Quebec waives environmental assessment for rare earths plant
by CanadianManufacturing.com Staff
The plant will be located at the Becancour Waterfront Industrial Park, which is operated by the province.
TORONTO—The Province of Quebec has waived the environmental impact assessment (EIA) requirement for Innovation Metals Corp.’s rare earth element separation facilities to be located in Becancour, Que.
“While IMC still needs to complete the necessary steps required to obtain the permits from the provincial government for the facilities,” said Patrick Wong, CEO of IMC, who added the MDDEP determined that various aspects of the project did not cross certain thresholds that trigger an EIA and public hearings.
“IMC of course remains committed to a project approach that fosters sustainable and responsible environmental practices,” Wong said.
The facility located at Becancour Waterfront Industrial Park will focus on the production of critical rare earth elements.
The location provides access to cheap hydroelectricity and deep-water port facilities with year-round access, as well as proximity to an industrial producer of hydrochloric acid and caustic soda, two key chemicals used in the REE separation process.
Toronto-based Innovation Metals Corp. provides processing and marketing services to the rare-earth sector.
