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1 Introduction


Discovery of Ovoid (1993) --> Registration of Mine/Mill Project

Memorandum of Understanding --> Draft Guideline
and Appointment of Panel (January 1997) Issued (March 1997)

Scoping Meetings --> Final Guidelines -- Submissiom of EIS
(April - May 1997) Issued (June 1997)

Evaluation of Adequacy --> Panel Hearings --> Panal Report


Voisey's Bay Nickel Company Limited (VBNC) is proposing to develop a nickel-copper-cobalt mine and mill at Voisey's Bay, Labrador (hereinafter referred to as the Project). The property is located in northern Labrador (Figure 1.1) on a peninsula bordered to the north by Anaktalak Bay and to the south by Voisey's Bay, approximately 35 km southwest of Nain and 80 km northwest of Utshimassits. Principal components of this mining and milling Project will include open pit and underground mining operations, a mill, waste disposal areas, an accommodations and services complex, a port facility, maintenance and storage areas, site roads, an airstrip and related infrastructure, and a power supply and distribution system.

Federal authorizations are required pursuant to The Fisheries Act for placement of tailings and mine rock in water bodies. Therefore, the Project is subject to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA). In addition, it is also subject to the Newfoundland Environmental Assessment Act (NEAA). The Project was referred to the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans and registered with the Newfoundland Department of Environment and Labour in 1996 pursuant to requirements of CEAA and NEAA. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was subsequently executed by the Government of Canada, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Innu Nation, and Labrador Inuit Association (LIA) in January, 1997 which provided for a harmonized environmental assessment process to satisfy the requirements of CEAA and NEAA. The purpose of the MOU was to establish a single, effective and efficient process for assessing the environmental effects of the Project, including provision for comprehensive public involvement. Terms of Reference were established by the MOU for a Panel review of the Project, including the scope of the review, steps in the review process and public participation. The MOU also includes a description of the "Undertaking".

The steps in the review process include public scoping sessions, issuance of Guidelines (the Guidelines) for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), public review of the EIS, public hearings, and reporting to the MOU signatories on the environmental effects of the Project. The Panel conducted public scoping sessions in April and May, 1997. Guidelines were issued by the Panel in June, 1997.

This EIS covering the Project meets the criteria established by the Guidelines. The EIS, among other things, describes the environmental setting, the Project, the environmental assessment methods, the potential effects to the environment, and the proposed mitigation measures and monitoring, and follow-up programs as set out in the Guidelines.

Figure 1.1 Site Location and Proposed General Layout


1.1 The Project and its History

 The original mineral discovery at Voisey's Bay was made by Archean Resources Ltd. in late 1993 while conducting a regional exploration program under contract to Diamond Fields Resources Inc. (DFR). The property was claim-staked in early 1994 after surface samples returned high copper and nickel values. VBNC was formed in 1995 as a subsidiary of DFR to manage and operate the Project. In August 1996, Inco Limited (INCO) purchased DFR, and VBNC became a wholly-owned subsidiary of INCO. VBNC is the current registered holder of the mineral claims at Voisey's Bay (Figure 1.1). The VBNC Claim Block is approximately 49,450 ha (495 km2) and is described in greater detail in Appendix 1A.

As of August 31, 1997 approximately 420 diamond drill holes were completed for a total of about 205,000 m of drill cores.

Exploration has been on-going within the VBNC Claim Block and continues to define the geometry, extent, and nature of mineralization in the mineralized zones. Voisey's Exploration Camp, located southwest of Camp Pond, and Anaktalak Bay Exploration Camp, located at Edward's Cove, were constructed in 1994 and 1995, respectively. The average number of on-site exploration personnel has been approximately 100. Six to twelve diamond drills have been in operation at any one time.
An Environmental, Health and Safety Management System has been developed by VBNC, which is consistent with INCO's policy and practices. Environmental protection measures currently in place to support exploration include the preparation and implementation of a site Environmental Protection Plan, and an Environmental Emergency Response Plan.

Although the Ovoid is one of the highest grade nickel ore bodies in the world, the mine itself is comparable to or smaller than most other nickel mines.

VBNC proposes to develop mineralized areas within the VBNC Claim Block currently known as the Ovoid, Eastern Deeps, the Western Extension and related areas. For the purposes of the EIS, the total projected mineral resource is estimated to be 150 million tonnes. The estimated life of the mine for this projected resource is 25 years. Thirty-two million tonnes of ore will be mined from the Ovoid using conventional open pit techniques, whereas the anticipated 118 million tonnes of ore resource from the Western Extension and Eastern Deeps is expected to be mined by underground techniques. At full capacity, ore will be concentrated at the mill into nickel-cobalt and copper concentrates at a production rate of 20,000 tonnes of ore per day. Concentrates will be trucked to storage facilities at the port site at Edward's Cove and shipped offsite for further processing.

Direct on-site employment will peak at approximately 580 during the construction phase, and at about 1170 during the operation phase. During operations, workers will be transported to the Project by regularly scheduled chartered aircraft from designated communities (currently expected to be Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador West and certain North Coast communities), where warranted. Living accommodations will be provided on-site for workers; no town site is planned.

The Project infrastructure will occupy less than 2 percent of the VBNC Claim Block area.
Mine rock and tailings will be generated during the mining operations and concentrating process, respectively. Because some of this material has the potential to generate acid if exposed to oxygen and moisture, it will be placed under a permanent water cover to inhibit acid generation. Both the acid-generating mine rock and tailings will be placed in Headwater Pond during open pit mining. During underground mining, tailings will be placed in the North Tailings Basin, located about 10 km northeast of the plant site, whereas acid-generating mine rock will continue to be placed in Headwater Pond. Non-acid generating waste rock will be stored in surface facilities.

Some water from Headwater Pond and North Tailings Basin will be reclaimed and recycled to the mill, with any excess water treated before discharge. During operations, treated water will be discharged to Edward's Cove in Anaktalak Bay and treated excess water from North Tailings Basin will be discharged into Kangeklualuk Bay.

Upon closure, the Project site will be decommissioned and reclaimed to return it to a safe and environmentally stable condition. Progressive reclamation will occur during the life of the Project.


1.2 The Proponent

 VBNC is responsible for the development of the Project and will be the operating company for the mine and mill operations. VBNC was incorporated under the laws of the Province of Newfoundland in 1995 and has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of INCO since August 1996.


1.2.1 Voisey's Bay Nickel Company Ltd.

 VBNC's corporate office is located in St. John's, Newfoundland. VBNC has offices in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Nain, Labrador. As of November 1997, VBNC had 70 staff employed at its St. John's headquarters and Labrador offices.

The President of VBNC reports to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of INCO. An Executive Vice President is responsible for Public Affairs. Vice Presidents head seven departments: Environment, Health, and Safety; Mining and Milling; Corporate Affairs; Smelting and Refining; Exploration; Human Resources; and Finance. The Environment, Health and Safety Department conducts programs related to environmental, health, and safety management, protection, and planning, which are implemented by line departments. The contact person for the EIS is Mr. B. LeDrew, Manager, Environmental Assessment.

As the direct holder of the mineral claims representing the VBNC Claim Block, VBNC is responsible for completing the environmental assessment. VBNC is also responsible for the ongoing exploration program within the VBNC Claim. The licenses and boundaries of the VBNC Claim Block are listed and defined in Appendix 1A.

VBNC is committed to implementing the Project in a timely, cost-efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible manner.


1.2.2 INCO

 INCO, formed in 1902 and incorporated as a Canadian company in 1916, is one of the world's leading mining and metals companies. It has approximately 16,000 employees in 23 countries. INCO is the world's largest producer of nickel, currently supplying about 27 percent of total world nickel demand in the form of high grade nickel, nickel powders, and other nickel products. INCO is also an important producer of copper, precious metals, cobalt, sulphuric acid, and liquid sulphur dioxide. INCO's principal primary metals operations are currently in Canada (Ontario and Manitoba) and Indonesia, with processing and other facilities located in Europe and Asia.

The Ontario Division of INCO employs more than 6,000 persons. This Division is a fully integrated mine, mill and processing operation. Production rates vary, but a typical Division mine produces several thousand tonnes of ore every day. The Division milling operation has a daily capacity of 40,000 tonnes of ore from the mines.

The Manitoba Division, located at Thompson, also represents a fully integrated mine, mill and processing operation. This Division employs 2,000 persons and produces about 100 million pounds of electrolytic nickel annually.

INCO has a nickel refinery in Clydach, Wales that receives nickel feed from the Ontario Division. INCO also operates a precious metals refinery in Acton, England for processing platinum-group metals, concentrates, residues, and scrap.

Sales to customers in Asia currently represent nearly 50 percent of INCO's total primary nickel deliveries. P.T. International Nickel Indonesia (PT INCO), which is 59 percent owned by INCO, operates nickel mining and processing facilities on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia, mainly to serve the Japanese market. Construction is underway to increase PT INCO's capacity by 50 percent to approximately 150 million pounds of nickel matte annually. This expansion of PT INCO's facilities will enable INCO to meet the growing nickel demand in Asia. Initial production from the expansion could commence as early as 1998. Two other sites on the island of Sulawesi are under consideration for development as additional expansion projects for PT INCO.

INCO owns 85 percent of the Goro nickel project in New Caledonia. INCO announced in September, 1997 that INCO and its 15 percent partner in this project would proceed with the construction and operation of a $50 million (U.S.) pilot plant at the Goro nickel project, capable of processing 12 tonnes of ore per day. It is anticipated that a commercial plant having an initial annual capacity of 60 million pounds of nickel and 6 million pounds of cobalt will be brought into production.

The International Metals Reclamation Company, Inc. (INMETCO), a subsidiary of INCO based in Pennsylvania, recycles nickel-bearing industrial waste using INCO technology. INMETCO owns the only smelter in North America dedicated to recycling metallic wastes, and has recycled nearly 1.5 billion pounds of waste since 1978. A cadmium recovery facility constructed in 1995, the only one of its kind in North America, recovers cadmium metal from nickel-cadmium batteries.

Supporting its strong market position in Asia, INCO owns equity interests in nickel refineries in the following countries: Japan, through contractual arrangements with Tokyo Nickel Company Ltd. (in which INCO has a 51 percent interest); Taiwan, through Taiwan Nickel Refining Corporation (in which INCO has a 49.9 percent interest); and South Korea, through Korea Nickel Corporation (in which INCO has a 25 percent interest). As well, INCO has a joint venture with Jinchuan Non-Ferrous Metals Corporation, a subsidiary of China National Non-Ferrous Metals Industry Corporation, to construct and operate a nickel salts plant near Shanghai (INCO has a 65 percent interest in the joint venture). Of INCO's total primary nickel deliveries in 1996, 27 percent was sold to customers in Japan, 23 percent to Europe, 22 percent to the United States, and 28 percent to other countries. In 1996, INCO's total production of finished nickel and copper from its primary metals facilities was 412 million pounds of nickel and 260 million pounds of copper.

The Voisey's Bay nickel-copper-cobalt property is one of the most important acquisitions in INCO's 96-year history. INCO, through its Engineering Department ("Inco Engineering"), will be responsible for overseeing the engineering and construction of the Project. Inco Engineering has contracted SNC-Lavalin Inc. to provide design, engineering, and construction management services for the Project.


1.2.3 Emissions Reduction and Environmental Compliance

 INCO's Ontario and Manitoba divisions participate in the Accelerated Reduction of Emissions of Toxics (ARET) program of voluntary reduction of toxic emissions by 50 percent by the year 2000. By the end of 1996, INCO had surpassed its goal of a 50 percent reduction in emissions of arsenic, copper, lead, and nickel by the year 2000.

Between 1988 and 1993, INCO implemented a sulphur dioxide (SO2) abatement program within its Ontario Division in order to comply with Ontario government emission regulations. In both 1995 and 1996, the emissions from the Ontario Division's Sudbury operation were reduced by 89.5 percent compared to 1965 emissions (236 kilotonnes vs. 2,250 kilotonnes). Since the beginning of 1994, the Ontario Division has been in compliance with the province's maximum emission rate of 265 kilotonnes of SO2 per year. With the new smelting facilities, 90 percent of the sulphur in the Division's Sudbury ore is captured prior to release, compared to 70 percent before the program. This abatement program was the largest environmental project in Canadian corporate history. In 1994, the province of Manitoba set an annual SO2 emissions limit of 220 kilotonnes for the INCO Thompson smelter. The Thompson smelter has been in compliance with Manitoba regulations, emitting about 195 kilotonnes in both 1995 and 1996.


Wastewater discharge compliance levels for INCO's Ontario Division mine/mill facilities from 1988 to 1996 were:

Copper Cliff Creek Waste Water Treatment Plant 94%
Crean Hill Mine 98%
Shebandowan Complex 100%
Whistle Mine 95%
Garson Mine 95%
Levack Mine 90%
Nolin Creek Waste Water Treatment Plant 91%


Compliance with nickel and suspended solids limits for INCO's Manitoba Division mine/mill effluent is:

Tailings area: 94% (nickel) and 100% (suspended solids); and
Pipe Mine: 99% (nickel) and 98% (suspended solids).

Other parameters measured include lead, arsenic, copper and zinc. None of these parameters have ever approached monthly limits.

To date during 1997, INCO has been substantially in compliance with effluent discharge requirements associated with its Canadian mining operations.

