and fill as much as possible; minimizing
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stream crossings and providing limiting grade to 11% (see Map 2, Appendix 1). Figure 2-4 shows the typical
cross-section for the main all-weather road.
Figure 2-4
2.4.8
Typical Road Cross-Section
Airstrip
The preferred airstrip site is approximately 12.5 km away from the accommodation camp and facilities.
The airport facility will be capable of operating 24 h/d. The runway and taxiway will be constructed of gravel. A
trailer will be used for the terminal building, with capacity for approximately sixty passengers, including washroom
facilities, storage area, and office space.
In addition, there will be an airplane storage and maintenance building, a private airstrip, and a fuel storage
facility.
In the initial project construction phase, the airport will have one runway of 1,500 meters by 30 meters wide
(gravel), which can accommodate plane models like the Bombardier Q 400. The current project phase includes an
option of extending the runway to 1,950 meters by 45 meters wide to accommodate larger planes (B737-200) for
the construction phase and/or at a future time during mine operations.
2.4.9
Other Buildings
The camp will be a modular design constructed to industry acceptable standards for long-term, permanent site
accommodations for mine operations personnel, with additional space for truck drivers and other visitors. Where
possible, indoor corridors will be provided to link the buildings.
A multi-functional building will incorporate heated and non-heated warehouses, a change-house, lockers, laundry
facilities, medical and fire safety facilities, a laboratory, offices and meeting rooms; as well as garages for
maintenance, emergency vehicles and associated emergency response equipment storage.
2.4.10
Water Supply
Lake Brisson is expected to be the major source of service water for processing. The level of treatment for
industrial use will be determined during the Feasibility Study. A pumping station will be established on the bank of
Lake Brisson, with an intake deep enough to avoid the impact of ice built-up during the winter. A pipeline,
approximately 1.5 km, will deliver water to the treatment facility. A 5 m wide service road will also be required.
Lake Brisson is also a potential source for human consumption. The SG-1 esker extending east from the ore
processing complex and base camp is considered a second potential groundwater source for potable water.
More detailed analyses will be required to confirm suitability of each source and, in line with best practices and
regulation standards, all potable water will be regularly tested and treated before use.
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The esker ground water will be the most likely source of fire water. It will be pumped into a fire water storage tank,
connected to fire protection systems at the multi-purpose building and at the camp. Any water needed for
equipment maintenance and/or dust suppression will be taken from this tank but always maintaining the minimum
volume required for fire protection.
2.4.11
Sewage Treatment
The sewage treatment plant (STP) at the mine site will comprise of a containerized, skid-mounted plant with
septic and equalization tanks. This system will be designed with a technology which meets required levels of total
suspended solids (TSS) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD).
2.4.12
Power Supply
The power plant near the base camp will be equipped with a battery of five diesel generators of 2.5 MW each
(four running and one in backup). The airstrip will also have its own supply, provided by a 250 kW diesel
generator. All mine pit equipment will be mobile (diesel powered).
2.4.13
Fuel Storage and Distribution
Fuel storage will be of sufficient size to store the equivalent of approximately seven months of supply
(approximately 15,000 m3 capacity). A single bulk fuel tank for Arctic diesel will be located in a lined containment
area. Aboveground double-walled piping will connect the tank to the generators. A refuelling station will serve
light and heavy vehicles.
The airstrip will also be equipped with a 30 m3 tank for the storage of aviation fuel to be used in case of
emergency.
The fuel will be delivered to the mine mainly by road tanker as required. At the mine site, fuel will be unloaded
from trucks via a dedicated “docking” station with adequate secondary containment.
2.4.14
Stormwater Management
All non-contact storm water will be diverted away from the main working areas by an appropriate ditch network.
2.4.15
Waste Management and Landfill
Recoverable materials will be compacted on site, before transportation off-site. Hazardous and other special
waste will be stored temporarily at a secure location onsite, with appropriate secondary containment, before being
sent to an authorized treatment/disposal facility offsite. Kitchen/organic waste and other non-recyclable and nonhazardous domestic wastes will be dispatched by road twice a week to the port site for incineration. A local landfill
to accommodate non-hazardous solid waste will be built near the TMF, along the access road between the airport
and the open pit, at the mine site. A bioremediation pad will also be established for contaminated soil and snow.
2.4.16
Emergency Response
Medical and emergency response facilities, including fire truck(s), will be located at the multifunctional building
next to the worker’s camp. An ambulance will be available and maintained in a dedicated ambulance bay. A
nurse’s station will be provided at the worker’s camp. A storage area for environmental response equipment will
also be available at a centralized location in the event of any major incidents (i.e. spills).
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2.5
Construction
2.5.1
Access Road and Airstrip
Construction at the mine site will benefit from the completion of an access road (18 km) in Quebec and
completion of the airstrip area. In the meantime, a temporary short-runway airstrip can be used for Twin Otters
and other smaller aircraft; this is located along Lake Brisson, about 400m east of the existing exploration camp. A
temporary wharf next to this existing exploration camp may also be set up for float planes to land on Lake Brisson
during the summer.
2.5.2
Camp, Mine and Supporting Infrastructure
In addition to expansion of the existing exploration camp as needed, temporary camps may be installed at other
locations for site preparation and road construction at the mine site.
Earthworks activities will follow, beginning with the area around the mine maintenance facilities, the fuel storage
pad, and the local road network.
Haul roads will be built with an inter-berm width of 19 m, suitable for trucks carrying a 55 t payload. Roads will be
constructed or extended as required during the pre-production and operational periods.
The main camp and processing area is located on a esker (SG-1) about 2 km east of the B-Zone. This area will
first be exploited for sand and gravel for civil works associated with the road network and other site preparation in
relation to the mine stockpiles. Once leveled, some of this area may also serve as a temporary laydown area.
Building on this ground will not likely require foundation piles due to sufficient bearing capacity. Note that part of
this esker already serves as a temporary airstrip for the Quest’s pre-development activities.
After the above activities, the construction of the ore processing complex (with crusher), the temporary power
generators, offices, mine maintenance buildings and fuel storage tank will be undertaken.
At the same time, civil works will be completed to prepare stockpile platforms, including the one for waste rock,
and the related sedimentation pond(s). These installations will allow the project to start mine pre-stripping, ore
mining, and crushing activities.
Following these activities, steel structures and mechanical equipment will be installed for the processing complex
and concentrate storage area. Finally, electrical and instrumentation will be completed and commissioning
performed for all systems.
2.5.3
Explosives
The selected explosives supplier will be responsible for the construction of an emulsion plant on the mine
property, within about 4.5 km of the mine pit along the access road.
2.5.4
An initial earthen embankment will be constructed along the toe of the dry-stacked impoundment to contain the
tailings and prevent erosion loss. This embankment would be raised with till, waste rock, or potentially amended
tailings using an upstream construction method. An under drain system will be installed to collect interflow
leachate and shallow groundwater for treatment as required before discharge. Also, secondary access roads from
the plant and the material borrow/stockpile areas will be constructed.
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2.6
Operations and Maintenance
2.6.1
Mining
AECOM
Mining will be undertaken by Quest using its own equipment and workforce. The pit will be developed based upon
an optimal extraction sequence over 23 years. Mining activities will include:





