Registration Number: 867

Duck Pond Copper-Zinc Mine

Proponent: Thundermin Resources Inc./Queenston Mining Inc.

Summary of Environmental Assessment Process

Project Description:

The proponent proposes the development and operation of a 1,500 tonne per day copper-zinc mine near Duck Pond, 30km southeast of Buchans. The project was previously proposed in 1988 by Noranda Minerals Inc. and the minister directed the company to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Before the EIS was finalized the project was put on hold as Noranda was unable to discover sufficient reserves to make the project economically feasible. The present proponent has downsized the project to conform with known resources.

The physical features of the undertaking will include the construction of a road, transmission line, temporary construction camp, underground mine workings, processing plant, two open pits, tailings storage area, potable and process water supply, domestic and mine waste disposal area, and chemical storage area. A concentrate unloading/loading marine facility has not yet been selected. Set-up at the site is tentatively scheduled to begin in April-May 2001.

  • March 31, 2000: The undertaking was registered.
  • June 19, 2000: The minister announced that the the proponent must prepare and submit an Environmental Impact Statement to determine if the project may have significant environmental impacts.
  • October 13, 2000: The minister announced that he had released for public review the draft guidelines for the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement.
  • December 6, 2000: The minister announced that the Guidelines for preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement have been approved.
  • August 8, 2001: The minister announced that the proponent has submitted the Environmental Impact Statement.
  • December 5, 2001 The minister finds the EIS satisfactory.
  • January 31, 2002 The Minister has confirmed that the Environmental Impact Statement for the Duck Pond Copper-Zinc Mine is satisfactory and the Lieutenant Governorin Council has permitted the project to proceed subject to terms and conditions.

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