Project Recommendation
Issued under Chapter 10, Section 8 of the Nisga'a Final Agreement for the Brucejack Gold Mine Project

Description of the Designated Project

Pretium Resources Inc. (the proponent) proposes the construction, operation and decommissioning of a gold-silver underground mine (the Designated Project) located approximately 65 kilometres north of Stewart, British Columbia, and partially within the Nass Area described in the Nisga'a Final Agreement. The Designated Project would produce approximately 16 million tonnes of mineralized material at a rate of up to 2,700 tonnes per day over a minimum 22-year mine life.

Conduct of the environmental assessment

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) commenced an environmental assessment of the Designated Project on March 26, 2013. The Agency conducted the assessment in a manner that met the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 and the relevant provisions of the Nisga'a Final Agreement, and submitted its report to me in my capacity as Minister of the Environment.

Assessment of effects referred to in Chapter 10, paragraph 8(e) of the Nisga'a Final Agreement

In accordance with Chapter 10, paragraph 8(e) of the Nisga'a Final Agreement, based on the environmental assessment, I have determined that the Designated Project can reasonably be expected to result in adverse, but not significant, environmental effects on Nisga'a interests related to fisheries, wildlife, migratory birds, and access for Nisga'a citizens to the Nass Area that overlaps the project site. I have further determined that the Designated Project is not reasonably expected to have adverse environmental effects on other Nisga'a interests set out in the Nisga'a Final Agreement, or on Nisga'a Lands or residents of Nisga'a Lands.

Assessment of effects referred to in Chapter 10, paragraph 8(f) of the Nisga'a Final Agreement

In accordance with Chapter 10, paragraph 8(f) of the Nisga'a Final Agreement, based on the environmental assessment, I have determined that the Designated Project will result in both positive and negative effects on the existing and future economic, social and cultural well-being of Nisga'a citizens who may be affected by the Project.

Agreement under Chapter 10, paragraph 8(i) of the Nisga'a Final Agreement

The Agency has been advised by the Nisga'a Lisims Government that the Nisga'a Nation and the proponent have entered into an agreement in respect of the Designated Project, and that this agreement, in addition to the measures identified in the Environmental Assessment Report, will mitigate the potential effects of the Designated Project on the existing and future economic, social and cultural well-being of Nisga'a citizens to the satisfaction of the Nisga'a Nation.

Statement under Chapter 10, paragraph 8(h) of the Nisga'a Final Agreement

I recommend that the Designated Project should proceed.

This Project Recommendation is made in Ottawa, Ontario by:

<Original signed by>
_____________________________
The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of the Environment

Date: July 30, 2015