drilling and blasting;
excavation and haulage of mineralized material (ore) to the ore processing area;
oversize breakage;
excavation and haulage of the waste rock to the waste rock stockpile; and,
excavation and haulage of the low grade ore to the low grade stockpile.
2.6.2
Explosives
The selected explosives supplier will be responsible for delivery of emulsion, non-electric detonators, boosters
and other blasting accessories to the pit blasting crew.
2.6.3
Mine Dewatering
Dewatering is required both inside and around the perimeter of the mine pit to prevent flooding delays in mining
operations. There are three (3) primary sources of water entering the pit: precipitation, groundwater, and
potentially water from a minor fault structure connected with the lake. Waters entering the open pit can be
removed from specific sumps to be strategically constructed and maintained across the bottom of the mine pit.
These sumps will be dewatered by sump pumps within the mine, to direct water to treatment as required.
Incoming (non-contact) groundwater may also be intercepted via peripheral well pumps and released to the
environment or recycled for use as fresh water.
2.6.4
Materials Handling
Table 2-2 below presents the estimated quantities of material (ore, concentrate, waste rock, overburden and
process residues) to be generated by the project, including an indication of Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO).
This scenario - subject to change as pilot testing progresses - assumes 20% flotation mass pull for the first
23 years, and then a reduced mass pull in the final 7 years to produce a roughly constant mass of flotation
concentrate.
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Table 2-2
Estimated Quantities per Type of Material Transferred at the Mine Site
Type of Material
Total Material Movement
Ore Feed to the Mill
(years 1-23)
Ore Feed to the Mill
(years 24-30)
Low Grade Ore
(stockpiled from years
0-23), then gradually
processed to the mill
Flotation Concentrate
Overburden
Waste Rock
Process Tailings
2.6.5
Yearly Quantities
(Mt/y)
3.09 - 6.76
1.40 – 1.79
Quantities for 30 years
(Mt)
138.2
59.2
3.1 - 3.3
Comments
Average TREO: 1.3%
Average TREO: 0.9%
1.25 – 3.52
48.3
26 Mt of low grade ore
to remain on site after
30 years
0.28 - 0.36
0 - 1.45
0 - 1.88
1.12 - 2.64
9.8
6.8
23.9
47.4
Average TREO: 4.2%
At Mine Site only
Ore Processing
The crushing circuit is designed to operate for 365 days per year, 12 hours per day. The grinding, flotation and
dewatering circuits are designed to operate for 365 days per year, 24 hours per day.
2.6.5.1
Crushing and Grinding
The primary crushing will consist of a jaw crusher to reduce run-of-mine material to less than 150 mm. Crushed
mineralized material will then be ground to a particle size of less than 40 μm (for 80% of particles or P80) in a
closed circuit composed of a semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mill and a ball mill, in circuit with hydrocyclone
classifiers, and a closed loop pebble crusher acting on any oversize material screened after the SAG mill. The
grinding circuit product particle size was selected based on the required grind size for effective liberation of the
rare earth and yttrium-bearing minerals.
2.6.5.2
Flotation
The milled product is then sent to the flotation circuit comprising a conditioning stage and four rougher stages to
generate a concentrate and a residue. The flotation concentrate will be thickened and then dewatered to reduce
moisture to less than 10%. The flotation tailings, comprising mostly of non-REE mineralized gangue, will be sent
to the TMF.
Flotation concentrate will be loaded into trucks (side-dumper trailers pulled by tractor) for delivery to the Port
facility from where it will be shipped for further processing.
2.6.6
Tailings Management
The dewatered tailings would be mixed with a cementing agent to maintain the stability of the tailings and provide
strength to the residue mass within the TMF and to prevent re-suspension of the tailings particles during
precipitation and snow-melt events. The dewatered residue would be loaded onto trucks and hauled to the TMF.
The tailings will be end dumped and spread in approximately 30 to 40 cm loose lifts and compacted by mobile
equipment. Note that this rate will approximately double after the 23rd year.
Seepage from the tailings is expected to be limited due to their low hydraulic conductivity and the addition of the
cementing agent. Contact between the tailings and groundwater will be minimized by the installation of an under-
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drain system within the impoundment. Seepage that does occur will be collected in the drainage system and
conveyed out of the impoundment area to be treated as required, and then discharged to the environment.
Runoff and snowmelt over the surface of the tailings will be collected in a peripheral drain, treated as required,
and then discharged to the environment.
On the periphery of the TMF, surface runoff will be collected by drains/berms and diverted around and away from
the impoundment area. Additional drains will also be provided for the various phases of construction, as the TMF
expands over 30 years. The embankment will be constructed in stages to maximize the potential for gravity flow
of surface runoff to the sedimentation ponds.
2.6.7
Emergency Response
Qualified personnel trained in first aid and emergency response will be available. When necessary, an air
ambulance will take patients to a hospital facility located in a major center such as the Labrador Health Centre
located in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The same centers will be called upon to support response to any
environmental emergencies.
2.6.8
Environmental Discharges
2.6.8.1
Air
The main air emissions sources (greenhouse gases, particles, etc.) will be from mining, blasting and crushing
activities, concentrate storage, power supply (generators) as well as vehicular traffic for the transport of ore,
waste rock, concentrate and other transportation activities on the site.
2.6.8.2
Liquid Effluent
Contact Runoff Water
Several ponds will be required to manage the surface runoff water in contact with mine activities, the processing
area, stockpiles and the TMF. They will each be located at the lower point of each affected watershed. Retention
ponds will be used when the water needs to be treated for removal of dissolved components before being
discharged to the environment. Sedimentation ponds will be for suspended solids removal only.
Process Wastewater
According to the mass balance of the ore processing plant (crushing, grinding and flotation), there will no liquid
effluent produced by the process. A water make-up estimated at 42 m3 per hour is required. Any wastewater
generated during maintenance will be tested and appropriately treated before release to the environment
Wastewater Treatment and Discharge
A wastewater treatment unit will be installed within or near the ore processing area.
A main discharge point for treated water is anticipated to Lake Brisson in the wide bay between the mine pit and
the base camp and processing area. Though bathymetry of this area of the lake has been mapped, the exact
discharge location has yet to be determined and will depend on the final site layout.
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2.6.8.3
Waste
Flotation residue
The flotation residue will be disposed of at the TMF described in previous sections. This facility will be designed
and managed in accordance with the requirements of Quebec Directive 019.
Other types of waste
A landfill to accommodate the non-hazardous solid waste will be constructed along the access road between the
airport and the mine pit in a suitable area according to the topographical characteristics. It will be accessible by a
service road designed for light vehicles.
A contaminated soil and snow pad will be constructed near the landfill and used also for soil remediation. The pad
of 2,500 m2 will be available to receive and treat or store the possible contaminated soils (or snow during winter)
coming from accidental spills. Whenever possible, soil contaminated with hydrocarbons that can be bioremediated will be treated on site by land-farming. Contaminated soils that cannot be treated on-site will be
stored and shipped in the same manner as hazardous wastes.
All non-hazardous and non-recyclable solid waste generated at the Mine will be incinerated at the port site or be
sent to the future landfill. Recoverable materials (domestic paper/cardboard, plastics and metals) will be
compacted on site, and then sent offsite to a sorting facility. Kitchen/organic waste and other non-recyclable and
non-hazardous domestic wastes will be stored temporarily in plastic bags inside a bear proof steel clad shed at
the camp site. The waste will be shipped by trucks at least twice a week to the port for incineration. Inert
materials (glass, non-recyclable metal, sludge from wastewater treatment system) and non-hazardous waste that
cannot be incinerated due to their dimensions will be disposed of in the landfill.
Hazardous waste and special wastes other than used oils will be stored in sealed shipping containers within
secondary containment areas and will be shipped to an authorized off-site treatment/disposal facility. It is
assumed that used oil will be burned on site in a dedicated furnace to produce heat, or burned by the generators
in the power plant.
2.7
Decommissioning and Rehabilitation
In anticipation of eventual mine closure after 30 years of operation, a conceptual closure plan was prepared in
accordance with the Québec Mining Act and related site restoration guidelines (Ministère des Ressources
naturelles, 1997).
