Notice of Commencement of an Environmental Assessment

Renard Diamond Mine Project

Mistissini (QC)

April 30, 2010 (Updated June 16, 2011) -- 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 3, 2011.

The project involves the development of a diamond mine by Stornoway Diamond Corporation on its Foxtrot property in the James Bay region of Northern Quebec. It involves the development of the mine and local infrastructure, such as open pits, shafts, mine adits, mill, kimberlite tailings impoundments, explosives building, a facility for the extraction of ground waterhousing complex, airstrip and associated facilities.

The project scope covers the entire project as proposed by the proponent, as well as all associated works and activities required for its implementation.

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 James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement Regime.

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:
Renard Diamond Mine Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Alain Bourgeois, Project Manager
901-1550 d'Estimauville Avenue
Québec  QC  G1J 0C1
Telephone: 418-649-6444
Fax: 418-649-6443
Email: MinierRenardMining@acee-ceaa.gc.ca

and refer to Registry reference number 11-03-55169