News Release
Jackpine Mine Expansion Project and Pierre River Mine Project

Availability of $300,000 in Participant Funding

OTTAWA, March 14, 2011 – The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is making available $150,000 for the review of Shell’s Jackpine Mine Expansion Project and $150,000 for the review of Shell’s Pierre River Mine Project. Both projects are located north of Fort McMurray, Alberta, and will be assessed by two independent review panels.

The Participant Funding Program is designed to assist groups and individuals to participate in environmental assessments. To receive funding for either or both projects, successful applicants must participate in the upcoming steps of the review panel processes.

A funding review committee, independent of the environmental assessment processes, will consider all applications and make recommendations on funding awards. Applications received by the Agency no later than April 15, 2011, will be considered.

Information on the Participant Funding Program, including the Participant Funding Program Guide, the application form and the contribution agreement, is available at www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca . Information on the proposed projects is also available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry, under reference number 10-05-59540 (Jackpine Mine Expansion Project) and 10-05-59539 (Pierre River Mine Project).

The Pierre River Mine Project proposed by Shell Canada includes the construction, operation and reclamation of an oil sands surface mine and bitumen extraction facilities. The proposed mining project would be located approximately 90 kilometres north of Fort McMurray on the west side of the Athabasca River. The proposed development includes an open-pit mine, ore handling facility, bitumen extraction facilities, tailings processing facilities, support infrastructure, water and tailings management plans, as well as the construction of a bridge across the Athabasca River. The project is designed to produce a total of 200 000 barrels of bitumen per day.

Shell Canada is also proposing to expand the Jackpine Mine Project. The expansion would include additional mining areas and associated processing facilities, utilities and infrastructures. The project would be located about 70 kilometres north of Fort McMurray on the east side of the Athabasca River. The expansion project would increase bitumen production by 100 000 barrels per day.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the federal environmental assessment process, which identifies the environmental effects of proposed projects and measures to address those effects, in support of sustainable development.

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Media may contact:

Lucille Jamault
Manager, Communications
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Tel.: 613-957-0434

Document Reference Number: 67

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