Notice of Commencement of an Environmental Assessment

Quebec Lithium Spodumene Mine Project

Barraute (QC)

November 4, 2010 (Updated June 8, 2012) -- Under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (the Act), the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) is responsible for exercising the powers and performing the duties and functions of the responsible authority for certain projects subject to a comprehensive study.

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 June 1, 2012.

This project was the object of a screening started on October 29, 2010, under the responsibility of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The project was modified by the proponent to increase ore production, thus bringing it above the 3,000 t/d threshold set in par. 16a) of the Comprehensive Study List Regulations.

Quebec Lithium Inc. proposes the development of a 150-m deep open pit operation to mine 3,800 tonnes of spodumene (a lithium mineral) per day. The ore will be transformed to produce 20,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate concentrate per year. The Quebec Lithium mining property is located about 60 km north of Val-d'Or, 38 km South-East of Amos and 15 km South-West of Barraute. Mine life is estimated to be 15 years.

In addition to mining and transformation of the ore, the proponent plans to relocate the NRJ radio communication tower and divert a section of 1,8 km of the Quebec Lithium route to allow the development of the mining pit. A 25 kV power line will also have to be moved when rerouting the road. To meet the project's energy needs, the proponent will also extend a 125 kV electric line located near the site.

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.

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:
Spodumene Mining Project Quebec Lithium
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Kambale Katahwa, Project Manager
1550 d'Estimauville Avenue
9th Floor
Quebec  QC  G1J 5E9
Telephone: 418-649-6444
Fax: 418-649-6443
Email: Quebeclithium@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

and refer to Registry reference number 12-03-59158