News Release
Carbon Creek Metallurgical Coal Mine Project – Public Comments Invited

OTTAWA — January 15, 2013 — As part of the strengthened and modernized Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012) put in place to support the government's Responsible Resource Development Initiative, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency must determine whether a federal environmental assessment is required for the proposed Carbon Creek Metallurgical Coal Mine Project in British Columbia (B.C.). To assist it in making its decision, the Agency is seeking comments from the public on the project and its potential effects on the environment.

Cardero Coal Ltd is proposing the development of an open-pit metallurgical coal mine located approximately 60 kilometers northwest of Chetwynd and 40 kilometers west of Hudson's Hope, in northeastern B.C. The production rate of the proposed project would be 4.1 million metric tonnes of metallurgical coal per year and the expected mine would be 20 years. The proposed project would require open-pit surface mining followed in the future by combined open-pit surface and underground mining.

Written comments must be submitted by February 4, 2013 to:

Carbon Creek Metallurgical Coal Mine Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
410 - 701 West Georgia Street
Vancouver BC V7Y 1C6
Telephone: 604-666-2431
Fax: 604-666-6990
CarbonCreek@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

To view a summary of the project description or for more information on the project and on the environmental assessment process, visit the Agency's website (registry reference number 80028). All comments received will be considered public.

The Agency will post a decision on its website stating whether a federal environmental assessment is required.

If it is determined that a federal environmental assessment is required, the public will have three more opportunities to comment on this project, consistent with the transparency and public engagement elements of CEAA 2012.

Projects subject to CEAA 2012 are assessed using a science-based approach. If the project is permitted to proceed to the next phase, it will continue to be subject to Canada's strong environmental laws, rigorous enforcement and follow-up, and increased fines.

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For more information, media may contact:
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Céline Legault
Communications Advisor
Tel.: 613-957-0278