Should a Lithium Mine in Northern Quebec Add a Worker Camp?
Official title: Rose Lithium-Tantalum Mining Project Public Notice Public Comments Invited on Proposed Amendments to the Decision Statement
A lithium and tantalum mine near the Cree Nation of Nemaska wants to expand. The company isn't asking to dig more—they want to add a worker camp, a wastewater treatment system, and two gravel pits. The mine was approved in 2021 with strict environmental conditions. Now the government is asking if these changes should be allowed.
Why This Matters
Live near Nemaska or in Eeyou Istchee territory? This affects your backyard. The new wastewater system would discharge treated water into the environment. Indigenous communities have a direct stake in how this land is used. Even if you're far away, this is part of Canada's push for critical minerals used in electric vehicles.
What Could Change
If approved, the mine's Decision Statement would be amended to allow a worker camp, wastewater discharge, and two borrow pits. The mine's overall production won't increase. New environmental conditions may be added to manage the wastewater system.
Key Issues
- Should the mine be allowed to add a worker camp with wastewater discharge?
- Are the proposed amendments to the Decision Statement appropriate?
- Should two borrow pits be permitted for construction materials?
How to Participate
- Read the analysis of the proposed changes to understand what's being proposed.
- Submit comments online through the project home page on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry.
- If you prefer a different format, email your comments to conditions@iaac-aeic.gc.ca.