News Release
Hammond Reef Gold Project — Environmental Assessment Decision

November 19, 2018 — Ottawa — Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

The Government of Canada is steadfast in its commitment to protect the environment while growing the economy.

Today, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced that the proposed Hammond Reef Gold Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects when the mitigation measures described in the Comprehensive Study Report are taken into account. These mitigation measures include air emission controls, effluent treatment, and steps to address effects on fish and fish habitat.

In reaching her environmental assessment decision, the Minister considered the Comprehensive Study Report as well as comments received from Indigenous groups and the public. The Government's Interim Approach and Principles for environmental assessments ensures that project decisions are informed by meaningful consultations with Indigenous peoples, public input and scientific evidence, including Indigenous Traditional Knowledge, and an assessment of greenhouse gas emissions.

The project is an open-pit gold mine and on-site metal mill, located 23 kilometres northeast of the town of Atikokan, Ontario. The project was assessed as a comprehensive study under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (the former Act of 1992). The Minister has referred the project to the responsible federal authorities in accordance with the former Act.

The responsible authorities, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Natural Resources Canada, will consider the outcome of the environmental assessment prior to issuing any authorization. If the project proceeds, the responsible authorities will ensure that a follow-up program is implemented.

By working together to protect the environment and grow the economy, we can ensure a healthy and prosperous future for our children and grandchildren.

Quote

"Protecting the environment and growing the economy are top priorities for our government. As we have been from the start, we remain fully committed to making thoughtful and comprehensive environmental assessments based on scientific evidence and meaningful consultations with Indigenous peoples. "

— The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Relevant Links

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Contacts

Caroline Theriault
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
613-462-5473

Marissa Harfouche
Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
613-219-2789
marissa.harfouche@canada.ca

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Document Reference Number: 22

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