Environment and Labour Minister Kevin Aylward has announced the following events relative to the Environmental Assessment Act. In the case of documents received or approved, copies can be obtained by contacting the regional office of the Department of Environment and Labour or by calling toll-free 1-800-563-6181. Comments on submitted documents are invited from the public, addressed in writing to the minister, and are welcome prior to the deadline date following each item.

NEW UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED

Frenchman's Pond Cabin Access Road
Proponent: Melvyn Smith

The proponent proposes to construct a 1,500 foot cabin access road starting from Alex Park's Road and following in an easterly direction, along the north shore of Frenchman's Pond, near Cox's Cove, Bay of Islands. Construction is proposed to commence as soon as possible.

Rambler Project Open Pit Mine Development and Gold Circuit
Proponent: Ming Minerals Inc.

The proponent proposes to mine and process a recently discovered gold ore from a near surface deposit located near the existing Rambler Mill approximately 15 kilometres southeast of Baie Verte. The gold ore deposit is situated near the incline to the Main Mine, approximately 150 to 200 meters south of the Rambler Mill. Ming Minerals Inc. estimates a potential 5,000 ounces of gold can be recovered from this ore body through conventional open pit mining methods in combination with underground operations. The company plans to upgrade the existing Rambler Mill by installing a gold circuit employing the Merril Crowe process. The proponent has indicated that approximately 11 positions would be created. The operation is proposed to commence in the spring of 1996.

The public is invited to examine these registration documents and offer written comments to the minister on whether an environmental impact statement should be ordered for these proposals. The deadline for the receipt of public comments is May 10, 1996.

NO ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REQUIRED

The minister has decided that an environmental impact statement is not required for the following undertaking which has recently been registered and examined by government and the public. The undertaking is released subject to other regulatory and permitting requirements.

- Pine Valley Estates Residential Building Lot Development

A guide to the Environmental Assessment Process is available from the Department of Environment and Labour. The minister encourages all interested parties to become involved and to make comments known. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Director of Environmental Assessment at (709) 729-2562 or toll-free: 1-800-563-6181 or by mail to:

Director, Environmental Assessment Division
Department of Environment and Labour
West Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700
St. John's, Newfoundland
A1B 4J6