An environmental assessment is a planning process required to evaluate the potential impacts (either positive or negative) related to a project proposal. The purpose of the assessment is to identify potential environmental effects and corresponding mitigation measures to address effects. The assessment takes into consideration comments from Indigenous communities, government agencies, local municipalities, community members and land users potentially impacted by the project.
First Mining Gold submitted a Project Description to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (now the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada) in February 2018. Based on the Project Description, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency determined that a Federal EA was required and issued Federal Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Guidelines for the Project on June 19, 2018.
In parallel with the federal environmental assessment process, First Mining Gold has also entered into a Voluntary Agreement with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to complete a Provincial Individual Environmental Assessment (EA) under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. The Provincial EA requires approval of a Terms of Reference (ToR) in prescribed format that will guide the content of the Provincial EA. The ToR was approved by the Minister on November 8, 2021.
First Mining Gold has been working closely with the Federal and Provincial environmental approvals agencies to coordinate the Federal and Provincial EA processes. The coordinated approach facilitates greater efficiency, fosters cooperation between parties.
First Mining Gold will be continuing consultation with local Indigenous communities and stakeholders throughout the coordinated provincial-federal environmental assessment process.
Approved Terms of Reference for the Springpole Gold Project
Environmental Impact Statement Guidelines for the Springpole Project
