Notice of Commencement of an Environmental Assessment

Eagle's Nest Project
McFaulds Lake (ON)

November 15, 2011 -- On August 3, 2011, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) received a project description in accordance with the Establishing Timelines for Comprehensive Study Regulations.

Based on information it has received, the Agency has determined that the project is described in the comprehensive study list and that an environmental assessment pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act is required. As a result, a comprehensive study commenced on November 1, 2011.

The proposed project consists of constructing, operating and eventually decommissioning an underground nickel-copper-platinum multi-metal mine at a mining rate of approximately 2,960 tonnes per day which represents an anticipated mine life of approximately 11 years. The proposal also includes an underground concentrate processing facility, an all-season access road from Pickle Lake to Webequie Junction, concentrate pipeline from Webequie Junction to the mine site and ancillary mine infrastructure. The project mine site is located approximately 540 km north of the City of Thunder Bay, Ontario and 240 km west of James Bay in an area known as the " Ring of Fire".

An environmental assessment is required in relation to the project because Natural Resources Canada may take action in relation to paragraph 7(1)(a) of the Explosives Act. Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Transport Canada are participating in this environmental assessment as they might be required to make a decision in respect of the project.

This project is also subject to the environmental assessment requirements of the Government of Ontario.

As per the Cabinet Directive on Improving the Performance of the Regulatory System for Major Resource Projects, this environmental assessment has been identified as a major natural resource project. For additional information refer to the Major Projects Management Office's Tracker that monitors the progress of proposed major resource projects through the federal regulatory review system.

For further information on this environmental assessment, please contact:
Eagle's Nest Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Dave Bell, Project Manager
55 St. Clair Avenue East
Suite 907
Toronto  ON  M4T 1M2
Telephone : 416-952-1576
Fax : 416-952-1573
Email : eaglesnest@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

and refer to Registry reference number 11-03-63925