Project Recommendation
Issued under Chapter 10, Section 8 of the Nisga'a Final Agreement for the Red Mountain Underground Gold Project

Description of the Designated Project

IDM Mining Ltd. (the proponent) proposes to construct, operate, and decommission an underground gold and silver mine (the Designated Project) located approximately 15 kilometres northeast of Stewart, British Columbia, and within the Nass Wildlife Area and Nass Area described in the Nisga'a Final Agreement. As proposed, the Designated Project would produce approximately 1,000 tonnes of mineral ore per day or 365,000 tonnes per year, over an operational mine life of six years.

Conduct of the environmental assessment

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) commenced an environmental assessment of the Designated Project on November 12, 2015. The Agency conducted the assessment in a manner that met the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012) and the relevant provisions of the Nisga'a Final Agreement, and submitted its report to me in my capacity as Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Assessment of effects referred to in Chapter 10, paragraph 8(e) of the Nisga'a Final Agreement

In accordance with Chapter 10, paragraph 8(e) of the Nisga'a Final Agreement, based on the environmental assessment, I have determined that the Designated Project can reasonably be expected to have adverse environmental effects on residents of Nisga'a Lands, Nisga'a Lands and Nisga'a interests under the Nisga'a Final Agreement, including in respect of those interests related to access, fisheries, wildlife and migratory birds, and guide outfitting. I have further determined the Designated Project is not reasonably expected to have adverse environmental effects on Nisga'a treaty interests in respect of cultural artifacts and heritage. My Environmental Assessment Decision Statement establishes legally binding conditions to prevent or mitigate these environmental effects. It also identifies the follow-up program that must be implemented by the proponent in order to verify the accuracy of the conclusions of the environmental assessment and the effectiveness of the mitigation measures.

Assessment of effects referred to in Chapter 10, paragraph 8(f) of the Nisga'a Final Agreement

In accordance with Chapter 10, paragraph 8(f) of the Nisga'a Final Agreement, based on the environmental assessment, I have determined that the Designated Project will result in both positive and negative effects on the existing and future economic, social and cultural well-being of Nisga'a citizens who may be affected by the Project.

Statement under Chapter 10, paragraph 8(h) of the Nisga'a Final Agreement

I recommend that the Designated Project should proceed.

This Project Recommendation is made on January 14, 2019 at Ottawa, Ontario by:

<Original signed by>

The Honourable Catherine McKenna
Minister of Environment and Climate Change