SIMILAR
PROJECTS
Grenville
Other regions incompatible with graphite mining exist in Quebec.
People have the power to stop the development of a mine when the project threatens the well-being of a community. The Miller mine in Grenville, MRC d’Argenteuil in the Laurentians region, is just such an example.
- The application for an operating permit was postponed for two years (2021 to 2023) by the Commission de protection du territoire agricole du Québec (CPTAQ), pending an assessment of the impact on water, effects of the dust created, and the impact on sugar maple trees.
- A $96 million gag order filed by the Miller mining company against the municipality of Grenville has been dropped as a result of strong opposition from the local population and general disapproval in Quebec. On the other hand, the Municipality has committed to accepting the mining project if, within the framework of the BAPE, the hearings demonstrate social acceptability on the part of the citizens.
GRAPHITE MINE
FROM SAINT-AIMÉ-DU-LAC-DES-ÎLES
Mining companies have a bad reputation when it comes to environmental pollution.
That said, when they are caught out, the consequences are minimal. The Saint-Aimé-du-Lac-des-Îles graphite mine south of Mont-Laurier in the Laurentians is such an example.
- Since 2012, there have been multiple discharges of contaminants into the environment. Imerys Graphite & Carbon Canada have received several notices of non-compliance from the Quebec Ministry of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change (MDDELCC). For example, a tailings site leaked contaminated water for 10 months in 2012. The cause: poor maintenance of this type of site. The consequence: a small fine of $11,250.00. A Ministry inspector had noted this discharge of contaminants.
Saint-Michel-des-Saints
Too often, the government ignores the recommendations of the BAPE. There is government insensitivity to the risks of pollution in neighboring resort areas (Mont-Tremblant tourist park, Lac Taureau regional park).
Here is the case of the Nouveau Monde Graphite mining project, in Saint-Michel-des-Saints in Lanaudière.
- The mine construction work was authorized by a decree from the Quebec government in February 2021. However, the BAPE believes that improvements are necessary before authorizing this project. The assessments, recommended in the BAPE report, should first be done to verify the uncertainties associated with the project. This concerns water quality, property values, and the legacy of mining. In short, it is about the quality of life of the residents and the cohabitation with this mine.
- Unfortunately, a hydrogeological study will not take place. This study aimed to validate the effectiveness of the new method proposed by the company to treat its acid mining waste. Several citizens have pointed out the dangers that this project could create in the environment. They fear, among other things, that the extraction of the ore generates acid residues which contaminate the mining site and flow into the neighbouring resort areas: Mont-Tremblant and Lac Taureau parks.
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