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September 01, 2018


Martin Guindon - [email protected]
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Authier Lithium Project: Sayona Keeps On Track
Mining prepares public consultation report

© Martin Guindon - The Citizen Rouyn - Saarland
Ann Lamontagne, environmental director of the Authier Lithium project of Sayona Québec.

After consulting the public for three months on the Authier Lithium project in La Motte, Sayona Quebec is now preparing the report it must submit to the Department of Energy and Natural Resources no later than September 19.

This means that the mining company is staying the course and intends to complete its public consultation, which began on May 18, under the Mining Act, and ended on August 20, after being extended by one year. month at the request of the City of Amos.
This, despite the fact that Environment Minister Isabelle Melançon indicated at the end of June that she would recommend to the government to subject the project to the environmental impact assessment and review procedure, with public hearings before the BAPE, if Sayona Quebec did not request it.
"We of course have the invitation of the minister. While systematically continuing the engaged process governed by the legal framework in force, Sayona also considers other options, "says Ann Lamontagne, director of the environment of the Authier project.
Systematic analysis
At the end of her public comment, Sayona notes that she received no comments from citizens on her website and very little on her Facebook page, even though she promoted them during her public meetings in La Motte, Pikogan. and Amos.
On the other hand, it received the opinions of the Groundwater Company (SESAT), the Watershed Body (OBVAT) and the Regional Council for the Environment (CREAT) in the last days of the consultation. She was also to participate in the citizens consultation organized by the Municipality of La Motte on August 28th.
"We will proceed to the systematic and detailed analysis of all briefs and minutes of meetings after that date. Since SESAT, OBVAT and CREAT took months to prepare their recommendations, it is obvious that Sayona will take the necessary time to fully understand the scope, "says Lamontagne.
The latter states that the reports of the three organizations will be examined by a hydrogeologist who is a member of a professional order. The environmental assessment will also be reviewed by a hydrogeologist commissioned by the Municipality of La Motte, as recently indicated by Mayor Louis-Joseph Fecteau-Lefebvre.
Improve the project
After tabling its consultation report, Sayona Québec will have to adapt its project to take into account certain recommendations and improve its environmental assessment to better address the concerns of stakeholders and the public.
The mining company is also still working on completing the feasibility study for the Authier Lithium project.