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Feds give thumbs-up to Dryden-area gold mine (2 Photos)

A spokesperson calls the decision a key step but there's more work to be done.

DRYDEN, Ont. — Environment and Climate Change Minister Catherine McKenna has given the federal government's approval for a proposed gold mine 20 kilometres east of Dryden.

McKenna completed her review of the draft environmental assessment report on the Goliath project which was issued earlier this summer by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.

CEAA had concluded that the mine would not likely cause significant adverse environmental effects.

"Today's decision is based on scientific evidence, consultations with the public and Indigenous groups, and collaboration with experts," the minister said Monday in a statement.

According to the statement, Treasury Metals can proceed with development without obtaining any additional authorizations and permits from federal departments, but a company spokesperson indicated "Fisheries approval" is still required.

The spokesperson called the federal announcement "a key step" in the planning process while noting the project must also undergo a feasibility study and several other stages including provincial permitting.

In addition, the company will have to raise about $133 million for development capital.

The Goliath project is located on a 50-square-kilometre property just north of and roughly parallel to Highway 17 between Dryden and Wabigoon.

The company proposes an open-pit mine and ore-processing facility which would operate for about 12 years, creating about 225 jobs.

As part of the environmental review, the government gave eight area First Nations a combined $366,000 to help them study the project and provide input.

To help mitigate any impact the mine will have on traditional Indigenous use of the surrounding territory, Treasury Metals has committed to establishing an Environmental Management Committee.

 




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