1.2.4 Safety, Accidents, Spills and Emergencies

 The standard formula for calculating LTI frequency rate is:

LTI = number of injuries x 200,000
 number of hours worked

The Lost-Time Injury (LTI) incidence rate is a widely used measurement of safety performance. Over the past decade, INCO's largest operations, the Ontario Division, recorded an LTI average of 2.1. Statistics from the Workers Compensation Board of Ontario for 1994 showed that the mining industry as a whole had an LTI incidence rate of 4.2. By comparison, the forestry sector has a rate of 4.7, manufacturing 5.3, transportation 8.1 and construction 6.2. Local sector-specific comparisons are not available for Manitoba or Indonesia.

While workplace health and safety remain priorities of management, employees and unions, unfortunately there have been fatal accidents over the years at various INCO operations. Between 1988 and to date in 1997, there were 14 fatalities at the INCO's Ontario Division, two at the Manitoba Division and seven at PT INCO. Several of these incidents resulted in fines under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act. An aggregate fine of $630,000 was paid in connection with the fatalities in 1994 and 1995; a $20,000 fine was paid for the 1988 fatality.

INCO does not and will not accept fatalities as a normal part of its business. While almost all physical activities associated with mining and metals production involve some element of risk, INCO continues its efforts to design and operate its facilities in such a fashion that any machine or human error does not endanger human life or safety. While INCO believes that its safety performance is among the best in the mining industry, it continues to improve this performance by application of hazard analysis and other procedures to all aspects of its operations.

INCO's failure to comply with the terms of a certificate of approval resulted in a $500 fine under the Ontario Water Resources Act in 1992. A 1988 spill at the Whistle Seepage Station resulted in a $50,000 fine and a $50,000 contribution to a community fisheries project. There have been no significant spills or emergencies in connection with mining operations in Manitoba.


1.2.5 Rehabilitation/Mine Closure

 INCO continues to make efforts to revitalize the landscape of Sudbury and at other operations. Since 1990, Ontario Division has used aircraft to apply lime, fertilizer, and grass seed to selected areas in the Sudbury region. In 1996, close to 1,200 ha (3000 acres) were aerially treated, and a number of areas that had been devoid of vegetation now have established grass growth. Approximately three years after grass cover has been established, tree seedlings are planted. An underground pine nursery in the Division's Creighton Mine produced nearly 300,000 seedlings in 1997. Since the start of INCO's tree planting program in 1978, two million trees have been planted. Reclamation efforts include the approximately 2,200 ha tailings storage area at the Ontario Division Copper Cliff (Sudbury) location. To date in 1997, 1045 ha have been revegetated and the rest are under development. Studies on the tailings area have shown that the restoration efforts are succeeding, as indicated by the emergence of diverse ecosystems.

Extensive revegetation programs are conducted at PT INCO in Indonesia, following a policy of progressive rehabilitation. Over 820 ha were revegetated by the end of 1996. For three consecutive years, the area revegetated has exceeded the area opened for new mining.

INCO's corporate policy includes a commitment to develop formal plans for progressive decommissioning of all company-owned facilities in an environmentally sound manner. Since 1994, systematic efforts have been made to close forty depleted mining-related sites in the Sudbury area. More than half of these sites have already been reclaimed. By 1998, a total of 18 closure plans will have been submitted to the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM). By the year 2000, INCO will have registered decommissioning plans for all INCO-owned facilities in Ontario. INCO is committed to undertaking the necessary studies to facilitate the closure process and to address any regulatory concerns. In response to concerns expressed by the Wahnapitae First Nations Group in 1996 regarding the Whistle Mine Closure Plan, INCO held discussions with this group and signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Statement of Principles that provides that INCO and the Wahnapitae First Nation work together toward mutually acceptable solutions.

In Manitoba, closure plans are being developed in accordance with INCO's policies and applicable legislation; no specific provincial regulations have yet been issued covering these types of plans. A progressive decommissioning outline has been developed for INCO's mine and surface facilities in Manitoba.

During 1997, PT INCO submitted to the Indonesian Department of Mines a decommissioning plan for its facilities located on the island of Sulawesi.

1.2.6 Relations with Aboriginal Peoples in Canada and Peoples in Less Developed Countries

 INCO has a philosophy of respecting the culture and traditions of adjacent peoples wherever it operates.

At its Ontario Division, INCO has always been a major employer of members of surrounding First Nations communities. As noted in Section 1.2.5, in the summer of 1996 INCO became the first Ontario mining company to sign an agreement with a First Nations people that addresses their concerns about an existing mine. The agreement involves the Whistle Mine, an open pit operation adjacent to the Wahnapitae First Nation. It aims to foster closer ties and greater understanding between the two parties, while respecting Wahnapitae traditional values, knowledge, and concern for the environment.

While the Whistle Mine's current "standby" status postpones INCO's decommissioning plans, workshops on Aboriginal knowledge and traditions have been held, a skills inventory and training needs assessment has been conducted, and monthly meetings are held to determine how best to use resources in planning and implementing mine closure. Wahnapitae members currently work for the mine contractor and have been trained in environmental monitoring. This type of cooperation will be integrated into the final decommissioning strategy and could be employed during several years of post-closure monitoring. INCO is also studying the extension of hydroelectric services from the mine to the Wahnapitae reserve, which presently has limited access to electricity.

INCO's Manitoba Division has been a member of the Interprovincial Association on Native Employment since the late 1970s. In 1986, it received an award from the group in recognition of its "conscientious and continuing efforts to improve the employment prospective of Indian and Native People". INCO is a sponsor or contributor to various Aboriginal programs and events in the Thompson area and has entered into an arrangement with Continental Mission for a youth camp that services mainly Aboriginal youth. Other activities associated with Aboriginal interests in Manitoba include participation with other agencies in training programs and participation in career days in various northern communities.

At PT INCO, the company established a comprehensive policy encouraging the transfer of skills to local people and the promotion of Indonesians to a variety of positions. As a result, the workforce of over 2000 is today almost entirely Indonesian, including the President and Chief Executive Officer.

1.2.7 Experience In Arctic And Subarctic Regions

 INCO operates in 23 countries around the world and in a variety of climatic conditions. While there are no operations in Arctic regions, INCO has been successfully operating open pit mines and mills in the subarctic conditions of Thompson, northern Manitoba since 1964. Thompson is located at approximately the same latitude as Voisey's Bay.


1.2.8 Incorporation of Environmental and Socioeconomic Considerations

 Wherever INCO operates, it strives to forge close partnerships with all stakeholders adjacent to its operations and to be a responsible corporate citizen and good neighbour. INCO's formal environmental policy is consistently applied and if no environmental standards exist in the host country, INCO designs, constructs, and operates its international facilities to Canadian environmental standards. For example, the current expansion at PT INCO will meet current Indonesian and Canadian standards for discharges into the environment.

INCO's philosophy has always been to achieve a full-fledged partnership with its customers, sharing information and providing technical support, as well as participating and cooperating with host countries and respecting their culture and traditions.

INCO personnel, along with outside specialists, undertake environmental audits at all sites owned and operated by INCO. In 1991, the United Steel Workers and the Ontario Division teamed up to form a joint union-management environmental awareness committee, the first of its kind in Canada.

The modern infrastructure built by PT INCO in Indonesia has had a strongly positive effect on community development in the area and nearby communities, and has greatly improved local living standards. INCO provides a US $50,000 annual scholarship program to send local students to university and has donated US $1,000,000 toward the construction of a technical training centre in Soroako.

PT INCO is now seeking to reduce the economic gap between its skilled employees and other members of the community. For example, PT INCO is continuing an active program of community development, including sponsorship of agricultural experts to counsel local farmers in ways to improve farming practices (the area is now self-sufficient in rice production), provision of water supply systems, school renovations, and road paving.


1.3 Environmental Policy

 Employee health and safety, and environmental protection, are fundamental to all INCO operations. VBNC complies with INCO policy and has developed policies and procedures that are consistent with those of INCO and also appropriate to Newfoundland and Labrador.

"We strive to minimize any potentially adverse impact of our operations and products on our employees, customers, the general public and natural environment...." VBNC Environmental, Health and Safety Policy. See Section 4 for a full description of VBNC's Environmental Policy.


Since its formation in 1902, INCO has been committed to improving safety, protecting human health, and safeguarding the workplace and natural environment. With operations and markets worldwide, one of INCO's significant challenges is to comply with hundreds of laws and regulations relating to environment, health, and safety. INCO seeks to meet both the letter and the spirit of these laws, guided by a commitment to ethical conduct and good corporate citizenship.


1.4 Aboriginal Peoples of Northern Labrador

 The Voisey's Bay region has been used by a succession of Indian/Innu and Palaeo-Eskimo/Inuit peoples over the past 6,000 years or more. Historically, the Inuit population occupied a large region of Labrador, primarily along the coast, in the inner islands and bays. Innu traditionally lived and hunted throughout the southern and central parts of the Ungava peninsula extending as far north as the Fraser River area, west of Nain.

LIA members currently live in communities along the coast of Labrador. Most LIA members live in the North Coast communities of Nain, Hopedale, Makkovik, Postville, and Rigolet, and in the Upper Lake Melville area (Goose Bay, North West River, and Mud Lake).

The Innu community of Utshimassits held a referendum in October, 1996, resulting in a decision to relocate to an area on the mainland known as Natuashish (Little Sango Pond). The relocation will begin in 1998 and continue for approximately six years. Most members of the Innu Nation currently live in Sheshatshiu and Utshimassits.


1.4.1 Land Claims

 There are a number of Aboriginal land claims that have been submitted to the federal government regarding land in Labrador. The VBNC Claim Block is within an area of overlapping claims by Innu Nation and LIA. Innu Nation and LIA land claims have been accepted for negotiation by the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Government of Canada conditionally accepted the Innu Nation land claim for negotiation in 1978. The Innu Nation has been negotiating its comprehensive land claims since 1991. In March 1996, the parties to the negotiations ratified the framework agreement. Negotiations are proceeding towards an Agreement-in-Principle and a self-government agreement.

The LIA framework agreement was concluded in November 1990. LIA is currently negotiating an Agreement-in-Principle which will include provisions for self government.

Other Aboriginal land claims in Labrador have been submitted to the federal government. The information which VBNC has on these claims is as follows:


1.4.2 Impact and Benefits Agreements

 An Impact and Benefits Agreement (IBA) is an agreement between Aboriginal people and a proponent or sponsor of a project. One purpose of an IBA is to prevent or reduce adverse effects of a project and provide benefits to Aboriginal people. As established by the Whitehorse Mining Initiative in 1994, Aboriginal, environmental, government, and mining industry representatives have agreed that benefits result from a cooperative approach to development. The negotiation of IBAs has become a standard process that Canadian mining companies follow as part of the development of new mines near Aboriginal communities.

IBAs may include topics such as:



VBNC is negotiating separate IBAs with Innu Nation and LIA. Initial discussions were held with LIA in December 1994 and with Innu Nation in February 1995. LIA signed a letter of intent to begin formal negotiations in October 1995. IBA meetings have been held periodically and are ongoing with both organizations.

VBNC, LIA, and the Innu Nation have been proceeding with early or pre-implementation strategies covering certain provisions of the IBA. The purpose of pre-implementation strategies is to facilitate the early implementation of time-sensitive programs to address issues of mutual benefit. For example, human resources surveys have been conducted by Torngait Services Inc. (TSI) to assist the parties in assessing employment skills and availability. VBNC has held meetings with the Innu Nation and LIA regarding business opportunities for local residents.

IBA-related initiatives by VBNC include providing funding for the Innu Nation Community Task Force (November 1994-March 1995), open houses in Aboriginal communities, and visits by Innu Nation and LIA representatives to INCO operations in Sudbury and other mines in North America, including the Red Dog mine in Alaska and the Louvicourt Mine in Quebec.

The IBAs with LIA and Innu Nation will define and build on the working relationship between the parties with the aim of reaching a long term agreement. In addition, they will provide flexibility within a framework of objectives and will describe principles and mechanisms for reducing negative effects and enhancing benefits.


1.4.3 Aboriginal Knowledge

 Aboriginal knowledge may be regarded as the knowledge, understanding, and values held by Aboriginal people. Such knowledge is based on personal observation, collective experience, and oral transmission over generations. For this EIS, it is expected that factual information will be required with respect to ecosystem functioning; resource abundance, distribution and quality; use of land and resources; social and economic well being; and explanations of these facts and causal relations among them (Panel Guidelines June 20, 1997, Section 3.1).

VBNC is committed to the consideration of Aboriginal knowledge in the environmental assessment process. VBNC has incorporated Aboriginal knowledge into environmental planning and in this EIS document to the extent that such knowledge has been made available by Aboriginal peoples.

"Aboriginal knowledge means things like the knowing that you learn from hunting over the course of your life, and the kind of knowing that makes you want to respect the animal spirits, and how all these ways of knowing work together to help you understand and make predictions about the proposed mining project at Voisey's Bay." (Innu Nation 1997)



The integration of Aboriginal knowledge into environmental assessments has proven difficult for proponents and environmental assessments across Canada. This is largely because the incorporation of Aboriginal knowledge into an environmental assessment may have political implications for Aboriginal organizations, particularly when those organizations are in the process of land claims negotiations. In its report on the NWT Diamonds Project in 1996, the NWT Diamonds Environmental Assessment Panel recommended that the Government of Canada should develop a policy on the inclusion of traditional knowledge in environmental assessment. Since the federal government has yet to establish such a policy, the issue continues to pose uncertainty for all parties involved in environmental assessments.

Notwithstanding these difficulties, VBNC recognizes the importance of incorporating Aboriginal knowledge into the environmental assessment process and, to that end, has endeavoured to establish a cooperative working relationship with Innu Nation and LIA. VBNC recognizes that using primary sources is the optimal method of obtaining this information and that such research can only be conducted according to ethical principles and with the full knowledge and consent of Aboriginal peoples.

The issues scoping conducted by LIA and Innu Nation (with financial assistance from VBNC) and the resulting Aboriginal studies are described in more detail in Sections 6.1 and 7.1.


1.5 Sustainable Development, Biodiversity and the Precautionary Principle

 Over the past several years, a number of concepts have been developed to encompass important environmental issues. These concepts include sustainable development, biodiversity, and the precautionary principle. This section summarizes VBNC's commitment to these concepts.

VBNC's commitment to the principle of sustainable development during all phases of the Project is reflected in VBNC support of the principles and goals of the Whitehorse Mining Initiative referred to above.

The definition of sustainable development from the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) is "development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". With respect to minerals and metals, the goal of sustainable development "is to find, extract, produce, add value to, use, re-use and recycle mineral and metal products in the most efficient manner possible, while respecting the needs and values of other resource users and maintaining and/or enhancing environmental quality for present and future generations" (Natural Resources Canada 1995).

VBNC will extract mineral and metal products efficiently at all stages of mining and processing so as to reduce environmental effects and improve economic benefits. The needs and values of other resource users will be respected throughout Project development. VBNC has discussed resource use at various meetings with LIA and Innu Nation and is endeavouring to reach agreements which will encompass issues of sustainability and ongoing resource use.

Biological diversity, or biodiversity, is the total variety of all living things in a particular area or region. Biodiversity is defined as "…the variability among living organisms from all sources, including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are a part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems" (Environment Canada 1995). This includes genetic diversity, diversity among species, and diversity among the communities and ecosystems in which they occur. Genetic diversity refers to the variation of genes within and among populations of a species. Species diversity refers to the variety and abundance of different types of organisms within a region. Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of ecosystems or habitats within a region. For the purpose of this assessment, biodiversity is considered at the species and ecosystem (habitat) levels.

The objectives of the "Convention on Biological Diversity", signed by Canada in 1992, are to conserve biodiversity, to use biological resources in a sustainable manner, and to share benefits resulting from the use of genetic resources. The Convention recognizes environmental assessment as an important decision-making tool for the protection of biodiversity. Canada issued the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy in 1995 in response to the Convention. This document establishes the guiding principles and goals which Canada will encourage to meet the obligations of the Convention. Although the Biodiversity Strategy does not explicitly recommend a strategic plan or program for the mining sector, it does address associated issues such as ecosystem rehabilitation, reduction or elimination of harmful substance release into the environment, improving methods for monitoring ecosystems, and identifying mechanisms to use traditional knowledge.

Biodiversity is not an isolated concept, but a part of project planning (mitigations and monitoring), environmental effects analysis, and consideration of sustainability. VBNC has applied this concept in carrying out scoping, effects analysis, Project design and mitigation, determination of effects significance, and monitoring. This concept is integrated both implicitly and explicitly throughout this EIS.


"Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation." Rio Declaration on Environment and Development.


The precautionary principle was defined in the 1992 Rio Declaration on Environment and Development. VBNC will apply appropriate and cost-effective actions to prevent serious or irreversible damage. The lack of full scientific certainty regarding the probability of such effects occurring will not be used as a reason for postponing such mitigation.

VBNC has applied the precautionary principle in its planning and design and as a strategy throughout all stages of planning. Major features of the Project have been amended or redesigned in response to the principle, for example, in addressing the issues associated with management and long term disposal of materials from mining and milling.


1.6 Scope of the Environmental Assessment

 The focus (or scope) of an environmental assessment must be identified early in the environmental assessment process. The scope of the project to be assessed and the scope of factors to be considered are important for conducting an effective and efficient environmental assessment (CEAA 1996). When scoping an assessment, federal responsible authorities are advised to determine the environmental effects to be considered, the environmental effects to be assessed, and the effects to be considered in making decisions about a project (CEAA 1994). Those components of the environment that are valued by society (Valued Environmental Components or VECs) are the recommended focus of the assessment (Beanlands and Duinker 1983). The VECs for this Project have been selected through consultation with government agencies, LIA, Innu Nation, and the public.

The following factors, derived from CEAA and the MOU, are considered in the assessment of the Project:

1.6.1 Scope of the Project

 Scope of the Project refers to those components of the undertaking that are considered part of the Project for the purpose of the environmental assessment (CEAA 1996). The components and associated activities of the undertaking included in the scope of this Project are described in Schedule 2 of the MOU. These include:


The Project also includes the construction, operation, decommissioning and post-decommissioning of the mine and mill and associated infrastructure and shipping activities along the shipping route. A complete description of the Project is found in Chapter 3.

1.7 Study Strategy and Report Organization

 Detailed information on environmental assessment methods is presented in Chapter 7.

This EIS uses proven environmental assessment methodology. Valued Environmental Components (VECs) were selected through consideration of the values and concerns of Aboriginal organizations, governments, scientific and technical advisors, and the general public. VECs have been identified in order to focus the assessment on issues of particular concern. Mitigative measures have been incorporated into the Project, and assessment analyses take these mitigative measures into account.

The existing environment has been described at the landscape scale so that potential effects can be assessed in an ecological context. Ecological land classification (ELC) was completed at both regional (Chapter 2) and local scales (Chapters 8-19) for appropriate environmental components.

Potential cumulative environmental effects are analyzed and evaluated within the larger context of those ecological and social systems in which the Project is located, with consideration given to effects from other unrelated projects and activities.

VBNC has made best efforts to obtain Aboriginal knowledge. VBNC will also facilitate the presentation of Aboriginal knowledge to the Panel by LIA and the Innu Nation.

This EIS has generally followed style guidelines issued by the Government of Canada (Public Works and Government Services Canada 1997), including spelling conventions and directives on capitalization (e.g., Aboriginal).


1.7.1 Report Organization

 The EIS comprises four volumes (Figure 1.2). Volumes 2, 3 and 4 each contain a preface that includes:


A reference list appears at the end of each chapter and a glossary of terms is included at the end of each volume.

Volume 1 is the EIS Summary. It contains an overview of the most important aspects of the environmental assessment, in accordance with Guideline requirements (Sections 2.0 and 4.4). General design features of the Project are outlined. The conclusions of environmental studies and assessment analysis are presented in detail.

Volume 2 describes the Project, the existing environment, environmental management and consultation, and environmental assessment methods used in this EIS. Chapter 1 introduces the Project and the assessment document. Chapter 2 is a description of the existing environment, at the regional scale, using landscape ecology principles and concepts. Chapter 3 describes the construction, operation, and decommissioning (which includes decommissioning, rehabilitation and post-decommissioning) phases of the Project. Chapter 4 presents environmental management policies and systems including environmental protection, monitoring and follow-up procedures. Chapter 5 summarizes the efforts made by VBNC to communicate and consult with the interested public. Chapter 6 presents the approach to identifying Valued Environmental Components. Environmental assessment methods are described in Chapter 7.

Volume 3 contains Chapters 8-19. The potential environmental effects of the Project on the biophysical VECs are evaluated.

Volume 4 contains Chapters 20-24. These chapters evaluate the potential environmental effects of the Project on socioeconomic VECs.

1.8 Study Team

 The principal consultant firms that have contributed their experience and expertise to VBNC in the preparation of this EIS are described in Appendix 1B. A brief description of their corporate history, specifically those related to mining, Labrador, and northern environments is provided. The names and roles of the key VBNC and consultant personnel involved in preparation of the EIS are summarized in Appendix 1C.

Fifure 1.2 Voisey's Bay Mine/Mill EIS Document Organization

1.9 References

 Beanlands, G. and P. Duinker. 1983. An Ecological Framework for Environmental Impact Assessment in Canada. Institute for Resources and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University. Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Environment Canada. 1995. Canadian Biodiversity Strategy. Canada's Response to the Convention on Biological Diversity. Supply and Services Canada. Ottawa, Canada.

Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. 1994. Responsible Authority's Guide.

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and Biodiversity Office. 1996. A Guide on Biodiversity and Environmental Assessment. Hull, Quebec.

Heywood, V.H. and I. Baste. 1995. Introduction Global Diversity Assessment. V.H. Heywood, Editor; R.T. Watson, Chair. United Nations Environment Program. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, Great Britain. pp. 5-19.

Innu Nation. 1997. Submission to the Panel. Draft #1 of Revisions to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Guidelines for the Review of the Voisey's Bay Mine and Mill Project Suggested by the Innu Nation.

Innu Nation Task Force on Mining Activities. 1996. Ntesinan Nteshiniminan Nteniunan. Between a Rock and a Hard Place. Prepared for Innu Nation. Sheshatshit, Labrador.

LIA (Labrador Inuit Association). 1997. Presentation on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Guidelines for the Review of the Voisey's Bay Mine and Mill Project. Nain, Labrador.

Natural Resources Canada. 1995. Sustainable Development and Mineral and Metals. Supply and Services Canada. Ottawa, Ontario.

Public Works and Government Services Canada. 1997. The Canadian Style, A Guide to Writing and Editing. Public Works and Government Services Canada Translation Bureau. Dundurn Press Limited. Toronto, Ontario.

Taiga Institute for Land Culture and Economy. 1996. Social, Cultural and Economic Issues Scoping Research Report and Terms of Reference for a Socio-Economic Baseline Study. Prepared for Innu Nation Economic Development.

Williamson, T. 1996. Seeing the Land is Seeing Ourselves. Prepared for the Labrador Inuit Association. Nain, Labrador.

Williamson, T. 1997. From Sina to Sikujâ luk: Our Footprint. Mapping Inuit Environmental Knowledge in the Nain District of Northern Labrador. Prepared for the Labrador Inuit Association. Nain, Labrador.



Appendix 1A

Licenses and the Associated Claims
Issued to VBNC Under the Mineral Act


Licences, and the Associated Claims, Issued to VBNC under the Mineral Act

Licence Number Number of Claims
657 256
668 32
669 160
670 192
671 128
686 96
687 96
688 96
689 92
690 240
691 128
692 64
693 200
694 88
707 86
710 8
711 8
712 8
Totals 1978



Figure 1A.1 VBNC Claim Block Location Coordinates


Appendix 1B

Corporate Profiles

 The principal firms which contributed to preparation of this EIS have provided the following profiles with respect to their corporate history and capabilities, especially in mining, Labrador and northern environments.

Jacques-Rescan Joint Venture Ltd.

The Jacques-Rescan Joint Venture Ltd. (JRJV) was established in December 1995 to provide assistance to VBNC in preparation of the EIS for Voisey's Bay Project. Staff at the JRJV bring a wide range of project management and environmental assessment experience to the Project. The JRJV has assisted in conducting baseline studies, public consultation, and the co-ordination and preparation of this EIS.

Jacques Whitford Environment Limited

Jacques Whitford Environment Limited (JWEL) is a multidisciplinary environmental science and engineering firm providing consulting services across Canada and internationally.

JWEL currently employs over 625 full-time engineers, scientists, and technical support staff. JWEL staff provide professional services and training in environmental engineering, remediation, hydrogeology, environmental sciences and planning, geotechnical engineering, materials engineering, waste management planning, and air quality management. JWEL has worked on a wide range of industrial and municipal environmental projects including mining, oil and gas, fisheries, pulp and paper, transportation projects, port facilities, sewage treatment projects, waste-to-energy facilities, landfill site selection and design, and environmental management systems training.

JWEL has conducted over 50 environmental assessments of a wide range of projects throughout Canada, including the Initial Environmental Evaluation of the relocation of Utshimassits for the Mushuau Innu. The team draws on extensive experience with federal and provincial environmental assessments. JWEL has conducted baseline data collection programs at Voisey's Bay since 1995, provided an on-site Environmental Monitor, conducted a monthly freshwater monitoring program, prepared the Environmental Protection Plan for exploration activities, and has assisted in issues scoping, public consultation, and the preparation of this EIS.

Rescan Environmental Services Ltd.

Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. (Rescan) has a staff of 130 people headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, with offices in Seattle, Washington, Peru, Chile, and the Caribbean. Rescan's extensive environmental knowledge and experience with industry, government and financial institutions has enabled the company to assess complex resource development problems through multi-disciplinary project teams. Rescan's professional staff consists of environmental managers, scientists, and engineers with expertise in hydrology, water quality, climatology, wildlife and aquatic biology, chemistry, and soil science.

Within Canada, Rescan has undertaken a wide range of environmental field work, management and project planning for numerous mines in the north. The company has been consulted regarding mine operations in northern British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, northern Manitoba and northern Ontario, and has developed extensive professional expertise in managing environmental problems in remote locations under harsh physiographic circumstances. Rescan has applied its environmental expertise in environmental impact assessment, corporate environmental strategies, subaqueous tailings disposal, environmental engineering waste management, hazardous waste treatment, and risk assessment for mining operations in the North.

Rescan has conducted data collection and engineering test work on the Project since 1995 and has assisted in the preparation of this EIS.

Community Resource Services Ltd.

Community Resource Services Ltd. (CRS), is responsible for the socioeconomic components of the environmental assessment. CRS and its principals have undertaken socioeconomic impact assessments of numerous other large resource projects in Newfoundland, including Hibernia and Terra Nova offshore oilfield projects and co-authored the Initial Environmental Assessment of the Utshimassits relocation. CRS has also examined the socioeconomic impacts of remote (especially "fly-in", "commute" or "long distance commute") mining operations of private and public-sector clients in Canada, Europe, and Australia and the implications for human resources planning, occupational health and safety, and regional and community development. This work has drawn on industry experience in the design of mining camp facilities and policies, transportation arrangements, work schedules, human resources policies and procedures. The last includes innovative approaches to optimizing local and regional economic benefits by facilitating the involvement of local communities and businesses and the integration of aboriginals and women into the mine labour force.

Beak International Inc.

Beak International Inc. (Beak) is a multi-disciplinary environmental consulting company which has provided specialized professional services to the mining sector across North America for over 30 years, and more recently internationally, with projects in South America, Europe, and South East Asia. Beak has been conducting environmental baseline and impact studies, environmental audits, source term monitoring and modelling studies, contaminant pathway analysis, environmental monitoring programs, waste management (tailings and mine rock) and closure plans for gold, base metal, and uranium mining projects. For the Voisey's Bay Project, Beak has been responsible for the chemical testing of mineralized waste rock and surface water modelling.

Golder Associates Ltd.

Golder Associates Ltd. (Golder) is an international consulting engineering firm with offices throughout Canada and world-wide. Golder has established a long and continuous involvement with the mining industry since the company's beginnings in 1960. Mining work and major geotechnical investigations have been conducted at mines in over 40 countries around the world, with conditions ranging from residual soils in tropical areas to permafrost in the Canadian Arctic. Golder's experience includes environmental management; probabilistic risk management; tailings and mine rock management; drainage, groundwater and mine dewatering; quarrying; rock mechanics and mine design; geotechnical investigation and design; heap leaching; and construction services.

For the Voisey's Bay Project, Golder has conducted groundwater analyses, the tailing disposal feasibility study, and water management studies for the open pit.


Acres International Ltd.

Acres International Limited (Acres) is an engineering consulting firm which has acquired a leading position in water resource projects, particularly the behaviour of rivers in northern climates. Acres has conducted many hydraulic/hydrologic studies and projects.

Acres installed various hydrometric stations throughout the VBNC Claim Block and was responsible for the analysis and interpretation of the data. In addition, Acres was responsible for collecting information on the spring flood (freshet) conditions in the project area.

DF Dickins Associates Ltd.

DF Dickins Associates Ltd. is an environmental engineering firm with 18 years of experience in assessing the technical feasibility, oil spill risk, and environmental impacts of marine transportation systems in ice-covered waters. Founded in Yellowknife, the company initially specialized in engineering and environmental studies associated with Arctic offshore development, including fate and behaviour of oil in the presence of ice, marine transportation, impact assessment and coastal resource sensitivity. For this Project, DF Dickins has assessed the ice disturbance boundaries and prepared the assessment analysis for ice.

Nortech Jacques Whitford Inc.

Nortech Jacques Whitford Inc. (Nortech) is a Newfoundland-based coastal zone geomatic service company. Nortech is responsible for the seafloor mapping; land-based mapping; and related spatial components of the Voisey's Bay Project.

SENES Consultants Limited

SENES Consultants Limited (SENES) is a 100 percent wholly Canadian-owned, scientifically-oriented consulting firm specializing in evaluations, assessments and quantitative data analysis in the environmental sciences. Over the past 16 years, SENES staff have participated in over 2,100 projects across Canada, the United States and overseas. Clients include federal, provincial and municipal agencies, the private sector and research organizations.

SENES offers a broad spectrum of skills and experience related to the atmospheric environment, including the assessment of impacts on air quality by proposed projects, management and analysis of air quality databases, and the development and application of computer models that simulate contaminant behaviour in the environment.


Appendix 1C

Study Team Members

Key Personnel Responsible for Preparing the EIS
Name Company Role
M. Anderson, M. Sc. SENES Consultants Ltd. Source Term Predictions - Water Quality
F. Armitage VBNC V.P., Human Resources - Responsible for the Human Resources policies, programs, and employment benefits
J. Barnes, M.Sc. JWEL Senior Consultant - EIS Strategy
Environmental Advisory Group Member
J. Barrett VBNC Mill Superintendent - Responsible for the design and operation of the mill
B. Bennett, B.Sc. (Hons.) JWEL Scientific Authority - Fish and Fish Habitat
Senior Scientist - Pond Bathymetry and Stream Hydrology )
Program Manager - Freshwater Program
Scientist - EIS Production / Water Quality and Freshwater Fish
T. Bell, Ph.D. MUN Supporting Scientists - Project Region ELC
Scientific Authority - Project Area ELC
Principal Investigator - Geomorphology
L. Cicjnak-Chubbs, DVM, M.Sc. JWEL Scientific Authority - Chemical Profiles of Small Mammals; Black Bear; Furbearers; Small Mammals; Caribou
Ecologist - Avifauna
H. Clarke VBNC V.P., Corporate Affairs - Responsible for IBA negotiations and Aboriginal contacts.
V. Clulow, Ph.D. Laurentian University* Scientific Authority - Chemical Profiles of Small Mammals
A. Cole, P.Eng. Golder Assoc. Design Engineer -Tailings Management, Mineralized Waste Rock Management
M. Crowell, M.Sc. JWEL Principal Investigator - Project Region ELC; Project Area ELC
Supporting Scientist - Soil and Vegetation Chemistry; Avifauna
Intermediate Scientist - Caribou
EIS Production - Vegetation
R. Davis, Ph.D. LGL Principal Investigator - Underwater Noise
J. Dempsey, B.Sc. Cormorant Ltd.* Field Team Leader, Project Manager, and Data Coordinator - Coastal Geomorphology
D. Dickins, P. Eng. DF Dickins* Principal Investigator - Ice Literature Review, Historic Ice Survey, Spring Ice Break-up Study
G. Dixon, Ph.D. University of Waterloo Environmental Advisory Group Member - EIS Review
R. Donald, Ph.D., P.Ag. JWEL Principal Investigator - Project Region ELC, Project Area ELC
Scientific Authority -Soil and Vegetation Chemistry
D. Dunbar OAR/Rescan Modelling and Analysis - Physical Oceanography
W.C. Ferguson INCO V.P., Environment, Health and Safety - Overview of INCO corporate policy
W. Freedman, Ph.D. Dalhousie University Scientific Authority - Project Region ELC,
Scientific Authority/Principal Investigator - Project Area ELC
G. Greer VBNC Manager, Mine Development - Responsible for the design and operation of the mine
P. Griesman, Ph.D., P.Eng.. Rescan Scientific Authority - Physical Oceanography
J. Harper, Ph.D. Louisiana State University Scientific Authority (Coastal Mapping) - Coastal Geomorphology
F. Harrington, Ph.D. Mount Saint Vincent University* Scientific Authority - Caribou, Black Bear
T.E. Hickey, M.Sc. JWEL Scientist - Terrestrial Program, EIS Strategy
G. Hodder INCO Project Manager - Integration of environmental/ engineering design


