Feds taking comments on northwest iron mine

A federal environmental assessment has started on a proposed open-pit iron ore mine in northwestern Ontario.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is taking comments from the public on Ambershaw Metallics' Bending Lake Iron Project, 49 kilometres southwest of Ignace.

Ambershaw is proposing an iron mine that would have ore production of 23,000 tonnes per day and an on-site pelletizing plant that would handle 25,000 tonnes per day.

The company acquired the property in a receivership sale in 2016. 

The aspects of the mine involve construction, operation, decommissioning and abandonment over a 30- to 40-year mine life cycle.

The agency said it's inviting comments from the public on which aspects of the environment may be affected by the mine and what should be examined during the assessment.

All these comments will be taken into consideration when finalizing the environmental impact statement guidelines, which will outline the studies, methods and information required of Ambershaw in preparing the environmental impact statement for the project.

The public can send their comments electronically (CEAA.LacBendingLake.ACEE@canada.ca) or by snail mail to:

Bending Lake Iron Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
600-55 York Street
Toronto, Ontario
M5J 1R7

All written comments must be submitted by Sept. 20.