Should a Major Lithium Mine Be Built Near Radisson, Quebec?

Official title: Shaakichiuwaanaan Mining Project Public Notice Comments Invited on the Draft Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines and Draft Public Participation Plan

Closed Environmental Assessment Environment & Climate Indigenous & Northern Natural Resources
A company wants to build a massive lithium mine in northern Quebec, about 250 km east of Radisson. The Shaakichiuwaanaan Mining Project would be both open-pit and underground, producing 49,500 tonnes of ore daily for 24 years. The federal government is now asking for feedback on how this project should be assessed.

Why This Matters

Lithium powers the batteries in electric vehicles and phones. This mine could help Canada become a major supplier. But it's in remote northern Quebec, on traditional Indigenous territory. If you care about the energy transition, Indigenous rights, or northern development, this one matters.

What Could Change

If approved, this would be one of Canada's largest lithium mines. The assessment will determine what environmental protections are required, how Indigenous communities must be consulted, and whether the project can proceed at all. The guidelines being reviewed now will shape the entire 24-year project.

Key Issues

  • What environmental factors should be studied before this mine is approved?
  • How should Indigenous peoples and the public be involved throughout the assessment?
  • What information should the company provide in its Impact Statement?

How to Participate

  1. Review the draft Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines to understand what factors will be assessed.
  2. Review the draft Public Participation Plan to see how you can be involved throughout the process.
  3. Submit comments through the project page on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry, or email shaakichiuwaanaan@iaac-aeic.gc.ca.

Key Documents