Hydromet demonstration plant released from Environmental Assessment

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Environment, announced today the release of the Argentia Hydrometallurgical Demonstration Plant for the Voisey�s Bay Project from further environmental assessment subject to certain conditions.

The Hydrometallurgical Demonstration Plant at Argentia will be used to establish the commercial, technical and economic feasibility of using hydrometallurgical technology for Voisey�s Bay nickel concentrate.

Voisey�s Bay Nickel Company Ltd. can proceed once an Environmental Protection Plan is submitted and approved by the minister. In addition, an Environmental Effects Monitoring Program must be in place six months in advance of the start-up of operations.

The company must also develop a Human Resource Plan for the operations and construction phases of the project which outlines the recruitment process, numbers and types of positions, required qualifications, potential training and perceived labour supply issues. Consideration must be given for the local area labour force demographics and employment opportunities. This Human Resource Plan must also contain a Women�s Employment Plan that sets targets and outlines how the company intends to ensure the retention and advancement of women particularly in occupations where they have been traditionally under-represented.

Voisey Bay Nickel Company plans to have open communications with communities and other stakeholders. However, the process is to be formalized by establishing a Community Liaison Committee with government agencies and community stakeholders to ensure an effective means of informing the public during all phases of the project.

Minister Aylward stated, "This is the release of the demonstration plant only. The full development of a commercial hydrometallurgical plant in Argentia must also be subject to a separate environmental assessment. I encourage the public to participate in this important future environmental assessment project for the Voisey�s Bay Project when the company presents its registration documentation for the commercial plant."

Media contact: Cynthia Layden-Barron, Communications, (709) 729-2575.

2002 12 23                                        2:40 p.m.