News Release
Griffith Iron Ore Redevelopment Project – Public Comments Invited

OTTAWA, April 29, 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 has commenced a federal environmental assessment for the proposed Griffith Iron Ore Redevelopment Project located in Ontario. 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.

Northern Iron Corp. proposes the redevelopment of the former Griffith Mine within the Township of Ear Falls in northwestern Ontario. The Project would involve the construction, operation, closure and remediation of a past-producing open pit iron ore mine. The proposed project would produce approximately 16,000 tonnes of ore per day, with a mine life of approximately 20 years. The iron ore would be milled on-site to produce slightly more than 4,000 tonnes per day of hot briquetted iron.

Written comments must be submitted by May 29, 2013 to:

Griffith Iron Ore Redevelopment Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
55 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 907
Toronto ON M4T 1M2
Telephone: 416-952-1576
Fax: 416-952-1573
Griffith@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

To view the draft EIS Guidelines or for more information, visit the Agency's website (registry reference number 80035). All comments received will be considered public.

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

  • Dryden Public Library
    36 Van Horne Avenue
    Dryden ON
  • Sioux Lookout Public Library
    21 Fifth Avenue
    Sioux Lookout ON

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.

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For more information, media may contact:
Céline Legault
Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Telephone: 613-957-0278
E-mail: celine.legault@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

Document Reference Number: 9

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