The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) is currently conducting a federal environmental assessment for the proposed Springpole gold project in Ontario. This open-pit gold/silver mine and on-site metal mill, located approximately 110 km northeast of Red Lake, Ontario, has prompted the IAAC to invite Indigenous peoples and the public to submit comments on its draft environmental assessment report.
First Mining Gold is proposing the construction, operation, decommissioning, and abandonment of the Springpole gold project. The project is designed with an ore production capacity of 65,000 tonnes per day over a 10-year mine life. The on-site metal mill would operate for 10 years, processing 30,000 tonnes of ore per day.
The draft report contains IAAC’s conclusions and recommendations regarding the project’s potential adverse environmental effects and their significance. It also outlines proposed key mitigation measures and follow-up programs. Additionally, IAAC invites comments on the draft potential conditions for the project. These final conditions would become legally binding for First Mining Gold. if the minister of the environment issues a decision statement indicating the project may proceed.
This public comment period represents the final opportunity for public participation in the environmental assessment process, following several previous Indigenous and public engagement opportunities. All comments received will be published online as part of the project file.