 
P. Hodson, Ph.D. Queen's University* Scientific Authority - Fish & Fish Habitat (Chemical Profiles);
Scientific Authority (Fauna) - Chemical Profiles of Marine Fauna
B. Hood, Ph.D. Torngâsok Cultural Centre Archaeologist, Principal Investigator for LIA - Historic Resources
S. Hurlbut, Ph.D. ASA Consultants Ltd. Environmental Advisory Group Member - EIS Review
S. Hynes, Captain CANSHIP Limited Advisor on shipping matters
L. Jefferson B.A. (Hon.) JWEL Program Manager - Historic Resources
EIS Production - Ecological Context, Historic Resources
L. Johnson, Ph.D. Johnson Consultants* Scientific Authority (Arctic Charr) - Fish and Fish Habitat; Environmental Advisory Group Member
M. Kellestine, P. Eng. Golder Associates Ltd. Senior review - engineering design
R. Knapp, P. Eng. SENES Consultants Ltd. Source Term Predictions - Water Quality
R. Knoechel, Ph.D. MUN Scientific Authority/Field Crew Leader/ Data Management - Primary Productivity
Y. Labrèche, M.Sc. JWEL Coordinating Archaeologist - Historic Resources
D. Larson, Ph.D. MUN* Scientific Authority (Streams) - Freshwater Benthic Macroinvertebrates
M. Larson, B.Sc. Independent Consultant* Senior Scientist (Streams) - Freshwater Benthic Macroinvertebrates
B. LeDrew VBNC Manager, Environmental Assessment - Responsible for the mine/mill environmental assessment process including the preparation of EIS, public consultation and Panel contact
C. Leeder, M.Sc. JRJV EIS Manager
D. Lemon JRJV Manager of the JRJV
J. Lien, Ph.D. MUN* Scientific Authority (Mammals) - Marine Fauna
M. Loney, Ph.D. Consultant in Social Policy Principal Investigator- Socioeconomic Analysis
E. Luiker, M.Sc. JWEL Study Coordinator,/Field Crew Leader; - Fish and Fish Habitat
Field Crew Leader (Pond Bathymetry) - Pond Bathymetry & Stream Hydrology
EIS Production - Water & Sediment Quality
D. Lush, Ph.D. Beak Contaminant Uptake Modelling
M. Alton Mackey, Ph.D. Community Resource Services Principal Investigator; Scientific Authority - Socioeconomic Analysis
S. MacKnight, Ph.D. Land & Sea* Scientific Authority - Chemical Oceanography, Marine Sediment Quality; Water & Sediment Quality
Data Analysis - Water Quality, Sediment Chemistry and Composition
G. Marshall VBNC V.P. Mining and Milling - Responsible for the planning, design and operation of the Project
D. Maynard, M.Sc. JWEL Senior Scientist, Marine Program Manager
EIS Production - Marine
R. McDonald, M.Sc. Rescan Senior Scientist - Tailings Reactivity
S. McFarland, M. Sc. Golder Associates Ltd. Hydrogeological Modelling
R. McGrath, Ph.D.   Innu Spirituality
C. McKenzie VBNC V.P. Exploration - Responsible for the exploration program and site exploration activity.
S. McKinley, Ph.D. University of Waterloo Scientific Authority (Radiotelemetry) - Fish and Fish Habitat
F. Messier, Ph.D. University of Saskatchewan Environmental Advisory Group Member - EIS Review
N. Morris, B.Sc. Beak Principal Investigator - Contaminant Uptake Modelling
 
W. Morton, B. Sc. Water Systems Analysts* Senior Scientist (Ponds) - Freshwater Benthic Macroinvertebrates
R. Mugo, Ph.D. Rescan Senior Scientist - Tailings Reactivity
H. Murphy Industry Support Services* Field Manager - Fish and Fish Habitat
W.A. Napier VBNC V.P., Environment, Health and Safety - Responsible for the VBNC corporate environmental health and safety activities
R. Nicholson, Ph.D. Beak Principal Investigator, Waste Rock Reactivity, Open Pit Closure Plan
T. Northcott, M.Sc. Northlands* Scientific Authority - Furbearers
Scientific Authority, Field Crew Leader - Caribou
C. Pelletier, B.Sc. Rescan Scientific Authority - Water Management
J. Petrie, M.Sc. Golder Assoc. Groundwater Modelling, Senior Review - Hydrogeology
D. Pinsent, M.Sc. JWEL Scientific Authority (Fish) - Marine Fauna
Field Crew Leader (Mammals and Finfish); Chemical Profiles of Marine Fauna (Fauna);
EIS Production - Marine Mammals
P. Pocklington, Ph.D. Arenicola Marine* Senior Scientist - Intertidal-Subtidal / Benthic Invertebrate Identification
G. Power, Ph.D. University of Waterloo Environmental Advisory Group Member - EIS Review
S. Richter, P.Eng. Acres* Scientific Authority (Stream Hydrology) - Pond Bathymetry and Stream Hydrology
EIS Production
K. Roberts, M.E. Des. (Planning), JWEL EIS Production / Writer, Scientist
C. Russell, B.Sc. Beak Principal Investigator-Contaminant Uptake Modelling
F. Schwarz, Ph.D. Mushuau Innu Band Council Archaeologist, principal investigator for Innu Nation - Historic Resources
M. Shrimpton, M.A. Community Resource Services Project Manager/Scientific Authority - Socioeconomic Analysis
N. Sloan, Ph.D. Rescan Scientific Authority, Field Crew Leader (Intertidal) - Intertidal/Subtidal Communities
Scientific Authority - Biological Oceanography
Benthic Community Sampler - Marine Sediment Quality
N. Standen JWEL (formerly Morrison-Hershfield) Principal Investigator - Noise Model
K. Storey, Ph.D. Community Resource Services Principal Investigator, Scientific Authority - Socioeconomic Analysis
D. Sturge VBNC Chief Financial Officer - Responsible for the economic and financial analysis of the Project.
A. Tanner, Ph.D. MUN Innu and Inuit Spirituality
S. Toller, M.Sc. JRJV EIS Management
EIS Production
E. Tracy, B.Sc. JRJV EIS Quality Control
EIS Production
P. Trimper, B.Sc. JWEL Program Manager, Senior Scientist - Terrestrial Program
Scientific Authority - Avifauna
EIS Production - Vegetation, Caribou, Black Bear, Waterfowl, Species of Special Status
J. Tuck, Ph.D. MUN Environmental Advisory Group Member - EIS Review
Scientific Authority -Historic Resources
L. Van Guelpen, Ph. D. ARC/HMSC* Senior Scientist - Ichthyoplankton Taxonomist (Biological Oceanography)
J. Walker, Ph.D. JWEL Scientific Authority, EIS Production - Air Quality, Meteorology
D. Welch, P. Eng. Golder Assoc. Senior Review- Tailings Basin Design
M. Wen, M.Sc. Rescan Scientific Authority - Biological Oceanography
Scientific Authority (Zooplankton) - Chemical Profiles of Marine Fauna
J. Wyatt VBNC Community Liaison Officer - Review of public participation
* Contracted through Jacques Whitford Environment Limited

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