Should the Scully Mine Be Allowed to Expand Its Tailings Pond into Fish Habitat?
Official title: Share your ideas : Amendments to the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations for the Scully Mine Tailings Expansion Project
Tacora Resources wants to expand its iron ore mine near Wabush, Newfoundland and Labrador. The catch? They need to dump mine waste into water bodies where fish live. The federal government is asking whether this should be allowed—and if so, how the company should compensate for the lost fish habitat.
Why This Matters
Live near Wabush or fish in the area? This decision affects local waterways. Mining jobs matter to the community, but so does protecting fish habitat. If you care about how Canada balances resource extraction with environmental protection, this is your chance to weigh in.
What Could Change
If approved, Schedule 2 of the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations would be amended to allow these water bodies to be used as tailings impoundment areas. The mine's operational life would be extended. The company would be required to implement a fish habitat compensation plan to offset the environmental impact.
Key Issues
- Should fish-frequented water bodies be designated as tailings impoundment areas for the Scully Mine?
- Is the proposed fish habitat compensation plan adequate to offset environmental impacts?
- Were alternatives to using fish habitat for mine waste disposal properly assessed?
How to Participate
- Review the Summary of the Alternatives Assessment and Summary of the Fish Habitat Compensation Plan to understand what's being proposed.
- Send your comments by email to mdmer-remmmd@ec.gc.ca or by mail to the address provided by the deadline.