Nemaska receives green light for Northern Quebec lithium mine
by Canadian Manufacturing.com Staff
James Bay region mine would create 190 permanent jobs
QUEBEC CITY—Nemaska Lithium Inc. has received the General Certificate of Authorization for its Whabouchi Project from the Quebec Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and The Fight Against Climate Change.
Nemaska noted it received a positive federal decision in July, and with the latest regulatory nod has now obtained all basic environmental authorizations, allowing it to move forward with its Whabouchi Mine Project. The company can now pursue project financing to start mine construction.
“Quebec is an excellent jurisdiction in which to build a mine, in particular the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region,” Guy Bourassa, president and CEO of Nemaska, said. “Since the beginning, our project has been supported by the various Quebec exploration funds. As we move towards a construction decision, the project benefits from the recently relaunched Plan Nord program from the Quebec Government.”
Nemaska’s Whabouchi property is located approximately 300 kilometers from Chibougamau and is close to existing infrastructure, including a road maintained year-round, the Nemiscau airport and two Hydro-Québec stations.
The company pointed to the strong demand for lithium and the increasing price of lithium hydroxide – both trends analysts expect to continue – as encouraging signs.
The construction of the mine would employ approximately 250 people, while its operation would create about 190 permanent jobs.