Environmental Assessment Decision Statement
Ajax Mine Project, British Columbia

The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment (the Minister), has reviewed the federal environmental assessment of the Ajax Mine Project (the Project) proposed by KGHM Ajax Mining Inc. Pursuant to section 125 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012), the environmental assessment of this Project was completed under the former Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (the former Act).

Having taken into consideration the joint federal Comprehensive Study / provincial Assessment Report (the Report) and the public comments filed pursuant to subsection 22(2) of the former Act, the Minister is of the opinion that:

  • the Project is likely to result in significant adverse environmental effects and significant cumulative adverse environmental effects on Indigenous heritage and to the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes by Stk'emlúpsemc te Secwépemc Nation;
  • the Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects on other components of the environment, taking into account the mitigation measures described in the Report; and
  • the mitigation measures and follow-up program described in the Report are appropriate for the Project.

The Minister has referred the Project back to Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Natural Resources Canada for appropriate action under section 37 of the former Act.

If it is determined that the significant adverse environmental effects can be justified in the circumstances, the Minister requests that Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Natural Resources Canada ensure that the mitigation measures described in the Report be implemented. The Minister also requests that these same departments ensure that the follow-up program described in the Report be carried out in order to determine the effectiveness of the measures taken to mitigate any adverse environmental effects, and to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment of the Project.

Document Reference Number: 35

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