Public Notice
Akasaba West Copper-Gold Mine Project – Public Comments Invited

October 21, 2014 — As part of the strengthened and modernized Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012) put in place to support the government's Responsible Resource Development Initiative, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) must decide whether a federal environmental assessment is required for the proposed Akasaba West Copper-Gold Mine Project, located approximately 15 kilometers east of Val-d'Or, Quebec. To assist it in making its decision, the Agency is seeking comments from the public on the project and its potential effects on the environment. All comments received will be considered public.

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited is proposing the construction, operation, and decommissioning of an open-pit copper and gold mine with an ore production capacity of approximately 3,000 to 4,000 tonnes per day for four to six years. The proposed project is located approximately 15 kilometers east of Val-d'Or, Quebec. The ore will be processed by the Goldex mine concentrator, which is currently in operation and is also located in Val-d'Or. Tailings from the proposed project will be used to restore the Manitou mine site, an old tailings facility of high environmental concern.

Written comments must be submitted by November 10, 2014 to:

Akasaba West Copper-Gold Mine Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
901-1550 d'Estimauville Avenue
Québec, Quebec G1J 0C1
Telephone: 418-649-6444
Fax: 418-649-6443
Akasaba@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

To view a summary of the project description or for more information on the project and on the environmental assessment process, visit the Agency's website (Registry reference number 80090).

The Agency will post a decision on its website stating whether a federal environmental assessment is required.

If it is determined that a federal environmental assessment is required, the public will have three more opportunities to comment on this project, consistent with the transparency and public engagement elements of CEAA 2012.

Projects subject to CEAA 2012 are assessed using a science-based approach. If the project is permitted to proceed to the next phase, it will continue to be subject to Canada's strong environmental laws, rigorous enforcement and follow-up, and fines for non-compliance.