News Release
Victor Diamond Mine Extension Project – Federal Funding Allocated to Participate in the Environmental Assessment
OTTAWA, October 10, 2013 — The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency has allocated a total of $86,560 to six applicants to support their participation in the federal environmental assessment of the proposed Victor Diamond Mine Extension Project, located in Ontario.
This funding was made available to the public and Aboriginal groups through the Participant Funding Program administered by the Agency. It will enable participation in upcoming steps of the environmental assessment, which include reviewing and providing comments on the Environmental Impact Statement and draft Environmental Assessment Report.
| Applicant | Allocation |
|---|---|
| Attawapiskat First Nation | $45,000 |
| Moose Cree First Nation | $10,500 |
| Taykwa Tagamou Nation | $10,460 |
| Fort Albany First Nation | $10,500 |
| MiningWatch Canada | $5,660 |
| Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – Wildlands League | $4,440 |
| Total | $86,560 |
For more information on the Participant Funding Program, the federal environmental assessment process and the project, please visit the Agency's website (Registry reference number: 80043).
As part of the strengthened and modernized Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 put in place to support the government's Responsible Resource Development Initiative, the Agency is conducting a federal environmental assessment of this project.
This project is being assessed using a science-based approach. If it 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 increased fines.
The Proposed Project
De Beers Canada Incorporated proposes the construction, operation and decommissioning of a second pit and additional ancillary components, approximately 6.5 kilometres northwest of the existing Victor Diamond Mine, located approximately 100 kilometres west of the Attawapiskat First Nation, in Ontario. The second pit is expected to have an ore production capacity of just over 9,000 tonnes per day with a mine life of roughly seven years.
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the federal environmental assessment process, which identifies the environmental effects of proposed projects and measures to address those effects, in support of sustainable development.
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For more information, media may contact:
Sofie McCoy-Astell
Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Telephone: 613-960-1519
E-mail: Sofie.McCoy-Astell@ceaa-acee.gc.ca
Document Reference Number: 12