Water Permit Renewal for Mining Exploration - Sally, Boyer, Geordie, and Marathon Lakes
Official title: Generation PGM Inc. - Permit to take water
A mining company wants to renew its permit to take water from 22 lakes near Thunder Bay for exploratory drilling. Generation PGM Inc. would draw up to 100,000 litres per day from each lake, year-round, for up to 10 years. This is classified as a Category 3 permit—the highest risk level for environmental impact.
Why This Matters
Live near these lakes in the Thunder Bay district? This permit could affect local water levels for years. The company wants to draw water from 22 different lakes—some named, some unnamed—for mining exploration. Category 3 means the province considers this a high-risk water taking.
What Could Change
If approved, Generation PGM Inc. could take up to 100,000 litres daily from each of 22 lakes for exploratory drilling. Some permits would last over 2 years, one up to 10 years. The ministry may impose conditions to protect water levels and aquatic ecosystems.
Key Issues
- Should the water taking permit be renewed for 22 lakes in the Thunder Bay district?
- What conditions should apply to this Category 3 (highest risk) water taking?
- Are the proposed water volumes sustainable for these lakes?
How to Participate
- Review the permit details on this consultation page to understand the proposed water takings from 22 lakes.
- Submit your comments by email to enviropermissions@ontario.ca by the deadline.