Red Mountain Underground Gold Project — Environmental Assessment Decision

January 14, 2019 — Ottawa — Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

The Government of Canada is steadfast in its commitment to protect the environment for future generations while growing our economy.

Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, announced that the proposed Red Mountain Underground Gold Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects when the mitigation measures described in the Environmental Assessment Report are taken into account. The project is an underground gold and silver mine proposed by IDM Mining Ltd. located 15 kilometres northeast of Stewart, British Columbia. According to the proponent, approximately 200 jobs would be created during project operations.

The project is also subject to requirements under the Nisga'a Final Agreement, a modern treaty signed by the governments of Canada, British Columbia, and the Nisga'a Nation. In accordance with the treaty, the Minister has issued a Project Recommendation that includes a determination regarding the potential effects of the project under the Nisga'a Final Agreement.

In reaching her decision, the Minister considered the Project Recommendation and the Environmental Assessment Report, which includes the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency's conclusions and recommendations on the potential environmental effects of the project, the potential effects on the Nisga'a Nation, the proposed mitigation measures, the significance of any adverse environmental effects and the follow-up program requirements.

The Minister's Decision Statement establishes more than 120 conditions the proponent must fulfill throughout the life of the project. These conditions will reduce or eliminate the potential effects of the project on the environment and include measures to protect fish and fish habitat, migratory birds, species at risk, human health, physical and cultural heritage and the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes by Indigenous peoples.

Today's announcement reflects the Government of Canada's Interim Approach and Principles which ensure project decisions are informed by thorough and science-based environmental assessments, meaningful consultations with Indigenous peoples, public input including Indigenous Traditional Knowledge, and an assessment of greenhouse gas emissions.