August 12, 2011

Ottawa invites comments on proposed Strateco uranium exploration project in Quebec

The federal Ministry of Environment is inviting public comment on a proposed construction project at the site of a possible Strateco Resources Inc. (TSX:RSC) uranium mine in northern Quebec.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) will take public comments between Aug. and September 15. Boucherville, Quebec-based Strateco is currently in the exploration phase of the Matoush project, located about 275 km north of Chibougamau and 210 km northeast of Mistissini in the Otish mountains of northern Quebec.

The project is not actually a mine, but is a scoping study intended to determine the feasibility of a large-scale uranium mine. Strateco, which began operations at the Matoush project in 2006, currently has a 48-person camp on the site with an access road. Therefore, in order to conduct an advanced exploration phase, Strateco says it needs underground facilities. Strateco is proposing the construction of an underground exploration ramp and surface infrastructure, including temporary worker change rooms, ramp ventilation machinery and a temporary water treatment plant facility. It is also proposing to build a ramp portal and associated surface infrastructure, including garages and mechanical shops.

On August 2, Strateco announced that the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) had determined that the proposed exploratory construction project, “taking into account the mitigation measures identified in the Environmental Assessment Screening Report, is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental affects.” CNSC then referred its comprehensive study report to the federal Minister of Environment.

As a result, the CEAA announced Aug. 12 it would invite public comments on the CNSC study report.

DCN DIGITAL MEDIA

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