Public Notice
Kipawa Rare Earths Project – Public Comments Invited

February 11, 2013

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 must decide whether a federal environmental assessment is required for the proposed Kipawa Rare Earths Project located in 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.

Matamec Explorations Inc. proposes the construction, operation and decommissioning of a rare earths open-pit mine about 40 kilometers east of the municipality of Kipawa. The proposed project would process 1.5 million tonnes of ore per year over a 13-year operation period with a daily average extraction rate of 4,200 tonnes. The ore would be shipped by train and then by boat to Asian or European refineries. The proposed project would also include the construction of a concentrator as well as ancillary buildings such as storage, a laboratory and administrative offices.

Written comments must be submitted by March 4, 2013 to:

Kipawa Rare Earths Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
901-1550, d'Estimauville Avenue
Quebec, QC G1J 0C1
Tel.: 418-649-6444
Fax: 418-649-6443
TerresraresKipawaRareEarths@acee-ceaa.gc.ca

Map depicting the location of the project, as described in the current document.

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 80029). All comments received will be considered public.

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, this project will continue to be subject to Canada's strong environmental laws, rigorous enforcement and follow-up, and increased fines.

Document Reference Number: 1

Date modified: