News Release
Joyce Lake Direct Shipping Iron Ore Project – Federal Funding Available

OTTAWA, April 23, 2013 - The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is making available $31,500 to support public participation in the federal environmental assessment of the Joyce Lake Direct Shipping Iron Ore Project located in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Funding will be provided to eligible individuals and groups to enable their 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.

Applications received by May 23, 2013 will be considered. Recipients will be announced at a later date.

To apply for funding or for more information on the project and the environmental assessment process, visit the Agency's website (registry reference number 80015) or contact the Participant Funding Program by writing to PFP.PAFP@ceaa-acee.gc.ca or by calling 1-866-582-1884.

The Agency's Participant Funding Program also provides funding specifically to Aboriginal groups to assist them to prepare for and participate in consultation activities associated with federal environmental assessment. The amount of funding allocated will be announced at a later date.

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 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 proposed project

Labec Century Iron Ore is proposing the construction, operation, closure, decommissioning and rehabilitation of an open-pit iron mine located approximately 20 kilometres northeast of Schefferville in Newfoundland and Labrador. As proposed, the mine would produce up to four million tonnes of ore per year over a life span of up to seven years. The ore would be transported to the existing rail owned by Tshiuetin Rail Transportation Inc. for transportation to the Port of Sept-Îles. The mine and mine infrastructure would consist of: an open pit, dewatering of Joyce Lake, waste rock disposal, tailings management, processing and support infrastructure, access and haulage roads, and a rail loop.

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