Strange Lake Rare Earth Mining Project

Public Participation Plan
Strange Lake Rare Earth Mining Project

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Document reference number: 127

November 8, 2024

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1. Introduction

On June 6, 2024, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) determined that an impact assessment is required for the Rare Earth Mining Project (the Project), pursuant to Section 16 of Canada's Impact Assessment Act.

The Public Participation Plan was developed by IAAC to set out opportunities for participation during the impact assessment process (the process). This plan is also intended to be flexible and does not preclude IAAC from making changes to the approaches described in this Plan in order to accommodate changes that may occur during the assessment.

For additional information on meaningful public participation, please refer to the Framework: Public Participation under the Impact Assessment Act and the Guidance: Public Participation under the Impact Assessment Act. A separate Overview: Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan is also available. It describes opportunities for meaningful engagement with Indigenous Peoples and proposed consultation approaches.

2. Project description

Torngat Metals Ltd. (the proponent) is proposing the construction, operation, decommissioning and abandonment of an open-pit rare earth mine, located approximately 235 kilometers northeast of Schefferville, Quebec. The mine would have a production capacity of up to 36,000 tonnes per day and a mine life of 30 years. As proposed, the Project would include at the mine site a 1,500 meters airstrip, a new metal mill with an ore input capacity of 17,000 tonnes per day, waste rock and tailings piles, and associated buildings. The Project would also include a road of approximately 170 kilometers between the mine site and the new port facilities on the Labrador coast.

It should be noted that the high-purity separation plant at Sept-Îles is not part of the Project evaluated by IAAC, and marine transportation is limited to a restricted area on the Labrador coast.

For more information on the impact assessment of the Project or to view the information and comments received, visit the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry website (the Registry).

3. Objectives of public participation

The Public Participation Plan was developed through consultations during the Planning phase and outlines the various ways a participant may provide input and engage in the process, including for those most likely affected by the Project. The following objectives for public participation reflect the views heard during the Planning phase:

  • Members of the public who wish to participate in the impact assessment have the opportunity to do so in an informed manner, with the necessary information;
  • IAAC put in place conditions conducive to the participation of a range of people, including youth, women, seniors and groups with diverse identity profiles;
  • The public participates from the outset. Its participation continues on a regular and frequent basis, at each key stage of the process;
  • The public participates in the development or revision of key documents, including this Plan, the Joint Impact Statement Guidelines (the Guidelines), the proponent's Summary of the Impact Statement, the Impact Assessment Report and Potential Conditions;
  • IAAC informs the proponent of concerns raised by interested parties; and
  • Public views heard throughout the process are documented and inform decision-making.

IAAC is working with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to conduct the impact assessment for the Project. Consultation activities are coordinated with this jurisdiction wherever possible.

4. Identification of participants

The appended list includes communities, organizations and other stakeholders identified by IAAC as potentially interested in the Project, or who have expressed an interest in participating in the Project's impact assessment.

More specifically, IAAC has drawn up this list taking into account communities, organizations and other stakeholders:

  • who submitted comments during the first consultation period;
  • who have expressed an interest in the assessment of the Strange Lake Rare Earth Mining Project;
  • who are active in the project area and may have an interest in the process and the Project.

Participants on the distribution list will receive updates and notices about the Project's impact assessment as the process unfolds. If you or your organization would like to be added to this list, please contact us directly at the project email address to StrangeLake@iaac-aeic.gc.ca. Individual names will not be published.

5. Public participation tools

IAAC has identified a series of potential tools to ensure meaningful public participation in the process, including:

  • Project-specific email address to contact IAAC: StrangeLake@iaac-aeic.gc.ca;
  • Direct telephone line to contact IAAC to facilitate access to information and receipt of public comments: 418-649-6444;
  • Public consultation periods, including information sessions, at key stages of the process;
  • Opportunities to apply for funding under the Participant Funding Program to support the public in participating in the impact assessment process;
  • Virtual training on the impact assessment process and how to participate effectively during the process;
  • Targeted meetings, in person or virtual, with environmental and community organizations and groups (Gender-Based Analysis Plus);
  • Public notices and notices on the Registry;
  • Social media updates (e.g., IAAC's X (formerly Twitter) feed: @IAAC_AEIC #Strangelake) that provide information and updates on the impact assessment process, announce public participation opportunities, and funding opportunities;
  • Informative emails sent to those on the distribution list created for the Project;
  • Community radio announcements; and
  • Publication in local newspapers.

IAAC would like to know your opinion:

  • We would like to hear what you think about the communication tools listed above. Do you have any preferences or suggestions for new tools to facilitate your participation? Write to us at: StrangeLake@iaac-aeic.gc.ca;
  • Tell us about any economic, technical, linguistic or other obstacles that may restrict or prevent you, your community or your organization from participating in the assessment process for this project.

For the purposes of this project's impact assessment, IAAC is collaborating with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Comments received during the various consultation periods are communicated to this jurisdiction for consideration in its environmental assessment process.

6. Public participation activities and approach

The following table shows, for each of the upcoming phases in the process, the engagement activities led by IAAC and those planned by the proponent (where possible). The table describes the objectives of each phase and the activities that would be used.

Table 6.1 - Table of Public Participation Approaches and Activities

Objectives of the Phase

Expected Activities

Time Frame

Public Participation Tools

Phase 1: Planning
  • Support understanding of the Project and increase public awareness of the impact assessment process and meaningful participation.
  • Provide an opportunity for the public to apply for funding to support participation during the Planning phase.
  • Obtain comments and feedback on documents related to the Planning phase such as the Summary of the Initial Project Description and the draft versions of the Plan and the Guidelines.
  • Notify the public of key steps in the process such as the comment period on the Summary of the Initial Project Description and the draft version of the Plan and Guidelines.

Consultation on the summary of the Initial Project Description
  • Notices on the Registry.
  • Online consultation period.
  • Virtual information sessions.
  • IAAC invited the public and Indigenous Peoples to a first public comment period to review the summary of the Initial Project Description and to provide comments on the Project.
  • To harmonize the consultation period of IAAC's process with those of the Nunatsiavut government and the provincial government of Newfoundland and Labrador, IAAC held a 60-day public consultation period (instead of 30 days).
  • October 6, 2023 to December 4, 2023.
  • IAAC provided financial assistance in the form of a grant during the first comment period of the Planning phase to support participation.
  • October 17, 2023 to November 17, 2023.
  • IAAC held virtual information sessions in both official languages.
  • October 30, 2023 and November 2, 2023.
  • Comments received during the consultation period on the Summary of the Initial Project Description assisted IAAC in preparing a Summary of Issues, supporting the opinion regarding the need for an impact assessment and drafting the Plan and Guidelines.
  • Ongoing, until the Summary of Issues was sent to the proponent on December 22, 2023.

Consultation on planning documents
  • IAAC invited the public and Indigenous Peoples to a second comment period to review the draft Plan and Guidelines and to provide comments on these documents.
  • August 15 to September 23, 2024.
  • IAAC held virtual information sessions in both official languages.
  • September 4 (English) and September 5 (French and English) 2024.
  • Comments received during the second comment period on the draft version of the Plan and Guidelines enabled IAAC to finalize them.
  • Until the end of the Planning phase, on November 8, 2024.

Phase 2: Impact Statement
  • Raise awareness among the public about the impact assessment process and how to participate in a meaningful way.
  • Engage the public by giving them the opportunity to participate and comment on the Summary of the impact statement of the proponent.
  • Encourage the public to share information with the proponent to inform the development of the proponent's Impact Statement.
  • Review the proponent's Summary of the Impact Statement information and address any outstanding issues or deficiencies raised by the public.
  • Notify the public of key steps in the process such as receipt of the Impact Statement and the comment period on the Summary of the Impact Statement.
  • IAAC will post the Impact Statement Summary on the Registry. IAAC will seek public comment on this document.
  • The consultation, which will last approximately 30 days, will begin following the posting of the Impact Statement summary on the Registry.
  • Online consultation period.
  • Notices on the Registry, social media, newspapers and on the radio.
  • In-person and/or virtual community meetings, with the possible participation of the proponent and federal authorities.
  • Emails and calls.
  • IAAC will ask the proponent to present the impact assessment to stakeholders.
  • During the 30-day consultation period on the Impact Statement summary.
  • IAAC will inform the public of the availability of funding to support public participation in the Impact Statement phase. The public is encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Programs office for information (See Section 7 for contact information).
  • Announcement of funding availability to be determined.
  • IAAC will respond to enquiries received by email or telephone.
  • Ongoing, as required.
  • Updates on the Project impact assessment process will be provided by email to stakeholders on the distribution list.
  • Ongoing, as required.

Phase 3: Impact Assessment
  • Raise awareness among the public about the impact assessment process and how to participate in a meaningful way.
  • Validate information on IAAC's draft Impact Assessment Report and any associated Potential Conditions, address outstanding issues or deficiencies raised by the public.
  • Notify public of key steps in the process such as the comment period on the draft Impact Assessment Report and draft potential conditions.
  • IAAC will post the draft Impact Assessment Report and any associated Potential Conditions on the Registry. IAAC will seek public comments on these documents.
  • The consultation, which will last approximately 30 days, will begin following the posting of the draft Impact Assessment Report and Potential Conditions on the Registry.
  • Online consultation period.
  • Notices in the Registry, social media, newspapers and on the radio.
  • In-person and virtual presentations.
  • Emails and calls.
  • IAAC will hold community meetings for the public on the draft Impact Assessment Report and any associated Potential Conditions. The meetings will include question and answer sessions. IAAC will also conduct information sessions to target groups as needed.
  • Following the posting of the draft Impact Assessment Report and Potential Conditions.
  • IAAC will inform the public of the availability of funding to support public participation in the Impact Assessment phase. The public is encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Programs office for information (See Section 7 for contact information).
  • Announcement of funding availability to be determined.
  • IAAC will respond to enquiries received by email or telephone.
  • Ongoing, as required.
  • Updates on the Project impact assessment process will be provided by email to stakeholders on the distribution list.
  • Ongoing, as required.

Phase 4: Decision-making
  • Inform the proponent and the public of the decision of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
  • IAAC will post the following on the Registry:
  • the final Impact Assessment Report;
  • the Minister's Decision Statement, including any conditions associated with the Project and the rationale for the decision.
  • Following the Minister's Decision.
  • Notices in the Registry, social media, newspapers and on the radio.
  • Emails and calls.
  • IAAC will respond to enquiries received by email or telephone.
  • Ongoing, as required.

Phase 5: Post-decision (if the Project is approved)
  • Inform the public about follow-up and monitoring activities and the results of the follow-up program activities.
  • Inform participants of possible changes to the Decision Statement and request comments on the proposed changes.
  • According to the timeline set out in the Decision Statement.
  • Follow-up results posted on the Registry.
  • Online consultation period, if applicable.
  • Notices on the Registry, if applicable.
  • If the proponent submits a change to the Project and IAAC determines that it would alter the Decision Statement, IAAC will post a notice inviting the public to comment on the proposed change analysis report and on potential changes to the Decision Statement.
  • Where appropriate, IAAC will then post a Notice of decision amending the Decision Statement, along with reasons for the changes.
  • If applicable, the consultation would be for 30 days following posting on the Registry.
  • IAAC will respond to enquiries received by email or telephone.
  • Ongoing, as required.

7. Participant Funding

Funding is available to support public participation in the process. For information on activities eligible for funding, or to apply for funding, please consult IAAC Participant Funding Program web page.

To contact the Financial Aid Programs Office:
Telephone: 1-866-582-1884
Email: fp-paf@iaac-aeic.gc.ca

8. Submit comments

You can submit comments at any time during the impact assessment process by using the "Submit a comment" function on the Registry website's Project page. Attachments can also be uploaded using this function.

If you have any difficulties with the submission process, please contact IAAC, using the contact information below. Comments may also be submitted by email to StrangeLake@iaac-aeic.gc.ca.

Comments and other documents received by IAAC will be part of the Project file and will be posted on the Registry website. IAAC's Submission Policy determines what information can be shared publicly and what information should remain private. For more information on how we protect your privacy, please refer to IAAC's Privacy Notice. If you do not want your comment to be posted on the Registry website, please contact IAAC before submitting your comment.

If you have questions or need information, please contact:

Strange Lake Rare Earth Mining Project
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
Quebec Regional Office
901-1550, avenue d'Estimauville
Quebec (Quebec) G1J 0C1
Telephone: (418) 649-6444
Email: StrangeLake@iaac-aeic.gc.ca

Appendix

Non-exhaustive distribution list for Public Participation identified by IAAC

  • Environment and Nature Organizations
    • Association minière du Canada
    • Coalition pour que le Québec ait meilleure MINE!
    • Centre québécois du droit de l'environnement (CQDE)
    • Eau secours
    • Fédération québécoise pour le saumon atlantique
    • Fédération du Saumon Atlantique
    • Mining Watch Canada
    • Nature Québec
    • Organisme des Bassins versants Duplessis
    • Sept-Îles sans Uranium
    • Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada - Section Québec
  • Municipalities
    • Ville de Schefferville
    • Ville de Fermont
    • Ville Sept-îles
    • Ville de Wabush
    • MRC de Caniapiscau
  • Indigenous entities
    • AnânauKatiget Tumingit Regional Inuit Women's Association (ATRIWAI)
    • Keepers of the Circle
    • Saturviit Inuit Women Association
    • Administration régionale Kativik
    • Avataq cultural institute
    • Corporation du Mushuau-Nipi
    • Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Coordinating Committee (HFTCC)
    • L'association des corporations foncières du Nunavik (Nunavik landholding corporations association)
    • Centre d'amitié autochtone de Sept-îles (CAASI)
  • Social organizations
    • Association des jeunes de Fermont
    • Agence Job Accès Côte-Nord
    • Action emploi Sept-Îles
    • Groupes-citoyens de Sept-Îles
    • Mamu Tshishkutamashutau Innu Education
    • Point de Rencontre
  • Socio-economic development
    • Chambre de commerce de Sept-Îles Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam
    • Corporation de développement de Schefferville
    • Développement économique Sept-Îles
    • Société d'aide au développement de la collectivité (SADC) Côte-Nord
    • Table régionale des organismes communautaires de la Côte-Nord
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