Public Notice
Whabouchi Mining Project — Public Comments Invited

May 6, 2015 — 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 (the Agency) is conducting a federal environmental assessment of the proposed Whabouchi Mining Project, located 30 kilometres from Nemiscau and 280 kilometres north-northwest of Chibougamau in Quebec

The Agency invites the public to comment on the draft Environmental Assessment Report, a document that includes the Agency's conclusions and recommendations regarding the potential environmental effects of the project, the proposed mitigation measures, the significance of any remaining adverse environmental effects, and the follow-up program. The Agency also invites the public to comment on the potential environmental assessment conditions for the project. These potential conditions would become legally binding on the proponent if the Minister of the Environment ultimately issues a decision statement indicating that the project may proceed. All comments received will be considered public.

Written comments must be submitted by June 5, 2015 to:

Whabouchi Mining Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
901-1550, d'Estimauville Avenue
Quebec, QC  G1J 0C1
Tel.: 418-649-6444
Fax: 418-649-6443
MinierWhabouchiMining@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

To view the draft Environmental Assessment Report, the potential environmental assessment conditions, or for more information, visit the Agency's website (Registry reference number 80021).

Copies of the draft Environmental Assessment Report and the potential environmental assessment conditions are also available for viewing at the following locations:

• Chibougamau Municipal Library
  601 Third Street
  Chibougamau, QC
   
• Cree Nation of Nemaska
  32 Machishteweyaau Trail
  Nemiscau, QC
   
• Matagami Municipal Library
  30 Cavelier Street
  Matagami, QC

Consistent with the transparency and public engagement elements of CEAA 2012, this is the last of four opportunities for the public to comment on this project. Following this final comment period, the Environmental Assessment Report will be finalized and the Minister of the Environment will issue an environmental assessment decision statement indicating whether or not the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, and identifying the conditions that the proponent must meet with respect to mitigation and follow-up requirements in the event that the project is permitted to proceed.

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 fines for non-compliance.

The Proposed Project

Nemaska Lithium Inc. is proposing to construct, operate and decommission an open-pit surface and underground spodumene mine for the purpose of producing lithium. The project is located 30 kilometres from Nemiscau and 280 kilometres north-northwest of the municipality of Chibougamau. As proposed, the project includes the operation of an open-pit and underground mine, a waste and tailings impoundment area, an ore concentrator, administrative and maintenance buildings. The mine would have a production capacity of approximately 3,000 tonnes per day over an estimated mine life of 26 years.