Public Notice
Fire Lake North Iron Ore Project – Federal Funding Available

January 16, 2013

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is making available $81,600 to support public participation in the federal environmental assessment of the Fire Lake North Iron Ore Project located in Québec.

This funding will support participation in upcoming steps of the environmental assessment such as consultation related to the Environmental Impact Statement and consultation on the draft Environmental Assessment Report.

To apply for funding or for more information on the project and the environmental assessment process, visit the Agency's website (registry reference number 80014) or contact the Participant Funding Program by writing to PFP.PAFP@ceaa-acee.gc.ca or by calling 1-866-582-1884.

Applications received by February 15, 2013 will be considered. Funding recipients will be announced at a later date.

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 Agency is conducting a federal environmental assessment of this project.

Champion Iron Mines Ltd. is proposing the construction, operation and decommissioning of an open-pit mine and an iron concentrate processing plant on the mine site located near Fermont, Quebec. The proposed project consists also of constructing an access road connecting the site to Route 389, a railroad between the mine and the city of Sept-Îles, and a storage site in Pointe-Noire. The proponent predicts that the mine would generate 65,700 tonnes per day for a period of 25 years.

This project is being 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.