OTTAWA - The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada decided an impact assessment is required for the proposed Wasamac Gold Mine Project, located approximately 15 kilometers from downtown Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec.
As part of the planning phase of the impact assessment, the Agency invites the public and Indigenous peoples to review and provide feedback on the draft Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines and the draft Public Participation Plan.
The draft guidelines outline the project-specific factors that will be considered in the assessment and provide direction to the proponent, Monarch Gold Corporation (TSX: MQR) (OTCQX: MRQRF) (FRANKFURT: MR7), on the information and studies required in its Impact Statement. The draft Public Participation Plan explains how the public will be engaged throughout the review process. The Plan provides details on how and when public participation opportunities will take place for each phase of the impact assessment.
Written comments in either official language will be accepted until February 7, 2021.
Virtual Information Sessions will be held during this comment period.
Comments can be submitted online by visiting the project home page on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry (reference number 80879). All comments received will be published online as part of the project file.
The Agency recognizes it is more challenging to undertake meaningful public engagement and Indigenous consultation in light of the circumstances arising from COVID-19. The Agency continues to assess the situation, adjust consultation activities and provide flexibility as needed in order to prioritize the health and safety of all Canadians and conduct meaningful engagement with interested groups.
As next steps, the Agency will consider all input received and finalize the Public Participation Plan and the Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines. Both documents will be posted to the Agency's Registry website. The Agency will also post the Notice of Commencement for the project and start the impact statement phase. This project will benefit from several other opportunities for the public and Indigenous groups and Nations to participate throughout the impact assessment process.
We seek Safe Harbor.