Matoush Exploration Project (Archived)

Chibougamau (QC)

Reasons for a Federal Assessment
Project Description
Environmental Assessment Report
Minister's Environmental Assessment Decision Statement
Final Decision
Follow-up Program

Reference Numbers

Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry: 08-03-46115
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission: ~~~~

Environmental Assessment Type

Comprehensive study

Other Assessment Process

James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement Regime

Responsible or Regulated Authorities

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

Reasons for a Federal Assessment

On October 24, 2008, it was determined that an environmental assessment was required in relation to the project because the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission considered taking action in relation to subsection 24(2) of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act.

Project Description (as posted in the Notice of Commencement)

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has received an application and a project proposal from Strateco Resources Inc. (Strateco), for the excavation of an underground exploration ramp, in order to conduct an advanced exploration phase for the development of its uranium mining project on the Matoush claim. Strateco is presently conducting a scoping study for its Matoush Uranium Mine Project, and has determined the existence of a sufficient quantity of uranium.

The Matoush Project is centrally located within the Province of Quebec, situated 260 km northeast of Chibougamau, in the Chibougamau Mining District.

Strateco's proposal includes the following components:

• Construction of an underground exploration ramp and associate surface infrastructure (i.e., temporary worker change rooms, ramp ventilation machinery, and a temporary water treatment plant facility); and
• Construction of the ramp portal and associated surface infrastructure (i.e., garages and mechanical shops).

No bulk samples are planned at this stage of exploration.

The location of the proposed project is within the boundaries of the administrative region governed by the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA) and is subject to the environmental assessment requirements of the JBNQA Regime. For additional information refer to the JBNQA section on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency's web site.

On July 12, 2010, a series of amendments to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act came into force. The amendments require that the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission provide the public with the opportunity to comment on the Matoush Exploration Project and the conduct of the comprehensive study.

Environmental Assessment Report

Comprehensive Study Report

Minister's Environmental Assessment Decision Statement

Environmental Assessment Decision Statement

Final Decision

A decision was taken on February 24, 2012 and was that the authority may exercise any power or perform any duty or function with respect to the project because, after taking into consideration the comprehensive study report and taking into account the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures, the authority is of the opinion that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Follow-up Program

It was determined that a follow-up program to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment and/or determine the effectiveness of any measures taken to mitigate the adverse environmental effects is required for this project. For further information or to obtain a copy of the follow-up program, please contact the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.