Share your ideas: Amendments to the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations for the Lac des Iles Mine Expansion Project

Background

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is seeking comments from the public and Indigenous Nations on a proposed authorization under the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations (MDMER) for the disposal of mine waste in fish-frequented water bodies at the Lac des Iles mine site. This requires an amendment to Schedule 2 of the MDMER to list these water bodies as “tailings impoundment areas”.

• Impala Canada Ltd. (the Proponent) is proposing to expand the Lac des Iles Mine to increase the tailings capacity and extend the operational life of the mine by building a new tailings management facility. The palladium mine is located in northwestern Ontario, approximately 97 kilometres northwest of the city of Thunder Bay
• The regulatory amendments, if approved, would authorize the use of water bodies frequented by fish for mine waste disposal for the Lac des Iles Mine. 

Focus of this consultation

ECCC is consulting on the Alternatives Assessment report and the Fish Habitat Compensation Plan.

•  Alternative Assessment (PDF) (prepared by the proponent and available in English only)   
  • Summary of the Alternatives Assessment (PDF) (prepared by the proponent and available in English only)
• Fish Habitat Compensation Plan (PDF) (prepared by the proponent and available in English only)
  • Summary of the Fish Habitat Compensation Plan (PDF) (prepared by the proponent and available in English only)

How to participate

By mail

Send a letter with your ideas and input to the address and contact information below.

By email

Send an email with your ideas or comments using the contact information below.

Comments must be submitted by May 14, 2023

Please read our privacy statement for this consultation.

Who is the focus of this consultation

ECCC would like to hear from:

• Indigenous Peoples
• provincial, territorial and local governments
• industry stakeholders and association members
• non-governmental organizations
• general public

Related information

• Tailings Impoundment Areas
• Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations
• Fisheries Act
• Guidelines for the assessment of alternatives for mine waste disposal

Contact us

Environment and Climate Change Canada
Mining Section
Mining and Processing Division
351 boul. St-Joseph, 11th floor
Gatineau QC  K1A 0H3

Email: mdmer-remmmd@ec.gc.ca