Hardrock Mine Project: closed consultation

We sought comments from Indigenous groups and the public on proposed amendments to the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations (MDMER) for the Hardrock Mine Project.

Greenstone Gold Mines (the Proponent) is proposing the construction, operation, decommissioning, and abandonment of the Hardrock Gold Mine Project, an open-pit gold mine and on-site metal mill, located approximately 5 kilometres south of Geraldton, Ontario.

The objective of the amendments is to authorize the use of the water bodies frequented by fish for mine waste disposal.

To offset the loss of fish and fish habitat due to the Project, the Proponent is required to develop and implement a Fish Habitat Compensation Plan.

Who was the focus of this consultation

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

What we heard

During the face-to-face meetings we held with Indigenous communities impacted by the Project, no concerns were raised and communities expressed support for the Project. Many of the Indigenous communities directly impacted by the Project followed up with letters restating their support and also indicating that they were in favour of streamlining the approvals process for the regulatory proposal (i.e., shortened approval timeline).

Upon approval by the Governor in Council, a Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement will be published in the Canada Gazette, along with the amendments to Schedule 2 of the MDMER, and will include a more detailed summary of the consultations for this regulatory proposal.

Related information

• Regulations Amending the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations
• Alternative Assessment Report (prepared by the proponent)
• Fish Habitat Compensation Plan (prepared by the proponent)
• Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations
• Fisheries Act
• Guidelines for the assessment of alternatives for mine waste disposal
• Approvals process for metal mines impoundment areas

Contact us

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

Email: ec.mmer-remm.ec@canada.ca