Upon closure, it was assumed that future land use would revert to wildlife habitat and that disturbed areas will be
returned to the pre-mining state so that any traditional land-use activities can resume. It was also assumed that
progressive rehabilitation will be carried out during operations for the TMF (tailings site). For the current mine
plan scenario, rehabilitation of the open pit cannot commence until its development ceases after year 23. The
access road will continue to be used during the life of the Mine Processing Facility. An allowance of 10 years for
post-closure monitoring was made to demonstrate achievement of the closure criteria and objectives. Progressive
dismantling of project infrastructure, remediating and monitoring of residual impacts on soil or water quality, and
restoring of wildlife habitat will be required.
2.8
Variants for Different Phases of the Project
Process pilot testing and progressively more advanced engineering and project planning studies are expected to
continue optimizing the project in terms of cost, schedule and environmental footprint. The below list of variants,
and others, may be considered for the Project:
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 Site Preparation: A temporary winter road from the Labrador coast, or other mode of winter transportation (i.e.
winter landing strip), will be assessed as an option to bring heavy materials and equipment to the site, to begin
staging before the start of construction.
 Construction: Modular, containerized and other pre-fabricated options for buildings and equipment will be
considered, given climatic constraints, site conditions and potential transportation restrictions.
 Operations: Photometric sorting of ore will be assessed as an additional mine site processing step prior to
flotation at the mine site. If selected, it may reduce the equipment size of the subsequent flotation stage.
 Restoration: The current closure concept assumes that the site will be returned to a pre-project state as wildlife
habitat, whereby traditional activities (hunting, fishing, and food gathering) can resume. Subject to community
and government consultation, alternative end land-uses may be considered, such as leaving the airstrip and/or
part of the road network as a continued basis for other forms of development in the area.
2.9
Project Schedule
The Quest Project developed a schedule showing duration and staging of key project phases, including
preparation of the site, construction, operation, decommissioning and abandonment. Following commissioning
and the start-up of the plant, a life of mine of 30 years is planned. During this time, normal operations will include
maintenance and replacement of equipment and other infrastructure as required.
To facilitate schedule comprehension, a list of key milestones is provided below up to first ore delivery and
beyond, including closure and abandonment (Table 2-3).
Table 2-3
Key Schedule Milestone Dates
Key Milestone
Planned Dates
Start Final Phase of Pre-feasibility Study (PFS)
February 2015
Submit EIA Preliminary Information
Complete PFS
Start Feasibility Study (FS)
Submit EIA Report
Complete FS and commence detailed engineering
EIA Decision
March 2015
June 2015
September 2015
April 2016
September 2016
October 2016
Delivery of construction permits - Early works
June 2017
Start of construction – Early works
June 2017
Delivery of Construction permits
July 2017
Construction at mine site
July 2018
Start mining and commissioning of ore processing
July 2019
First ore delivery
September 2019
Decommissioning and Dismantling
2049-2051
Environmental Monitoring
2051-2061
Site Abandonment
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3
Physical Environment
3.1
Climate
Located within the Taiga Shield Ecozone, the SLBZ Project site experiences a subarctic climate with long, cold
winters and short, cool summers. Daily average temperatures above freezing are restricted to the months of May
to September. Temperatures can reach as low as -45oC in the winter months. Precipitation is low to moderate,
averaging approximately 250 to 500 mm per year. Snow and freshwater ice cover persist for six to eight months
of the year. Evapotranspiration rates are very low resulting in water-logged terrain in many areas during the
summer months. Discontinuous permafrost at varying depth is expected.
3.2
Ambient Air Quality
The nearest ambient air monitoring station is located in Goose Bay and only measures ozone. Therefore, in situ
baseline data was collected at the Strange Lake mine site. Ambient air quality parameters were selected based
on pollutants that will likely be emitted by the Project, because the site is located in an area receiving very little
pollution from anthropogenic sources. The following pollutants were analyzed: PM2.5, PM10, TSP, metals with
selected REEs (as particulate), SO2, NO2, VOC, asbestos, and radon. No anomalies were noted: air quality
results were typical of those seen in remote and undeveloped areas.
3.3
Noise
In 2011, 24 hours of baseline sound pressure (noise) was evaluated at the Mine site, at a distance sufficiently
away (>1 km) from any active exploration drilling in the area to minimize sound interference. The maximum hourly
sound levels (LAeq 1h) measured at the monitored site was 37.7 dBA during the day and 31.5 dBA during the
night.
3.4
Geomorphology, Surficial Geology and Permafrost
Geomorphology, surficial geology and permafrost were assessed and described using existing information, field
investigations in 2011, and a review of aerial photography, including a high-resolution orthophotographic survey
with 15 cm to 25 cm ground resolution completed in September 2012 for the Mine site. The following subsections
summarize the results.
3.4.1
Geomorphology and Surficial Geology
The entire study area was covered by the Laurentide Ice Sheet during the later phase of the Wisconsinan
glaciations. The mine site is dominated by a thick till blanket with a hummocky surface expression composed of
lodgement and overlying ablation till. This area is characterized by numerous glacial features including roche
moutonées, drumlins, crag and tail formations, and undulating till ridges (Rogen moraines), oriented east to
northeast / west to southwest, parallel to ice flow direction. Much of the till blanket is overlain by an organic
veneer and is characterized by poor drainage, particularly in lower-lying areas between the drumlinoid ridges.
Glaciofluvial outwash sediments occupy the main drainage channels throughout the study area; kame and kettle
topography and long, sinuous esker ridges are characteristic of these areas.
3.4.2
Permafrost
The Mine site is located in an area where over 50% of the land surface contains permafrost. Visual evidence of
discontinuous permafrost was observed in the form of large fields of frost boils (also known as “mud boils”), small
polygons created by a network of near-surface ice wedges, cryogenic mounds and thermokarst lakes, some of
which suggests permafrost degradation in various areas of the Project site. The ground thermal regime is
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dynamic and sensitive to changes in earth material properties, surface cover (including seasonal snow), climate
and hydrogeology.
3.5
Hydrology and Fluvial Geomorphology
Surface water features, which normally make up a high proportion of the landscape in northern Québec, are
present at the site in the form of lakes, wetlands, and dense tributary networks that drain the area over
impermeable surface substrates (frozen, dense basal till and/or shallow to bedrock). Approximately 80% of the
mine site area drains through Lake Brisson, followed by Lake Napeu Kainiut, into the Déat River watershed in
Québec, which leads eventually into the George River System (about 100 km downstream).
3.6
Limnology
Limnological conditions of lakes in northern Québec are typically oligotrophic, with few nutrients and low biological
productivity. This is the case of Lake Brisson and Lake Napeu Kainiut, the area’s two major lakes, in spite of
being fed by a diversity of small lakes, ponds and watercourses, including intermittent streams fed by a wide
variety of overland sources. This was confirmed by laboratory analyses of water samples and in situ surface
water measurements.
3.7
Surface Water Quality
Surface water quality was monitored in 2011 and 2012 at twenty-three sampling stations located across the
Project area to capture spatial variability for the range of water bodies in Project area. Data compiled for four
seasons, including winter, revealed relatively low concentrations of metals, radioisotopes, nutrients and other
elements across the Project site. Some seasonal and interannual variability was noted for key parameters such
as pH.
3.8
Soil Quality
Based on 2011-12 results for thirty-three surface soil samples distributed over the Project area, collected
according to MDDELCC procedures, from a depth of approximately 0.3 to 0.5 m:
 Soil quality results were fairly consistent throughout the Site, including concentrations of REEs.
 Metals are all under the MDDELCC “A” criterion (Churchill-Rae).
 In terms of radioisotopes, Ra-226, Th-228, Th-230, Th-232, U-234 and U-238 were detected at low levels in
some stations.
 Concentrations of total hydrocarbons, VOCs and PAHs were all below their respective MDDELCC guidelines
and/or the analytical detection limits for these parameters.
3.9
Sediment Quality
For sediment at seven lacustrine stations within Lake Brisson, and in five streams stations, based upon samples
collected in 2011 and 2012, results for metals, REEs and radioisotopes are considered natural occurrences
reflecting local mineralogy and background conditions. Oligotrophic conditions were confirmed by measured
