News Release
Rainy River Gold Project – Federal Funding Allocated to Participate in the Environmental Assessment

OTTAWA, April 12, 2013 - The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency has allocated a total of $166,380.37 to ten applicants to support their participation in the federal environmental assessment of the proposed Rainy River Gold Project located in Ontario.

This funding was made available to the public and Aboriginal groups through the Participant Funding Program administered by the Agency. It will enable 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.

Details of Allocation
Applicant Allocation
Big Grassy River First Nation $15,192.50
Métis Nation of Ontario on behalf of the Métis Nation of Ontario Region #1 Consultation Committee $30,600.00
Naicatchewenin First Nation $30,600.00
Naotkamegwanning First Nation (Whitefish Bay) $26,890.00
Rainy River First Nations $12,677.87
Couchiching First Nation $10,200.00
Mitaanjigamiing First Nation $10,200.00
Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation $10,200.00
Seine River First Nation $9,980.00
Stefan Szeder, on behalf of the Rainy River Soil and Crop Improvement Association $9,840.00
Total $166,380.37

For more information on the Participant Funding Program, the federal environmental assessment process and the project, please visit the Agency's website (Registry number: 80007).

As part of the strengthened and modernized Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 put in place to support the government's Responsible Resource Development Initiative, the Agency is conducting a federal environmental assessment of this project.

This project is being assessed using a science-based approach. If it 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 Proposed Project

Rainy River Resources Limited is proposing the construction, operation and decommissioning of an open-pit and underground gold mine. The proposed mine site is in the Township of Chapple, Ontario, approximately 65 kilometres northwest of Fort Frances.

Open-pit mining is proposed to occur at a rate of approximately 18,000 to 20,000 tonnes per day of ore production. The underground component will produce approximately 2,000 tonnes per day of ore, mined at a depth of 800 metres below the surface. The anticipated mine life is approximately 15 to 20 years. As part of the project, the proponent is also proposing to realign a portion of Highway 600 south of the intended mine site before it is reconnected to the existing local road network. Power for later construction and operations phases is proposed to be supplied by a 230-kilovolt transmission line connected to the existing Hydro One Networks Inc. line, approximately 20 kilometres northeast of the proposed mine site.

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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For more information, media may contact:

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

Document Reference Number: 12

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