This initial stage involves claim staking and early exploration to identify anomalies, including activities like prospecting, surveying, and sampling, as well as early works such as drilling and trenching. Mining proponents are expected to communicate early and often with the Cree Nation Government and the relevant Cree First Nation, who will notify tallymen, land users, and families of the claim and planned activities. Collaboration among Cree entities is crucial from the outset. Claim holders must remove all property and waste within 30 days of claim abandonment. Proponents are encouraged to build relationships with Cree stakeholders, which may lead to a pre-development agreement if infrastructure is needed; otherwise, proponents should still seek Cree involvement through communication plans and facilitating opportunities. Continuous communication about the project is essential.
Mineral Development
Pre-Decision
The Pre-Decision phase encompasses all the activities and processes that occur before a final determination is made on whether a mining project can proceed.
This phase is characterized by:
Exploration and Assessment: This involves everything from initial exploration activities (like prospecting and surveying) to detailed environmental and social impact assessments.
Negotiations and Agreements: A significant part of the Pre-Decision phase involves negotiations between the mining proponent, the Cree Nation Government, and the Cree First Nations, potentially leading to agreements like Pre-Development Agreements and Development Agreements.
Regulatory Approvals: This phase culminates in the decision by the relevant authorities (often following recommendations from bodies like COMEX) to either grant or deny the necessary authorization for the mining project to proceed.
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Exploration
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Pre-Development Agreement
In the advanced exploration phase, a pre-development agreement may be negotiated to formalize the relationship between Cree parties and the proponent, especially if the proponent has infrastructure needs. This agreement establishes a framework for the relationship and often includes provisions for continuous communication, drilling and advanced exploration activities, site access, environmental protections and standards, and business, employment, and training opportunities. It typically anticipates future Development Agreements and helps monitor exploration activities, ensuring the Cree First Nation is informed and prepared for further negotiations.
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Advanced Exploration and Project Feasibility
This proponent-driven stage includes work to conduct feasibility studies, often in parallel with a Pre-Development Agreement. Projects may require restoration and monitoring plans, with proponents expected to involve the affected community and land users in their development and execution; the Cree Nation Government Environment Department can provide support. As the workforce grows, proponents should provide cross-cultural training for workers, developed in collaboration with the affected Cree First Nation. Proponents at this stage evaluate the project’s economic viability through technical and economic assessments, while maintaining continuous communication with the Cree Nation, particularly the affected Cree First Nation and the Department of Commerce and Industry. Feasibility study results are crucial for Development Agreement negotiations.
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Environment and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)
Mining proponents must consult with the affected Cree First Nation in the preparation of the ESIA. The ESIA process involves exchanges of questions and answers, and the Department of Environment provides technical support. Proponents will conduct detailed studies on the project’s impacts on the physical, natural, and human environment, incorporating Cree knowledge alongside scientific data for a holistic approach. A mine rehabilitation and restoration plan must also be provided.
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Development Agreement Negotiations:
Once a project’s economic viability is confirmed, the Department of Commerce and Industry, the Cree First Nation, and the mining proponent negotiate a Development Agreement, concurrent with permitting. This formal contract addresses socio-economic and biophysical impacts and is essential for social acceptability, ensuring benefits and opportunities for the Cree First Nation and the Cree Nation while mitigating social risk factors. Continuous information sharing with the Chief and Council and community members is crucial to address local concerns. Agreement provisions vary based on the Cree First Nation’s needs and the project’s impacts and benefits, necessitating high-quality information for realistic expectations. Development Agreements typically include social & cultural, financial, employment & training, business opportunities, Cree participation, environmental, implementation committee, and mine closure components, as well as provisions for Cree involvement in the mine rehabilitation and restoration plan.
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Decision
Following the ESIA and public hearings, the Administrator, if satisfied with the proponent’s statements and with COMEX recommendations, will issue either a certificate of authorization (with conditions) or a refusal to the mining proponent. Follow-up and monitoring reports related to ESIA conditions and commitments will be reviewed by COMEX and the Development Agreement’s environment sub-committee.
Post-Decision
The Post-Decision phase begins after the mining project has been authorized and is focused on the actual development, operation, and eventual closure and restoration of the mine. This phase includes: Construction and Operation: This involves building the mine’s infrastructure and then commencing mining operations.
Agreement Implementation and Monitoring: This includes setting up committees to oversee the implementation of agreements like the Development Agreement, as well as environmental monitoring to ensure compliance and address any issues.
Closure and Restoration: The final stages of a mine’s life, involving planning for closure, restoring the site, and ongoing monitoring.
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Construction and Operation
The Cree First Nation and Cree Nation Government provide consent, an agreement is signed, and the proponent receives permits. Construction of the project infrastructure begins, followed by the mine’s operation phase.
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Development Agreement Implementation
An implementation committee of agreement signatories is established to ensure the Development Agreement’s terms are respected. The committee typically includes representatives from the Cree Nation government, Cree First Nation, and the mining proponent. An Environment sub-committee and other subsidiary committees may also be created to oversee specific components of the agreement.
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Environmental Monitoring
Environmental monitoring is required throughout the mine’s life, varying in nature depending on the stage. Potential impacts identified in the ESIA will be linked to monitoring programs, overseen by the environmental committee. Monitoring typically covers water quality, air quality and dust emissions, and fish.
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Mining Closure
Cree involvement in mine closure planning is crucial to maximize positive effects and minimize negative effects on the Cree First Nation and land users. Infrastructure may remain if desired and beneficial. Environmental monitoring continues during and after closure until the site no longer presents environmental risk.
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Mining Restoration
Before receiving authorization and beginning operations, proponents must submit a rehabilitation and restoration plan to the Québec government for approval, as per the Mining Act. The plan must detail restoration work to return the affected land to a satisfactory condition, and if possible, include progressive rehabilitation. Proponents must also provide a guarantee for the anticipated restoration costs. Continuous Cree involvement and consultation are expected in the plan’s preparation and implementation, with proponents working with the implementation committee and consulting with the affected family.