A study of the economic effects of the James Bay Lithium Mine

Reference Number
71
Text

To whom it may concern,

Enclosed with this submission is a report for consideration by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) with regards to the proposed James Bay Lithium Mine. In this report, I have analysed some of the economic aspects of the project. With more than a dozen years of experience in the investment banking industry, I have knowledge of financial modelling, asset valuation and business strategy along with a strong grasp of both macro and micro-economics. This report was prepared as part of coursework for 'ENVI5001 Environmental Assessment' at Dalhousie University, where I am a first-year candidate in the Master’s in Resource and Environmental Management program. Through this course, I have received training in the history, principles, and procedural elements of the federal impact assessment process.

Summary of recommendations

  1. The agency should request a thorough assessment of the cumulative impacts of current and proposed mining projects on the economic landscape of the region.
  2. The agency should request a more detailed financial analysis from the proponent to understand the true profitability of the project.
  3. The proponent should aid the provincial and local governments in assessing the skills gap in the local workforce. Due consideration should be given to the forecast growth of the mining sector in the region. They should also monitor the evolution of the workforce over the duration of the project.
  4. The proponent should provide an estimate of the implicit cost of infrastructure provided by provincial and federal governments. This cost would offset some of the mining royalties and taxes paid by the proponent. This information could also be used by the Québec Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests to evaluate the effectiveness of its mining tax regime.
  5. Indigenous Services Canada should study the use of impact benefit agreements (IBAs) across Canada and provide support to indigenous communities in upcoming negotiations to maximise the benefits accruing to them. This could help alleviate the power imbalance between proponents and indigenous communities discussed in the report.

I hope that my report helps in making the impact assessment process robust and aids in equitable and sustainable growth in Quebec.

Regards,

Sugeet Miglani

Submitted by
Sugeet Miglani
Phase
N/A
Public Notice
N/A
Attachment(s)
  • IAAC Sumission - James Bay Lithium Mine - Economic Effects.pdf (179.2 KB)
  • Date Submitted
    2022-11-18 - 3:39 PM
    Date modified: