EDM Resources files federal permit for Scotia mine

Executive Summary

• EDM Resources Inc. has submitted its Fisheries Act Authorization (FAA) application to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) for the extension of the Scotia mine's main pit, marking a key federal permitting milestone after three years of work.
• The submission includes comprehensive environmental data, engineering designs, and a $1.16-million draft performance bond to secure fish habitat offsetting plans.
• Successful completion of the DFO review is identified as the final major federal permitting milestone required to advance the Scotia mine toward a construction decision and update the 2021 prefeasibility study.

Key Details

• FAA Submission: EDM submitted the Fisheries Act Authorization application to the DFO for the extension of the Scotia mine's main pit.
• Environmental Design & Mitigation:
  • The project design avoids all mapped fish-bearing watercourses.
  • Maintains a minimum 30-metre vegetated buffer from aquatic features.
  • Requires no in-water works.
  • Does not introduce new watercourse crossings or discharge locations.
  • Mine water will be collected and treated through the existing tailings management and polishing pond system prior to controlled discharge.
• Documentation & Data:
  • Submission includes over 20 years of baseline environmental data.
  • Includes detailed engineering design, hydrological and hydrogeological modelling.
  • Comprehensive assessments of potential effects on fish and fish habitat prepared in accordance with the Fisheries Act.
  • Detailed Pathways of Effects assessment identifying interactions including flow alteration, water quality, blasting, and sedimentation.
• Financial & Bonding:
  • Draft performance bond of $1.16-million prepared to support Fisheries Act requirements.
  • Bond proposed to be issued by a Canadian surety company and payable to the Receiver General for Canada.
  • Bond secures the implementation of the fish habitat offsetting plan, subject to finalization and acceptance by DFO.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Extensive consultation with indigenous communities, regulators, and local stakeholders.
  • Fish habitat offsetting program developed in collaboration with qualified environmental consultants and local watershed organizations to achieve habitat equivalency.
• Monitoring & Contingency:
  • Commitment to comprehensive environmental monitoring including surface water, groundwater, and aquatic effects monitoring.
  • Erosion and sediment control inspections.
  • Spill contingency and emergency response planning.
  • Adaptive management to be applied if monitoring indicates need for additional controls.
• Next Steps:
  • DFO has confirmed receipt and will commence the prescribed review and consultation process.
  • FAA review completion is a key prerequisite for advancing detailed construction planning.
  • Successful completion represents the final major federal permitting milestone for advancing the Scotia mine toward a construction decision.

Notable Quotes

• "This FAA submission represents a major regulatory and technical milestone for the Scotia mine. It reflects years of environmental study, engineering design and engagement with indigenous communities and regulators. The project has been designed to avoid in-water works, protect fish habitat, and incorporate robust monitoring and offsetting programs. Combined with improving commodity markets, this positions the Scotia mine for a responsible and economically strong restart." — Mark Haywood, President and CEO