nutrient indicators. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), C10-C50 hydrocarbons were not detected (below
RDL).
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4
Biological Environment
4.1
Vegetation
The Project area is characterized by arctic vegetation dominated by wetlands, which cover 45% of the study area.
Due to limited surrounding relief, habitat diversity is relatively low. Tall shrubs (glandular birch, alpine bilberry)
and trees (white spruce) were restricted to the transitional slope between the central plateau and Lake Brisson as
well as along streams and some periphery of lakes (tamarack). Greater plant diversity was found in riparian areas
and near the shore of Lake Brisson. The most diverse were certain fens and small marshes with calciphile flora.
Snowbeds was another unique micro-habitat observed for plants. Based on a total of eighty-eight vegetation
plots and forty-three map check points, a total of one hundred and fifteen vascular plant species were inventoried,
including two trees, thirty-eight shrubs and seventy-five herbaceous species.
4.2
Fish and Fish Habitat
4.2.1
Fish Communities
In August 2011 and 2012, fish were found at all stations except for two stations, including one located in the
vicinity of the proposed lowgrade stockpile location (Map 2, Appendix 1). The eight species captured (Arctic
char, brook trout, lake trout, round whitefish, longnose sucker, burbot, lake chub, and mottled sculpin) were typical
of a cold freshwater thermal regime. Lake trout and longnose sucker were the two most abundant species in
lakes, while brook trout dominated the stream catches. Juvenile lake trout, lake chub and long nose sucker were
also present in some streams. Both lake trout and Arctic char were found to be using the same lacustrine habitat.
Spawning surveys were conducted with the installation of egg collectors in appropriate Lake Brisson habitat. In
October 2012, the presence of spawning grounds was confirmed next to an esker near the connecting waterway
to Lake Napeu Kainiut. However, no spawning was found closer to the B-Zone.
4.2.2
Benthic Invertebrates
Overall, benthic invertebrate communities present in the lacustrine and stream stations sampled were composed
of species relatively tolerant to nutrient enrichment and increased trace metal contamination in water.
4.3
Amphibians and Reptiles
No amphibians or reptiles were found or detected in and around the Project area during field surveys conducted
in 2011, 2012, and 2013. However the mink frog and the wood frog may be present at this latitude.
4.4
Birds
Almost all birds present during 2011 breeding surveys were migratory birds, except for ptarmigan and some
wooded species that are year-long residents.
Eleven waterfowl species and one loon species were observed. The species with the highest number of
individuals were, by far, the Canada goose, followed in abundance by long-tailed duck, red-breasted merganser,
green-winged teal, greater scaup, northern pintail and common loon.
Several indicated breeding pairs of harlequin duck were observed at a time on 2 separate dates in June between
Lake Brisson and Lake Napeu Kainiut along stream sections with fast-flowing water. Another indicated breeding
pair was noted approximately 700 m north-east of Lake Napeu Kainiut.
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Forty-three birds of prey, belonging to six different species, were sighted within 20 km of the mine site. The roughlegged hawk was the most numerous (27 sightings), followed by the peregrine falcon (7), the short-eared owl (3),
the golden eagle (3), the bald eagle (2) and the osprey (1). Also, a total of thirteen active nests was found. The
closest nest (peregrine falcon) was located 5 km from the B-Zone deposit.
A total of twenty passerines and galliform bird species were also detected; abundance and density generally
increased within high, medium and treed shrub thickets.
4.5
Mammals
4.5.1
Caribou
In June 2011, 480 caribou were seen within 20 km of the Project area, but the surveyed area was not considered
as a calving area at that time because no cow-calf pairs were observed.
Using available telemetry data from the Québec Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune (MRNF) for
2000 to 2012, the approximate southern limit of this herd’s traditional calving area was located at least 40 km
north of the B-Zone. The same data indicated that a small proportion (4.3%) of marked caribou was located
within 30 km of the Project area. Within the annual migratory cycle, September and October are the months when
the highest number of marked caribou travel close to the project area enroute to wintering grounds located further
south and east.
4.5.2
Other Mammals
During a winter tracking survey around the mine site in 2012, evidence of seven different species of animal tracks
was seen, mostly in treed shrub thicket areas. The fox (arctic and red) was the most observed species found in
transects.
The five species identified during a small mammal trapping survey are common species found in northern Québec
and Labrador: deer mice, meadow vole, eastern heather vole, southern red-backed vole, and masked shrew.
During the summer, major mammal species observed included black bear, arctic and red fox, arctic hare, red
squirrel and gray wolf.
4.6
Species at Risk
The following summarizes the status of any sensitive flora or fauna species observed:
 Harlequin duck is listed as special concern in Canada and as vulnerable both in Québec and Newfoundland
and Labrador’s endangered species legislation.
 All of the birds of prey species observed, except for the osprey and the rough-legged hawk, are considered
Species at Risk at the provincial and/or federal levels.
- Golden Eagle: no federal status but vulnerable in Québec.
- Peregrine Falcon: special concern (federal), vulnerable in both Québec and Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Bald Eagle: no federal status but vulnerable in Québec.
- Short-eared Owl: special concern (federal) and vulnerable in Newfoundland and Labrador, likely to be
designated as threatened or vulnerable in Québec.
 The caribou represents a key issue, given the value of this animal for native and non-native peoples of Québec
and Labrador and recent severe decline of the George River Caribou Herd (from 74,000 in 2010 to 14,200 in
2014) – but this population does not currently have any particular protection status. It is not at risk according to
COSEWIC and not a threatened or vulnerable caribou population in Québec on in Newfoundland and Labrador.
 No other observed fauna or plant species during surveys had any special status.
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5
Socioeconomic Environment
5.1
Land Use and Traditional Ecological Knowledge
Potential changes may occur in land and resource use activities as a result of the Project, notably the activities of
the Nunavik Inuit, Kawawachikamach Naskapi, Québec Innu, Labrador Inuit and Labrador Innu.
Land Use and Traditional Knowledge studies were completed between 2012 and 2013 for all affected
communities in the North.
The study reveals that many Aboriginal groups were traditionally using territories located within or near the
Strange Lake Project components in the Northern Project area (mine, access road and port). It also shows that
some groups continue to visit these lands; however, contemporary use is sporadic and of low intensity, especially
in the vicinity of the Project site.
Both aboriginal and non-aboriginal companies provide guiding services in the larger region. The closest outfitting
lodge from the project (Auberge de la Rivière George) is located on the shores of Lac Brisson, just a few km west
of the proposed mine site. The second closest outfitting business (Les Expéditions Dirhouse) owns an active
camp at Dirhouse Lake, approximatively 15 km north of the proposed mine site. Other close outfitting / tourism
facilities are respectively located 20 km south-west (Club Chambeaux), 35 km west (Aventures Ashini) and 45 km
south (Club de chasse et pêche Tuktu) of the proposed mine site.
5.2
Archaeology
No information was available on any previous archeology surveys or related studies in the vicinity of Lake
Brisson. Two archaeological inventories were carried out in 2011 and 2012.
A suspected maritime archaic cache was located at an elevation of 508m above the current sea level, potentially
close to the edge of the ancient glacial Lake Naskaupi. This low rock pile is located near the edge of the B-Zone,
approximately 500 m from the lakeshore and 63 m above the level of Lake Brisson. This structure could
potentially be affected during the latter part of the 30-year mine plan, or in a subsequent project phase.
Three concentrations of quartz flakes of anthropic origin and a concentration of burned bone fragments were
found on the surface within an area of approximately 100 m2. The site is located 7 m above the level of Lake
Brisson, over 50 m from the current helipad at the exploration camp, and less than 100 m from the lake. A stone
flake site was also discovered next to Lake Brisson at the end of the present airstrip, east of the exploration camp.
Both of these last two sites are undated.
5.3
Socio-Economic Issues
The Strange Lake Project is expected to have a greater effect on Aboriginal communities than non-Aboriginal
communities in Northern Québec and Labrador. Communities such as Kuujjuaq, Kangiqsualujjuaq, Nain,
Kawawachikamach or Natuashish tend to have greater socioeconomic vulnerability than their non-aboriginal
counterparts in centers such as Schefferville or in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
Specific issues faced by aboriginal communities include:




lower education levels and employment skills;
higher unemployment;
limited training and new employment opportunities;
social issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, child neglect, and suicide;
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 isolation and challenges in terms of accessing and delivering social and health services; and,
 higher costs of living, financial insecurity, and poverty.
By comparison, nearby communities with significant non-Aboriginal residents, such as Schefferville, Fermont,
Sept-Îles, Labrador City / Wabush, and Happy Valley - Goose Bay, are more concerned by:






economic boom and bust cycles in the mining and/or resource sectors;
an increasing demand for short-term temporary accommodation options;
high inflation, particularly for housing and accommodation costs;
insufficient infrastructure;
a need for updated education and training programs; and
harmonious relationships with Aboriginal peoples residing within the towns.
5.4
Landscape
The Project area is characterized by open, patchy and stunted vegetation, covering a series of hills and
depressions. This allows for a wide field of vision, of rolling topography with little human development, for an
observer from most viewpoints, especially if navigating on the east part of Lake Brisson.
However, used infrequently, this landscape is considered to have moderate intrinsic value for aboriginal and nonaboriginal hunters, fishermen, outfitter guides and wilderness tourists.
5.5
Significant Areas
There are no known protected areas in or immediately adjacent to the Project Site. However, in addition to the
Kuururjuaq park and the Monts-Pyramides park project, both over 200 km to the north, a territory with limits about
30 km from the Project Site was reserved as a potential protected area in 2008. A corridor of about 40-km
average width, along a 350-km section of the George River, was designated a “réserve de territoire pour fins
d’aire protégée”.
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6
Environmental Effects and Possible Impacts
Environmental effects have been considered by assessing potential Valued Ecosystem Components (VECs) and
analyzing their potential interaction with the Project.The following is a list of the most noteworthy criteria for
selection of possible VECs:







