Hardrock Project Final EIS/EA Report Highlights

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1 Greenstone Gold Mines (GGM) is a 50/50 partnership between Centerra Gold Inc. and Premier Hardrock Project Description Area Gold Mines Limited for the joint ownership and development of the Hardrock, Brookbank and Viper properties. GGM is equipped with an experienced Management Team possessing years of mine development and operations experience. GGM's objective is to become an environmentally and socially responsible gold producer. Consultation Activities Coordinated Federal / Provincial Approach Hardrock Project Final EIS/EA Report Highlights In consultation with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) and the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC), the environmental assessment process was refined to address both the federal and provincial environmental assessment requirements, and align where practical the provincially approved Terms of Reference and the federally issued Environmental Impact Statement Guidelines. The coordinated approach reduced duplication and streamlined the review process, which now includes a 4 week extension to the MOECC review period to align with the federal process. The coordination was guided by the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Environmental Assessment Cooperation. The federal and provincial environmental assessment review and decision-making processes will be initiated according to specific federal and provincial requirements. G reenstone Gold Mines (GGM) proposes to construct, operate and decommission a new open pit gold mine, process plant, and associated ancillary facilities, collectively known as the Hardrock Project. The Hardrock gold deposit is located approximately 275 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario. It is situated in the Ward of Geraldton, part of the Municipality of Greenstone. The Project is located on a brownfield site that was actively mined in the s. Construction of the Project is anticipated to take 2 years. Local suppliers and contractors will be utilized wherever possible based on quality, schedule, cost-effectiveness, Aboriginal participation and proximity to site. At full capacity, the Hardrock Project will process up to 30,000 tonnes of ore per day and employ 450 people on average over the life of mine. The life of mine is expected to be 15 years. During the preparation of the Final EIS/EA, GGM consulted with a wide range of stakeholders, government agencies and Aboriginal communities. GGM used a broad range of consultation tools to support the consultation efforts to provide Project information, and to receive input at key stages in the preparation of the Final EIS/EA. Following the submission of the Final EIS/EA, GGM will continue to consult and engage with stakeholders, government agencies and local Aboriginal communities throughout construction, operation and into closure. P1

2 Project Components Project Development Area (PDA) The Project footprin t is the an ticipated ar ea of physical disturbance associated with the construction, operation and closure of the Project. The Hardr ock Project footpr int is ~2,200 hectar es. The key components of the Project include: open pit waste rock storage areas topsoil and overburden storage areas ore stockpile crushing plants and mill feed ore storage area process plant tailings management facility water management facilities including collection ditches and ponds combined heat and power plant explosives facility buildings and supporting infrastructure water supply and associated infrastructure sewage treatment plant effluent treatment plant site roads and parking areas Goldfield Creek diversion temporary camp aggregate sources To develop the Project, the relocation of existing infrastructure located within the Project development area is required, including a portion of Highway 11, a Ministry of Transportation Patrol Yard, and Hydro One facilities. Utilities within the Ministry of Transportation right-of-way of Highway 11 (Hydro One, Union Gas, Greenstone Municipal Services, Bell Canada and Ministry of Transportation) will be relocated along the new Highway 11 alignment. P2

3 A I R / N O I S E How were the effects assessed? The noise and vibration assessments used computerized models with source specific sound emission data, site specific source and receiver data from baseline studies, and building locations and construction types. Dispersion modelling was used to estimate air quality concentrations for different scenarios. RESID UAL EFFEC TS ON AIR / NOISE Emissions within regulatory limits at all off property locations The incremental contribution from Project operations to total Ontario annual Greenhouse gas emissions will be ~0.1% Noise and vibration below regulatory thresholds at closest G R O U N D WAT E R How were the effects assessed? A three dimensional groundwater flow model was used to predict changes in groundwater levels and flow, and to predict changes in discharge to surface water features. RESIDUAL EFFECTS ON GRO UNDWA TER Dewatering of the open pit predicted to result in lowering of groundwater levels, there are no water zone users within the zone of influence The removal of portions of the historical tailings, enhanced cover layer, seepage collection system and open pit dewatering will reduce the existing arsenic loading to Kenogamisis Lake from groundwater discharge by 99% during operation compared to the baseline and 59% during closure AIR MITIGATION MEASURES Use best management practices to control fugitive dust including dust suppressants (e.g. water), dust collection systems for equipment, limiting vehicle speeds, regular maintenance of equipment, reducing haul routes where possible and no idling policy Implement Air Quality Management and Monitoring Plan and Greenhouse Gas Management and Monitoring Plan NOISE MITIGATION MEASURES Implement noise mitigation measures (e.g., muffler systems) on equipment and selecting equipment and/or designing building enclosures to limit overall noise emissions Implement Noise and Vibration Management and Monitoring Plan GROUNDWATER MITIGATION MEASURES Reduce infiltration through Project design and progressive rehabilitation Remove of approximately 22% of the historical MacLeod tailings and 77% of the historical Hardrock tailings Accelerate open pit filling at closure Ensure contingency measures available Implement Water Management and Monitoring Plan and Waste Rock Management Plan Natural Environment FAQs WILL GERALDTON BE COVERED IN DUST? Geraldton will not be covered in dust. Operational controls such as watering roads and covering or containing dust sources will be implemented. WILL THE DUST AFFECT KENOGAMISIS LAKE? GGM has modeled the impact of dust in the air and landing in the lake. The results show that with proper dust control measures being undertaken there will be no significant impact on water quality in the lake. Simulated Drawdown within Overburden and Shallow Bedrock at Closure P3

