Share your ideas: Amendments to the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations for the Macassa Project

Current status: Closed

This consultation is open from May 29, 2023, to July 29, 2023.

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 Macassa mine site. This requires an amendment to Schedule 2 of the MDMER to list these water bodies as “tailings impoundment areas”.

• Kirkland Lake Gold Limited (the Proponent) is proposing to expand the Macassa Mine to increase the tailings capacity and extend the operational life of the mine by expanding its existing tailings management facility. The gold mine is located in northeastern Ontario, adjacent to the town of Kirkland Lake.
• The regulatory amendments, if approved, would list water bodies frequented by fish as “Tailings Impoundment Areas, for the Macassa 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)
• 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)

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 July 29, 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
• Guide To The Regulatory Process For Listing Water Bodies Frequented By Fish In Schedule 2 Of The Metal And Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations

Contact us

By mail

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

By email

Email: mdmer-remmmd@ec.gc.ca