component value and importance recognized by laws, regulations, or policies;
sensitivity or vulnerability of the component;
uniqueness or rarity of the component;
viability (durability) of the component or ecosystem;
component value and importance given by stakeholders;
risk for health, safety or the well-being of the population;
ecosystem considerations for northern environment located beyond treeline and with discontinuous permafrost.
Key environmental components and indicators to be considered as a basis for VECs are identified and presented
in Table 6-1.
The most likely VEC’s, and their possible interaction with the Project, are linked to its different phases in
Table 6-2.
Some potential effects with the environment are further detailed in the following sub-sections because of their
importance for federal authorities.
6.1
Aboriginal Peoples
Consultation of available documents, meetings held with Aboriginal leaders, as well as information gathered
through interviews, made it possible to establish that the various phases of the Project will interact with some
contemporary land and resource use activities, such as caribou and small game hunting, fishing and snowmobile
transportation.
Moreover, the Project may have both positive and negative effects on various socio-economic components of
interest to aboriginal communities such as employment and economy, health and well-being as well as
community infrastructures and services.
6.2
Fish and Fish Habitat
The access road at the mine will cross four permanent watercourses between the ore processing area and the
airstrip. One of the four water crossings is free of fish at the crossing point.
East of the airport up to the provincial border, the access road crosses five intermittent streams and three
permanent watercourses. The latter have confirmed fish habitat; however, no salmonid species were caught.
Other project components affect aquatic habitat as follows:
 The locations of the tailings management facility encroaches the upstream reach of a tributary of Lake Napeu
Kainiut;
 Ore stockpiles are planned on a portion of watercourse (potentially not fish habitat) that drains in the Lake
Brisson, and on an isolated pond, which may not contain fish;
 Finally, the proposed airstrip may encroach on two watercourses, tributaries of Lake Napeu Kainiut, and both
with potential fish habitat.
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Migratory Birds
The Project phases of development, construction and operation of the mine will likely cause probable habitat loss
and will disrupt migratory birds using the study area. No residual effect from habitat loss is anticipated on
migratory birds, given the presence of similar habitats in the surroundings. In the case of species more sensitive
to habitat disturbance, they will move away or avoid the areas affected by the noise of the mine and
anthropogenic activities.
One species for which specific mitigation measures will be needed is the Harlequin duck, given its rarity (species
at risk) and its documented presence near the mine site. Project activity will be excluded an adequate distance
from stream sections characterized by high flow (rapids), which are preferential habitats during the species’
reproduction period.
6.4
Transboundary Effects
Considering the proximity of the provincial boundary, it is possible that Project air emissions (mainly dust) reach
Newfoundland and Labrador. According to the meteorological data collected between 2011 and 2014, prevailing
winds are from the south-west direction.
No effluent or runoff water from the Project in Quebec will reach the Newfoundland and Labrador territory.
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Table 6-1
Preliminary List of the Project’s Critical Environmental Components, their Key Indicators
and Rationale
Critical
Enviromental
Components
Atmospheric
Environment
Water Resources
Examples of Key Indicators





