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 is 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 will now assess the impact of the project and will seek 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 ESIA has been filed with both the MDDEP and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the “CEAA”). Subject to a schedule to be established by the Review Committee of the JBNQA (“COMEX”) and the CEAA, it is currently expected that public hearings will be held in the second half of 2012 and, upon the satisfaction of all regulatory requirements, the project will be eligible for the receipt of Québec and federal Certificates of Authorization within 2012. Once the provincial and federal administrators have issued authorizations for project development, final mine permits will be sought from the MDDEP, the Ministère des Ressources Naturelles et de la Faune, and all relevant federal authorities.
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.
| Mar 27, 2012 Stornoway Signs Impacts And Benefits Agreement For The Renard Diamond Project Stornoway Diamond Corporation (TSX-SWY) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an Impacts and Benefits Agreement for the Renard Diamond Project with the Cree Nation of Mistissini ("CNM") a... |
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| Dec 28, 2011 Stornoway Announces Filing Of The Renard Environmental And Social Impact Assessment Stornoway Diamond Corporation (TSX-SWY) is pleased to announce the completion and filing of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the Renard Diamond Project located in North Cent... |
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| Sep 20, 2011 Stornoway Provides Renard Project Update Feasibility Study and ESIA Nearing Completion Stornoway Diamond Corporation (TSX-SWY) is pleased to provide a progress update on feasibility level work at the Renard Diamond Project, Stornoway's flagship project located in North Central Qu&eac... |
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