Today, the Government of Canada determined that the Springpole Gold Project in Ontario is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012). The Minister's decision was informed by the project's Environmental Assessment Report.
The project, an open-pit gold and silver mine and on-site metal mill, located 110 kilometres northeast of Red Lake, Ontario, is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs and represents a capital investment of $957.7 million.
The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring mine proposals like this move forward in a way that is sustainable and protects the environment and Indigenous rights.
A total of six Indigenous communities actively participated in the federal environmental assessment process. Their contributions included Indigenous-led studies and assessments that informed the Government of Canada's decision. The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada provided support to enable this work, and Indigenous Knowledge was incorporated alongside scientific evidence throughout the assessment process. The Government of Canada is committed to working with Indigenous communities in a manner that advances reconciliation, respects their rights and cultures, and supports the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge in assessments.
The Decision Statement issued today establishes legally binding conditions that First Mining Gold Corp., as the proponent, must comply with throughout the project's life. These conditions include measures to reduce environmental effects on Indigenous Peoples that live in and use the area ─ reducing impacts to their health and socio-economic conditions, physical and cultural heritage, current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes. The measures also aim to reduce effects on fish and fish habitat, federal lands, and migratory birds. For example, the proponent will be required to manage effluent and surface water quality to protect fish and fish habitat and drinking water, undertake progressive reclamation of the land, and minimize emissions of dust and airborne contaminants.
The Government of Canada thanks all participants for their comments throughout the environmental assessment process, as well as the various experts involved for their robust, scientific advice. The proponent will still be required to obtain any necessary authorizations and permits.
