Should Greenstone Gold Mine Increase Air Emissions Near Geraldton?
Official title: Greenstone Gold Mines GP Inc. - Environmental Compliance Approval (air)
Greenstone Gold Mines wants to nearly double its mining rate at an open pit gold mine near Geraldton, Ontario. The company is seeking approval to increase production to 78 million tonnes per year. This would mean more air emissions—including sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen cyanide, nickel, and lead.
Why This Matters
Live near Geraldton or in the Thunder Bay District? This mine already releases pollutants into the air you breathe. If approved, emissions could increase significantly. People with respiratory conditions or families with young children may want to weigh in.
What Could Change
If approved, the mine could extract up to 78 million tonnes of rock per year and process 34,000 tonnes daily. That's a major increase in operations. New emission limits would be set, but the approval includes "limited operational flexibility"—meaning some modifications can happen without further public review.
Key Issues
- Should the mine be allowed to increase its mining rate to 78 million tonnes per year?
- Are the proposed air emission limits adequate to protect local air quality?
- What conditions should be placed on the operational flexibility provisions?
How to Participate
- Review the proposal details on this consultation page. Note the ERO number 026-0001 for your submission.
- Submit your comment online through the ERO portal, or email enviropermissions@ontario.ca with the ERO number in your message.
- You can also mail your comments to Client Services and Permissions Branch, 135 St Clair Ave West, 1st Floor, Toronto, ON M4V 1P5.