Mont Sorcier Mining Project

Public Participation Plan
Mont Sorcier Mining Project

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Document reference number: 53

Draft Version

July 17, 2025

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

On May 29, 2023, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) and the Cree Nation Government signed an agreementFootnote 1 to ensure the involvement of the Crees in the impact assessment of the Mont Sorcier Mining Project (the Project). The agreement delegates all aspects of the impact assessment to a Joint Assessment Committee (the Committee), comprised of representatives appointed by the IAAC and the Cree Nation Government. Final decision-making, however, remains the responsibility of the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change.

On June 9, 2023, the IAAC, in collaboration with the Cree Nation Government, determined that an impact assessment was required for the Project, pursuant to section 16 of Canada's Impact Assessment Act (IAA).

The draft version of the Public Participation Plan was developed to set out opportunities for public participation during the impact assessment process. It is intended to be flexible and does not preclude the Committee from making changes to the approaches described in the plan in order to accommodate changes that may occur during the assessment.

For additional information about how IAAC implements meaningful public participation, please refer to the Framework: Public Participation Under the Impact Assessment Act and the Guidance: Public Participation under the Impact Assessment Act. A separate Overview: Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan is also available. It describes opportunities for Indigenous peoples engagement and proposed consultation approaches.

2. Project Description

Voyager Metals Inc. is proposing the construction, operation, decommissioning, and closure of an open-pit iron and vanadium mine located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Territory, in the municipality of Chibougamau, about 20 kilometres northeast of the Town of Chibougamau, Quebec, in the traditional Cree territory. As proposed, the Mont Sorcier Mining Project would include a pit and the construction of an ore processing facility. The proponent also plans to build a 49-kilometre railroad that would connect to the existing track to transport the concentrate by train to the Grande-Anse Marine Terminal, where it would be stockpiled for export purposes. The mine's production capacity would be about 5 million tonnes per year (average rate of 13,700 tonnes/day) and the estimated life of the project would be 21 years.

For more information on the impact assessment of the Project or to view the information and comments received, visit the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry (the Registry) website at Mont Sorcier Mining Project.

3. Objectives of Public Participation

The Public Participation Plan was developed as a result of consultations conducted during the planning phase and outlines the various ways in which a participant can provide input and be involved in the process, including those participants who will be most affected by the Project. The following public participation objectives reflect the views heard during the planning phase:

  • Members of the public who wish to participate in the impact assessment have the opportunity to do so in an informed manner, with the necessary information throughout the process;
  • The Committee informs the proponent about the concerns raised by the participants; and
  • Public views heard throughout the process and related to federal jurisdiction are tracked and inform decision-making.

4. Identification of Participants

The appended list includes communities, organizations and other stakeholders identified by IAAC as potentially interested in the Project, or who have expressed an interest in participating in the Project's impact assessment so far or who have confirmed that they would like to be informed.

More specifically, the Committee drew up this list taking into account communities, organizations and other stakeholders:

  • Having submitted comments during the first consultation period;
  • Having expressed an interest in the Project assessment; and
  • Active in the Project area and who may have an interest in the process and the Project.

Participants on the distribution list will receive updates and notices about the Project's impact assessment as the process moves forward. If you or your organization would like to be added to this list, please contact us directly at the Project e-mail address: montsorcier@iaac-aeic.gc.ca. Individual names will not be published.

5. Public Participation Tools

The Committee has identified a series of tools to ensure meaningful participation throughout the impact assessment process, including:

  • Project specific e-mail address for contacting IAAC: montsorcier@iaac-aeic.gc.ca;
  • Direct telephone line to facilitate access to information and receipt of public comments: (418) 649-6444;
  • Public consultation periods, including information sessions at the start of the process and at other key stages, if necessary;
  • Opportunities to apply for funding under the Participant Funding Program to support the public participating in the process: https://www.canada.ca/en/impact-assessment-agency/services/public-participation-impact-assessments/funding-programs/participant-funding-program.html;
  • Virtual training on the impact assessment process and how to actively participate in the process;
  • As required, targeted meetings, in person or virtual, with environmental and community organizations and groups;
  • Public notices and updates published on the Registry;
  • Social media updates (e.g., X's feed @IAAC_AEIC #MontSorcier) that provide information and updates on the impact assessment and announce opportunities for public participation and funding;
  • Informative e-mails sent to members of the distribution list created for the Project;
  • Community radio announcements; and
  • Publication in local newspapers.

Note that this list is not exhaustive. The Committee may modify it based on comments received on the draft version of this plan, to offer further opportunities for meaningful participation and engagement.

The Committee would like to know your opinion:

  • We would like to hear what you think of the communication tools listed above. Do you have any preferences or new tools to suggest facilitating your participation? Write to us at: montsorcier@iaac-aeic.gc.ca.
  • Please tell us about any economic, technical, linguistic or other barriers that may restrict or prevent you, your community or your organization from participating in the assessment process for this Project.

6. Public Participation Activities and Approach

The following table provides a description of the main phases in the impact assessment process, and an outline of Committee-led and other engagement opportunities in each phase, as well as events planned by the proponent (to the extent known). The table describes the objectives of each phase and the anticipated engagement activities that will be used.

Table 6.1 – Table of Public Participation Approaches and Activities

Objectives of the Phase

Expected Activities

Time Frame

Public Participation Tools

Stage 1: Planning Phase
  • Support understanding of the Project and increase public awareness of the impact assessment process and meaningful participation.
  • Provide an opportunity for the public to apply for funding to support participation during the Planning Phase.
  • Obtain comments and feedback on documents related to the Planning Phase such as the Summary of the Initial Project Description as well as the draft versions of this Plan and Guidelines.
  • Inform the public of key steps in the process such as the comment period on the Summary of the Initial Project Description, as well as the draft versions of this Plan and Guidelines.

Consultation on the Summary of the Initial Project Description
  • Public notice on the Registry.
  • Online consultation period.
  • Virtual information sessions.
  • The Committee invited the public and Indigenous peoples to a public comment period to review the Summary of the Initial Project Description and to provide comments on the Project.
  • The Committee held a 46-day public consultation period. Due to ongoing forest fires during these dates, the public consultation period has been extended by 21 days.
  • May 29 to July 14, 2023
  • IAAC offered funding assistance in the form of a grant during the first Planning Phase comment period to support participation. Due to ongoing forest fires during these dates, the period for applying for financial assistance has been extended by 21 days.
  • June 1st to July 21, 2023
  • The Committee held virtual information sessions in both official languages.
  • June 28 and July 5, 2023
  • Comments received during the consultation period on the Summary of the Initial Project Description assisted the Committee in preparing a Summary of Issues, to support the decision that an impact assessment is required for the Project, and to draft this Plan and the Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines (Guidelines).
  • Ongoing, until the Summary of Issues was sent to the proponent on July 24, 2023.

Consultation on the planning documents
  • The Committee will invite the public and Indigenous peoples to a second public consultation on the Registry to review and comment this draft Plan and the Guidelines.
  • July 17 to August 16, 2023
  • Comments received during the second consultation period on this draft Plan and Guidelines will enable the Committee to finalize both documents.
  • Ongoing, until the end of the Planning Phase.

Step 2: Impact Statement
  • Raise awareness among the public about the impact assessment process and how to participate in a meaningful way.
  • Engage the public by giving them the opportunity to participate and comment on the Summary of the proponent's Impact Statement.
  • Encourage the public to share information to the proponent to inform the development of the proponent's Impact Statement.
  • Review the proponent's Summary of the Impact Statement Information and address any outstanding issues or deficiencies raised by the public.
  • Inform the public of key steps in the process such as receipt of the Impact Statement and the comment period for the Summary of the Impact Statement.
  • IAAC will post the Impact Statement Summary on the Registry.
  • The Committee will seek public comments on this document.
  • The consultation, which will last approximately 30 days, will begin following the posting of the Impact Statement Summary on the Registry.
  • Online consultation period.
  • Public notice on the Registry, social media, newspapers and on the radio.
  • If necessary, in person and/or virtual community meetings, with the possible participation of the proponent and relevant federal authorities.
  • E-mails and phone calls.
  • IAAC will inform the public of the availability of funding to support their participation in the Impact Statement phase. The public is encouraged to contact the Participant Funding Program office for information (see Section 7 for contact details).
  • Announcement of available funding to be determined.
  • The Committee will respond to enquiries received by e-mail or telephone.
  • Ongoing, as required.
  • Updates on the Project impact assessment process will be provided by e-mail to stakeholders on the distribution list.
  • Ongoing, as required.

Step 3: Impact Assessment
  • Raise awareness among the public about the impact assessment process and how to participate in a meaningful way.
  • Validate information on the Committee's draft Impact Assessment Report and any associated potential conditions, address outstanding issues or deficiencies raised by the public.
  • Inform the public of key steps in the process such as the comment period on the draft Impact Assessment Report and draft potential conditions.
  • IAAC will post the draft Impact Assessment Report and any associated potential conditions on the Registry. The Committee will seek public comments on these documents.
  • The consultation, which will last approximately 30 days, will begin following the posting of the draft Impact Assessment Report and potential conditions on the Registry.
  • Online consultation period.
  • Public notice on the Registry, social media, newspapers and on the radio.
  • If necessary, in-person or virtual presentations.
  • E-mails and telephone.
  • IAAC will inform the public of the availability of funding to support public participation in the impact assessment phase. The public is encouraged to contact the Participant Funding Program office for information (see section 7 for contact details).
  • Announcement of funding availability to be determined.
  • The Committee will respond to enquiries received by e-mail or telephone.
  • Ongoing, as required.
  • Updates on the Project's impact assessment process will be provided by e-mail to stakeholders on the distribution list.
  • Ongoing, as required.

Step 4: Decision-making
  • Inform the proponent and the public about the decision of the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change.
  • IAAC will post the following on the Registry:
    • Final Impact Assessment Report;
    • The Minister's Decision Statement, including any conditions associated with the Project and the rationale for the decision.
  • Following the Minister's decision.
  • Public notices on the Registry, social media, newspapers and on the radio.
  • E-mails and telephone.
  • The Committee will respond to enquiries received by e-mail or telephone.
  • Ongoing, as required.

Stage 5: Post-Decision (if the Project is approved)
  • Inform the public about follow-up and monitoring activities and the results of the follow-up activities.
  • Inform participants of possible changes to the Decision Statement and request comments on the proposed changes.
  • According to the timeline set out in the Decision Statement.
  • Follow-up results posted on the Registry.
  • Online consultation period, if applicable.
  • Public notices on the Registry, if applicable.
  • If the proponent submits a change to the Project and IAAC determines that the Decision Statement should be modified, IAAC will post a notice inviting the public to comment on the draft analysis report of proposed changes and potential modifications to the Decision Statement.
  • Where appropriate, IAAC will then post a notice of decision amending the Decision Statement, along with reasons for the changes.
  • If applicable, the consultation would be for 30 days following posting on the Registry.
  • IAAC will respond to enquiries received by e-mail or telephone.
  • Ongoing, as required.

7. Participant Funding

Funding is available to support public participation in the process. For information about the activities that are eligible for funding or to apply for funding, please see IAAC's Funding Programs guidelines at: https://www.canada.ca/en/impact-assessment-agency/services/public-participation/funding-programs.html.

You may contact the IAAC's Funding Programs for more information:
Telephone: 1-866-582-1884
E-mail: fp-paf@iaac-aeic.gc.ca

8. Submit Comments

You can submit comments at any time during the impact assessment process by using the "Submit a Comment" function on the Registry website's Project page (https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/84616?culture=en-CA). Attachments can also be uploaded using this function.

If you have any difficulties with the submission process, please contact IAAC, using the contact information below. Comments may also be submitted through other means, including by e-mail to montsorcier@iaac-aeic.gc.ca.

Comments and other documents received by the Committee will be part of the Project file and will be posted on the Registry website. IAAC's Submission Policy determines what information can be shared publicly and what information should remain private. For more information on how we protect your privacy, please refer to the IAAC's Privacy Notice. If you do not want your comment to be posted on the Registry website, please contact IAAC before submitting your comment.

If you have questions or need information, please contact:

Mont Sorcier Mining Project
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
Quebec Regional Office
901-1550 D'Estimauville Avenue
Quebec City, Quebec G1J 0C1
Telephone: 418-649-6444
E-mail: montsorcier@iaac-aeic.gc.ca

Appendix

List of identified public stakeholders

Governmental entities

  • Administration portuaire du Saguenay
  • Gouvernement régional d'Eeyou Istchee Baie-James
  • Société de développement de la Baie-James
  • Société du Plan Nord

Municipalities

  • Ville de Chibougamau
  • Ville de Chapais

Mining industry

  • Table jamésienne de concertation minière

Environment and nature

  • MiningWatch Canada
  • Conseil régional de l'environnement et du développement durable du Saguenay-Lac Saint-Jean
  • Eurêko !
  • Eau Secours
  • Société pour Vaincre la Pollution
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