News Release
Bingay Main Coal Project – Public Comments Invited

OTTAWA, January 18, 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 commenced a federal environmental assessment for the proposed Bingay Main Coal Project located in British Columbia on January 18, 2013. The Agency invites the public to comment on which aspects of the environment may be affected by this project and what should be examined during the environmental assessment.

The public can review and comment on the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Guidelines, a document that identifies the potential environmental effects to be taken into consideration and the information and analysis that needs to be included in the proponent's EIS.

Centremount Coal Limited is proposing the construction, operation, and decommissioning of an open pit and underground coal mine located approximately 21 kilometres north of Elkford, in southeastern British Columbia. The proposed project would produce 2 million tonnes of metallurgical coal per year over a mine life of 20 years.

Written comments must be submitted by February 17, 2013 to:

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

To view the draft EIS Guidelines or for more information, visit the Agency's website (registry reference number 80024). All comments received will be considered public.

Copies of the draft EIS Guidelines are also available for viewing at the following locations:

• Elkford Public Library
  816 Michel Road
  Elkford BC
• Sparwood Public Library
  110 Pine Avenue
  Sparwood BC
• Fernie Public Library
  492 3rd Ave
  Fernie BC
• Cranbrook Public Library
  1212 2nd Street North
  Cranbrook BC

Consistent with the transparency and public engagement elements of CEAA 2012, this is the second of four opportunities for Canadians to comment on this project. Following this comment period, the Agency will finalize and issue the EIS Guidelines to the proponent. An application period for participant funding and a future public comment period related to the EIS will be announced later.

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.

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.

-30-

For more information, media may contact:

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Céline Legault
Communications Advisor
Tel.: 613-957-0278