Mount Milligan, Gold Copper mine (Archived)

McLeod Lake (BC)

Reasons for a Federal Assessment
Project Description
Environmental Assessment Report
Minister's Environmental Assessment Decision Statement
Final Decision
Follow-up Program

Reference Number

Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry: 08-03-39778

Environmental Assessment Type

Comprehensive study

Other Assessment Process

Government of British Columbia

Responsible or Regulated Authorities

Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Natural Resources Canada

Reasons for a Federal Assessment

On May 22, 2008, it was determined that an environmental assessment was required in relation to the project because Fisheries and Oceans Canada considered taking action in relation to paragraphs 36(5)(a) to (e), where the regulation made pursuant to those paragraphs contains a provision that limits the application of the regulation to a named site of the Fisheries Act and to subsection 35(2) of the Fisheries Act and because Natural Resources Canada considered taking action in relation to paragraph 7(1)(a) of the Explosives Act.

Project Description (as posted in the Notice of Commencement)

Terrane Metals Corporation proposes to develop a copper-gold mine at Mount Milligan, located approximately 155 km north of Prince George in British Columbia, between the communities of Mackenzie and Fort St. James. The development, as proposed, by the proponent is an open-pit mine that will process 60, 000 tonnes per day of ore, and produce 273,300 ounces of gold and 97 million pounds of copper per year for the first six years of the fifteen year mine life. The mining complex will consist of the mine pit, process plant, tailings impoundment area and dams, water intake and diversion systems, access roads, transmission lines, bulk explosive factory and storage facilities; and other associated mine buildings and infrastructure.

Environmental Assessment Report

Comprehensive Study Report

Minister's Environmental Assessment Decision Statement

Environmental Assessment Decision Statement

Final Decision

A decision was taken on December 11, 2009 and was that the authorities may exercise any power or perform any duty or function with respect to the project because, after taking into consideration the comprehensive study report and taking into account the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures, the authorities are of the opinion that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Follow-up Program

It was determined that a follow-up program to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment and/or determine the effectiveness of any measures taken to mitigate the adverse environmental effects is required for this project. For further information or to obtain a copy of the follow-up program, please contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada.