Diamond Fundamentals
The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (“ESIA”) concurrent with the Feasibility Study of the Renard Diamond Project was submitted on December 28, 2011. The purpose of the study was to assess the possible positive or negative impact that the Renard Project may have on the environment surrounding the deposit; naturally, socially and economically. The relevant Quebec and federal regulators assessed the impact of the project and included input from local stakeholders on the proposed development.
Open houses were hosted by Stornoway on March 14th in Chibougamau (see pictures) and on March 21st in Mistissini to present the findings of the ESIA for the Renard Diamond Project. Over 200 people attended the two events, representing both the general public and local municipal, educational or business development groups. Presentations given by members of Stornoway’s mining team, and by representatives from Roche Ltd., covered diamond mining and extraction techniques, water management, closure and rehabilitation, waste management, biodiversity conservation, training and employment, and business development opportunities.
The Renard Diamond Project Mining Lease was issued by the Québec Ministère des Ressources naturelles in October 2012 and the Québec Certificate of Authorization was issued by the Ministère du Développement Durable, de l’Environnement,de la Faune et des Parcs (“MDDEFP”) in December 2012. The accompanying Government of Canada review of the project under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act remains ongoing. Federal authorizations are required from Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Natural Resources Canada with respect to the Fisheries Act and the Explosive Act. Successful local hearings on the project were held by the federal regulators in June 2012, and on May 10th, 2013 the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (“CEEA”) released its Comprehensive Study Report (“CSR”), which concluded that the Renard Project is “not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects”. The CEEA have invited public comments on the CSR before June 10th, 2013. Following completion of this process the Renard Project will become eligible to receive its federal approval, termed an “Environmental Assessment Decision”, at which time all major permitting milestones will have been achieved.
On March 27, 2012 Stornoway signed an Impact and Benefits Agreement for the Renard Diamond Project with the Cree Nation of Mistissini (“CNM”) and the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee) / Cree Regional Authority (“GCC(EI)/CRA”).called the "Mecheshoo Agreement" in Mistissini.
The Mecheshoo Agreement is a binding agreement that will govern the long-term working relationship between Stornoway and the Cree parties during all phases of the Renard Diamond Project. It provides for training, employment and business opportunities for the Crees during project construction, operation and closure, and sets out the principles of social, cultural and environmental respect under which the project will be managed. The Mecheshoo Agreement includes a mechanism by which the Cree parties will benefit financially from the success of the project on a long term basis, consistent with the Mining Industry’s best practices for engagement with First Nations communities.
This negotiation process follows upon the successful execution of a Pre-Development Agreement between the parties in July 2010, and the establishment of a project business development office in the community of Mistissini in January of 2011.
| Dec 6, 2012 Stornoway Receives Renard Certificate Of Authorization Major Permitting Milestone Achieved on Schedule |
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| Nov 22, 2012 Stornoway Receives E3 Plus Award From Québec Mineral Exploration Association Stornoway Diamond Corporation (TSX-SWY) is pleased to announce that at the annual meeting of the Québec Mineral Exploration Association (the "AEMQ") held this week in Québec City, Stornoway was awa... |
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| Aug 30, 2012 Stornoway Announces The Successful Completion Of The Final Public Hearings For Renard In Mistissini And Chibougamau Stornoway Diamond Corporation (TSX-SWY) is pleased to announce the successful completion of public hearings on the Renard Diamond Project held by the Review Committee (“COMEX”) established under th... |
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*This video reflects the mine plan that applied to the December 28, 2012 Feasibility Study and does not include the changes made in the Optimization Study of January 28, 2013.