Notice of Commencement of an Environmental Assessment

Dumont Nickel Mine Project

Amos (QC)

May 24, 2012 -- On March 15, 2012, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) received a project description in accordance with the Establishing Timelines for Comprehensive Study Regulations.

Based on information it has received, the Agency has determined that the project is described in the comprehensive study list and that an environmental assessment pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act is required. As a result, a comprehensive study commenced on May 24, 2012.

The project consists of the construction, operation and decommissioning of an open pit nickel mine located approximately 25 km northwest of Amos, in Québec. The proponent intends to extract ore during 19 years, to mill the higher grade ore and temporarily stockpile the lower grade ore. At the end of mining phase of the open pit, the lower grade ore stockpiled will be used to feed the mill for another 12 more years, till the end of the mining operations after 31 years of operation. The ore treatment facility will have an initial capacity of 50,000 t/d which will be increased to 100,000 t/d after the fifth year of mining operations. The project includes different related activities such as the construction of access roads, an 8-km railroad link and the diversion of tributaries of the Villemontel river.

An environmental assessment is required in relation to the project because Fisheries and Oceans Canada may take action in relation to subsection 35(2) of the Fisheries Act and Natural Resources Canada may take action in relation to paragraph 7(1)(a) of the Explosives Act.

This project is also subject to the environmental assessment requirements of the Government of Québec.

As per the Cabinet Directive on Improving the Performance of the Regulatory System for Major Resource Projects, this environmental assessment has been identified as a major natural resource project. For additional information refer to the Major Projects Management Office's Tracker that monitors the progress of proposed major resource projects through the federal regulatory review system.

For further information on this environmental assessment, please contact:
Dumont Nickel Mine Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Dominique Lagueux, Project Manager
901-1550, avenue d'Estimauville
Québec  QC  G1J 0C1
Telephone : 418-649-6444
Fax : 418-649-6443
Email : ProjetDumontProject@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

and refer to Registry reference number 12-03-66976

Document Reference Number: 6

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