Canada grants environmental approval for Goliath Gold project

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) has granted environmental assessment (EA) approval to Treasury Metals’ Goliath gold project in north-western Ontario.

Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna said that the project can proceed and is not likely to cause major adverse environmental issues provided the company follows mitigation measures.

Following this statement, Treasury Metals needs to proceed with other permissions and authorisations.

The agency followed a complete science-based environmental process before approving the gold mine project.

It also received input from the public, local groups and other federal departments to determine the environmental safety of the project.

McKenna decision statement establishes 144 legally binding conditions Treasury Metals must comply with throughout the life of the project.

Treasury Metals CEO Greg Ferron said: “The company has made major commitments and efforts to advance the project, and we would like to thank the local communities, the representatives of the local Indigenous communities, the public, and the various government agencies for their work and participation throughout the EA. We look forward to the continued advancement of the project.”

The Goliath Gold Mine project consists of construction, operation, decommissioning, and remediation of the underground and open-pit goldmine located in the Kenora / Dryden district.

It is expected to create up to 450 jobs at the time of construction and 250 jobs during operations over the project life.

Project director Mark Wheeler said: “The EA approval allows us to devote full focus on the remaining technical studies and permitting, and to prepare for a future construction decision.”

In June, the CEAA released its draft EA report for the Goliath gold project.