Air quality
Noise
Climate (greenhouse gas)
Effect on permafrost freeze/thaw
cycles
Quantity and quality of surface and
underground water
Rationale




Vegetation and
Wetlands


Freshwater Fish and
Fish Habitat


Abundance and diversity of plant
communities
Abundance and diversity of wetlands
Fish abundance and species
assemblage
Quality and abundance of fish habitat






Birds, Small Game
and Furbearers


Caribou


Abundance and diversity of migratory
and non-migratory birds
Furbearers and small game and
population abundance
Quantity and quality of habitat
George River Caribou Herd




Plant and animal
species at risk or of
conservation concern

Current and traditional
use of land and
resources – for both
aboriginal and larger
public

Cultural Heritage




Health and well-being
of communities
Employment and
economy

Visual Aesthetics

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


Plant species at risk, threatened or
vulnerable
Animal species at risk, threatened or
vulnerable


Current and traditional use of land
and resources for recreational or
commercial purposes
Traditional and current land use for
subsistence, culture and recreation
Protected areas
Historic, archeological and cultural
resources and sites
Health and well-being of people and
communities
Employment, Manpower training
Local, regional economy
Business development for goods,
equipment and services
Viewpoints on the mining site,
especially from Lake Brisson








Component needed to sustain life, health and wellbeing of humans and other lifeforms
Potential transboundary effects in Labrador
Importance for human life and ecological functions in
the George River watershed
Serves as a pathway for interactions between the
Project and other components
Fundamental role in maintaining terrestrial, riparian
and wetland ecosystems (biodiversity, hydrological
function, wildlife habitat, traditional resource use, etc.)
Sensitivity of some northern plant communities to
disturbance
Highly valued for biological, cultural, recreational and
sustenance aspects
Legal protection of fish habitat under provincial and
federal legislations
Maintaining biodiversity
Fragility of fish habitats in northern environment
(reduced resilience, lower growth rate and
productivity)
Valued component for social, cultural and economic
aspects (bird watching, waterfowl and small game
hunting, furbearers trapping) to the local population
and Aboriginal groups
Maintaining biodiversity
Highly valued component for biological, cultural and
sustenance aspects for Aboriginal groups
Herd in a precarious state following a dramatic decline
of its population number
Protection of species, their habitat and the biodiversity
Legal protection of species and their habitat under the
Species at Risk Act by the federal legislation and/or
under the provincial Act respecting threatened or
vulnerable species (harlequin duck, peregrine falcon)
Valued and important socio-economic component
Component reflecting the characteristics, traditions
and values of its people and communities, in particular
those of Aboriginal groups
Potential interactions with outfitters operating in the
region
Sites located near the planned installations footprint
Management of these important and at risk resources
Component can interact with the Project for people
and communities, in particular Aboriginal groups
Expected benefits provided by the Project to the
communities and the region
The tundra landscape is a noteworthy viewscape in an
area devoid of trees and human infrastructures
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General Mitigation Measures
In addition to specific mitigation measures identified in the previous sections, standard environmental mitigation or
control measures are anticipated in the following areas for all applicable phases of the project, and in combination
with industry-standard practices for occupational health and safety:
 erosion control, especially to limit sediment in the surface drainage system;
 watercourse protection, to protect fish-bearing waters from deleterious materials or potential contaminated
surface water runoff;
 solid waste management, to favor reuse and recycling wherever possible;
 hazardous materials management and storage, to reduce risk of release to the environment;
 drilling and blasting precautions, especially near watercourses and noise receptors;
 preventative operation of equipment, to avoid spills and suppress dust generation; and
 proactive socio-economic programs, to assist in integrating a workforce expected to come from different
communities and to support overall worker health and well-being.
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Table 6-2
Possible Impacts of Each Project Phase on Potential Valued Ecosystem Components
Possible Impacts (pre-mitigation) per Project Phase
Potential
Main Activities
Development
Construction
Operations
Closure
Temporary camps and roads, site
preparation, fuel storage pad (early
works)
Machinery operation, road and infrastructure
construction, tailings management facility
setup
Ore transportation and process, presence of
infrastructures (plant, etc.)
Closure
appropriate
restoration
activities
Biophysical Environment
Air emissions sources (greenhouse gases,
Air emissions sources (greenhouse gases,
pollutants, dusts)
pollutants, dusts)
Spills affecting aquatic habitats, probable
Erosion, alteration to water and sediment
Aquatic environment, fish
watercourse diversion, probable water crossings,
Spills affecting aquatic habitats, presence of
quality, spills affecting aquatic habitats,
and fish habitat
probable erosion, alteration to water and sediment
mine wastes
probable water crossings
quality
Migratory and nonReduction of habitat use due to noise and
Reduction of habitat use due to noise and
Reduction of habitat use due to noise and
migratory birds
anthropogenic activities
Habitat loss, reduction of habitat use and
Habitat loss, reduction of habitat use and
Reduction of habitat use and alteration of
Caribou
alteration of migratory movements due to alteration of migratory movements due to noise
migratory movements due to noise and traffic
noise and traffic
and traffic
Species at risk or of special
Disruption of Harlequin duck due to
Disruption of Harlequin duck owed to
Disruption of Harlequin duck due to
concern (flora and wildlife)
Transboundary Effects
Atmospheric emissions of sources
Atmospheric emissions of sources (greenhouse Atmospheric emissions of sources (greenhouse
(greenhouse gases, pollutants, dusts) to
gases, polluants, dusts) to Labrador
gases, polluants, dusts) to Labrador
Labrador
Air Quality
Air emissions sources (greenhouse
gases, pollutants, dusts)
Gain in habitat
Social Environment
Health and Well-Being
Socio-economic
Cultural Heritage
Land use (Aboriginal)
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Concerns over health effects
Concerns over health effects
Labour shortage, new family dynamics (fly in fly
Increased pressure on community
out), lifestyle changes, exacerbation of social
services and infrastructures, development
problems, increased revenue, increased
of new community infrastructures,
pressure on community services and
business and training opportunities
infrastructures, economic growth, business and
training opportunities
Issues related to the protection of
Concerns over the integrity of Aboriginal
archaeological, cultural, historical and
languages and traditional lifestyle
sacred sites
Potential social conflicts
Changes in current land and resource use,
potential social conflicts, changes to the visual
aesthetics
Job creation, concerns over health effects
Lifestyle changes, exacerbation of social
problems, increased revenue, economic growth
Concerns over the integrity of Aboriginal
languages and traditional lifestyle
Changes in current land and resource use,
potential social conflicts, changes to the visual
aesthetics
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7
Consultation
7.1
Public Consultation Modalities
7.1.1
Consultation Meetings
Since 2011, Quest has presented the Project to a number of government stakeholders at the federal level and in
Quebec, as well as key industry stakeholders (Table 7-1). Cross-border Project issues have also been discussed
with various government agencies in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Quest initiated informal meetings with some northern Aboriginal representatives as early as 2008. Beginning in
2011, a more formal series of meetings took place with key aboriginal groups, including updates provided for
periodic changes in leadership. Table 7-2 presents an overall summary of Aboriginal groups and other
stakeholders consulted to date.
Table 7-1
Government and other Institutional Stakeholders Consulted
Type of Consultation
Activities
Federal level –
Initial project presentation,
follow-up meetings and
communications
Date
2011ongoing
Stakeholders
 Major Projects Management Office (MPMO);
 Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
(CEAA) representatives;
 Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN);
 Canada Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC).
Government of Quebec –
Initial project presentation,
follow-up meetings and
communications
2011ongoing
 Ministère des Ressources naturelles Mines
Division;
 Quebec Ministry of Environment (Ministère du
Développement durable, de l’Environnement, de la
Faune et des Parcs – MDDEFP);
 Quebec Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat (Secrétariat
aux Affaires Autochtones du Québec);
 Investment Quebec (Investissement Quebec).
Discussions related to
project development in
Quebec
2014ongoing
 Quebec Mining Association (Association minière du
Québec);
 Quebec Association of Mining Exploration (AEMQ);
 Other mining and metallurgical companies.
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Table 7-2
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Aboriginal Governments and Institutions Consulted
Activities
Quebec Inuit (Nunavik) –
Socio-economic and
traditional land use baseline
studies, Information
meetings and community
engagement process
Date
2012 ongoing
Stakeholders
 Makivik Corporation;
 Nunavik Mineral Exploration Fund (NMEF);
 Kativik Regional Government (KRG);
 Municipal authorities in Kuujjuaq and Kangiqsualujjuaq;
 Landholding corporations of Kuujjuaq and Kangiqsualujjuaq;
 KRG Sustainable Employment Department;
 Employment representative at the town office in
Kangiqsualujjuaq;
 KRG Department of Local and Regional Development;
 School Directors in Kuujjuaq and Kangiqsualujjuaq;
 Health Center Representatives in Kuujjuaq and
Kangiqsualujjuaq;
 Community meetings with elders and land users in
Kangiqsualujjuaq and Kuujjuaq.
Naskapi Nation of
Kawawachikamach –
Socio-economic and
engagement process
2011 ongoing
 Leaders of the Kawawachikamach Naskapi Nation Council;
 Naskapi elders, land users and community members (via
public forum);
 Department of Public Works;
 Naskapi Nation Office;
 Naskapi Development Corporation;
 Naskapi Police Force.
Quebec Innu –
Information meetings and
community engagement
process
2012 ongoing
 Matimekush Innu Band Council;
Labrador Inuit (Nunatsiavut)
–
Socio-economic and
engagement process
2011 ongoing
 Nunatsiavut Government Leaders and Ministers;
 Aventures Ashini – Les Amis du Mushuau-Nipi.
 Nunatsiavut Secretariat;
 Nunatsiavut Department of Land and Natural Resources;
 Nunatsiavut Department of Education and Economic
Development;
 Nunatsiavut Department of Health and Social Development;
 Nunatsiavut Department of Culture and Tourism;
 Department of Nunatsiavut Affairs;
 Representative of the Inuit Community Government of Nain;
 Community meetings with Nunatsiavut Inuit elders and
community members in Nain.
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Table 7-2
Aboriginal Governments and Institutions Consulted (cont’d)
Activities
Labrador Innu Nation –
Socio-economic and
engagement process
Date
2012 ongoing
Stakeholders
 Labrador Innu Nation Leaders;
 Innu Development Limited Partnership (IDLP);
 Innu Mikun;
 Mushuau Innu Band Council of Natuashish and the Innu
Band Council of Sheshashit;
 Environment Office of the Innu Nation;
 Economic development advisors of the Mushuau Innu First
Nation and the Sheshashit Innu First Nation;
 Social Health Department of the Sheshatshiu Innu First
Nation;
 Community meetings with land users and other community
members in Natuashish and Sheshashit.
Meetings with non-aboriginal stakeholders were held mainly by Quest with business leaders in communities such
as Schefferville or Happy Valley Goose Bay – either privately or via public forums such as trade shows and
presentations i.e. local Chambers of Commerce.
7.2
Issues and Concerns Raised
7.2.1
Government Departments and Agencies
There is much interest in the socioeconomic benefits and spin-offs of opening up a remote part of the north, as
well as attracting additional investment to the south of Quebec.
Government departments and agencies seek to better understand any Project environmental effects, particularly
on the George River Caribou Herd and the water quality of the George River watershed.
7.2.2
Aboriginal Groups
In addition to the meetings mentioned above, issues raised by Aboriginal stakeholders were gathered through
socio-economic and traditional land use baseline studies, informal information meetings and other stakeholder
engagement activities.
The main questions and issues raised by the different Aboriginal groups include:
Negotiation and Implementation of an Impact Benefits Agreement (IBA):
 Interest in potential IBAs with Quest, taking into account existing land claims.
 Role of IBAs as motors of economic growth, particularly to favor local benefits such as employment, business
opportunities and training programs.
Environmental Issues:
 Caribou migration, habitat protection and potential for habitat fragmentation.
 Impacts on arctic char.
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 Any environmental risks associated with rare earth processing.
 Environmental assessment process and development of appropriate mitigation and compensation measures.
Traditional Land Use and Resource Use:
 Concerns over traditional livelihood and access to land – both in summer and winter (snowmobile).
 Impacts of the Project on wildlife patterns, and influence on traditional hunting and fishing patterns.
Employment and Training Opportunities:
 Expected employment, training and business opportunities.
 Development of partnerships with aboriginal institutions to favor local employment.
 Equity between different aboriginal groups.
Community Engagement:
 Importance of building a relationship based on trust through good communications and a continued presence in
the potentially affected communities.
 Important to keep the community and institutions updated about the evolution of the Project’s design and its
timeline.
Social Issues:
 Aboriginal stakeholders are concerned that mining development could exacerbate existing social issues such
as alcohol and drug abuse, child neglect and housing availability.
 Some villages are highly vulnerable due to already fragile social conditions.
 Limited capacity of local infrastructures (health, education and recreational facilities).
7.2.3
Non-aboriginal Stakeholders
Formal information meetings have not yet been organized to date with non-aboriginal stakeholders concerned by
the Project. Only key informant interviews have been conducted on the phone to gather preliminary baseline
information on Aboriginal training and education programs, local services and regional economic development.
7.3
Engagement and Communications Plan
An Engagement and Communications Plan (ECP) was developed to ensure that key stakeholders are well
informed through the various Project development phases and have ongoing opportunities to engage in
discussions about the Project so that their concerns and interests are addressed.
The ECP has been divided into four (4) phases:




Phase 1: Pre-Launch Communication Activities
Phase 2: Environmental Impact Assessment Launch Activities with Key Stakeholders
Phase 3: Public Environmental Impact Assessment Launch Activities
Phase 4: Environmental Impact Assessment Submission and Review Communication Activities
The ECP prioritizes Aboriginal involvement, however it also values increased direct interactions with the local
non-aboriginal population in order to assess overall social acceptability of the Project and better inform their main
communities.
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Consultation activities will address the following broad categories, with emphasis on stakeholders identified in
Table 7-2:




Project update presentations and follow-up as key information becomes available;
Environmental and social baseline studies;
Traditional and contemporary land use;
Identification and analysis of issues, concerns and questions regarding the Project, potential impacts and
related mitigation measures;
 Presentation of the Environmental Impact Assessment report.
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8
Federal Involvement
8.1
Funding
The project does not depend upon a grant or loan from a federal government agency.
8.2
Federal Lands
Within the limits of the Province of Québec, no federal land will be used for the purpose of carrying out the project.
No federal lands are located in proximity and hence no impact is expected on federal lands.
8.3
Federal Approval Requirements
Refer to Table 8-1 for a list of permits, licenses and other authorizations that may be required under any federal
Act of Parliament to carry out the project. This list is considered as preliminary and may vary as the project
evolves.
Note also that third parties (i.e. subcontractors) may be responsible for certain activities such as transporting or
storing explosives.
Table 8-1
List of Potential Federal Permits, Licenses and Authorizations Applicable to the Project
Permit/Authorization
Law / Regulations
Section
Activity
Decision Statement
Canadian Environmental
Assessment Act, 2012
54
Approval of the entire project, at least
in Quebec.
Radio Station Licence
Radio Communications
Act
5
Install and operate a radio station
Permit for construction of
structures in or near water
bodies
Navigable Water
Protection Act
5
Effluent outfall, wastewater discharge,
wastewater outfall, wharf construction,
stream crossings
Permit for approval of harmful Fisheries Act
alteration, disruption or
destruction of fish or fish
habitat
35(2)
Effluent outfall, wastewater discharge,
wastewater outfall, wharf construction,
stream crossings
Permit to transport explosives Explosives Act
7
Transportation of explosives
Emergency Response
Assistance Plan (ERAP)
Approval
Transportation of
Dangerous Goods Act
7 & 31
ERAP and permit demonstrating
equivalent level of safety
Licence for explosive
magazines
Explosives Act
7
Utilize explosives.
Quebec and Kativik Government environmental permitting requirements will be provided at a later date.
60290419 – March 2015
39
AECOM
References
Government of Canada, 2014, Prescribed Information for the Description of a Designated Project Regulations,
Minister of Justice http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2012-148/FullText.html.
Micon, 2014. Quest Rare Minerals Ltd. NI 43-1010 Technical Report on the Preliminary Economic Assessment
(PEA) for the Strange Lake Property, Quebec, Canada. Amended Report Date June 26, 2014.
Ministère des Ressources naturelles du Québec; Ministère de l'Environnement et de la Faune du Québec, 1997.
Guidelines for preparing a mining site rehabilitation plan and general mining site rehabilitation guidelines.
MRNF, Quebec. http://www.mern.gouv.qc.ca/english/publications/mines/environment/guianmin.pdf.
MDDELCC, 2014. Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement, et de la Lutte contre les
changements climatiques, Direction générale de l’évaluation environnementale, Preliminary information
on a project in a northern region, October 2014 http://www.mddelcc.gouv.qc.ca/evaluations/renseignprelim-en.htm.
MDDEP, 2012. Directive 19 Sur l’industrie minière, March 2012.
http://www.mddelcc.gouv.qc.ca/milieu_ind/directive019/directive019.pdf.
60290419 – March 2015
41

Strange Lake B-Zone Rare Earth Mine Project

Transcription

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