4 Natural Environment S U R FA C E WAT E R Surface Water Quality Monitoring Stations Water balance and water quality models were used to assess the water quantity and quality changes associated with Project activities during construction, operation and closure. R E S I D U A L EFFECTS O N S U R F A CE WATER Predicted changes in mean annual flows are within ±5% of baseline conditions Predicted increase in flow and water levels for Southwest Arm Tributary - mitigated through the design of the Goldfield Creek diversion channel Enhanced reclamation of the historical tailings will result in a reduction in arsenic concentrations and metal loadings to Kenogamisis Lake Treated effluent will meet the Provincial Water Quality Objective for arsenic at the point of discharge and meet the lower Interim objective criteria within a mixing zone contained in the Southwest Arm of Kenogamisis Lake SURFACE WATER MITIGATION MEASURES Implement enhanced reclamation measures for the historical tailings Recycle contact water in Project processes particularly from the TMF (tailings management facility) Use of water management infrastructure to collect and contain contact water Treat contact water prior to discharging to the environment Implement Water Management and Monitoring Plan F I S H A N D F I S H H A B I TAT Methods used to predict effects on fish and fish habitat included measuring the amount of habitat loss and permanent alteration and evaluation of potential fish mortality risk. R E S I D U A L EFFECTS O N F I S H A N D F I S H H A B I T A T No anticipated effects on the sustainability and productivity of fish resources Due to the geographic range of fish, long-term exposure to parameters of potential concern is not anticipated, especially given the overall predictions of improved water quality on a lake-wide basis Changes expected to be negligible with respect to fish habitat FISH AND FISH HABITAT MITIGATION MEASURES Minimize Project footprint In-water works to be conducted within timing window (restricted from April 1 to June 20) Implement a Blasting and Explosives Management Plan for the Project to reduce risk of lethal or sub-lethal effects on fish Fish habitat that is altered or lost will be offset by creating new habitat within the Goldfield Creek diversion Implement Aquatic Management and Monitoring Plan Proposed Goldfield Creek Diversion P4

5 V E G E TAT I O N Ecosite mapping was developed during field surveys and utilized geographic information systems to derive quantitative measurements to assess upland vegetation, wetland and wildlife habitat areas. RESID UAL EFFEC TS ON VE GETATIO N Permanent removal of upland and wetland vegetation communities within the Project development area Changes are not predicted to threaten the function of landscape connections or wetland systems, or to threaten the long-term viability and quality of wetlands and other vegetation communities in the local and regional area Long-term shift of wetland community types due to the changes in surface water flow and groundwater drawdown The Project may alter the quality of vegetation communities within approximately 30 m of the Project development area through dust deposition and edge effects Natural Environment VEGETATION MITIGATION MEASURES Vegetation clearing activities will be restricted to the Project description area Minimize Project footprint and road length Avoidance of the fen habitat area north of the TMF access road Progressive rehabilitation of vegetation communities with test plots during operations Stockpiling of topsoil and overburden for use in reclamation Where there is interest, provide opportunities to local communities for harvesting of plants for traditional purposes prior to construction Implement Biodiversity Management and Monitoring Plan and Closure Plan W I L D L I F E A N D W I L D L I F E H A B I TAT How were the effects assessed? Ecosite mapping was developed during field surveys and utilized geographic information systems to derive quantitative measurements to assess wildlife habitat areas. RESIDUAL EFFECTS ON WIL D LIFE AND WILDLIFE HABI TAT The amount of wildlife and wildlife habitat loss will not affect the long-term persistence or viability of wildlife species within the regional area Wildlife mortality (e.g. from vehicle collisions along Highway 11) is predicted to be within the normal variability of baseline conditions Wildlife are expected to shift their movement patterns during the life of the mine to areas of available habitat outside of the Project development area WILDLIFE AND WILDLIFE HABITAT MITIGATION MEASURES Minimize project footprint and haul road lengths Give wildlife the right of way on site roads Implement Biodiversity Management and Monitoring Plan and Closure Plan Progressive rehabilitation of vegetation communities and wildlife habitat P5

6 Social and Economic Environment L A B O U R A N D E C O N O M Y The assessment examined the Project s labour demand compared to the local and regional labour supply. Effects on the economy examined local purchases of goods and services, local industries and effects on government revenues. RESID UAL EFFEC TS ON L ABOUR AND ECONOMY The Project will have a positive effect on labour and economy Increase in the size of the labour force, income for local and regional businesses, and municipal revenue from taxes Reduction in the unemployment rate by more than 6% Effects on tourism are predicted to be at or near baseline conditions and occur over the short-term, and GGM has addressed tourism related infrastructure in the agreement with the Municipality of Greenstone LABOUR AND ECONOMY MITIGATION MEASURES Avoid using the portion of the Project area that would overprint the golf clubhouse and the front nine holes unless needed Labour and training framework will be implemented, which includes partnerships with Aboriginal communities and education institutes, information sharing and employment preparation and training Mitigate the effects of Project closure by supporting re-training to establish transferable skills, providing opportunities for early retirement, providing redundancy payments and offering job search assistance FAQ WILL GGM BE HIRING LOCALLY? GGM wants a local workforce in place for operations and will be supporting training initiatives to prepare the workforce for the Project. Labour Type The Project will generate direct employment, indirect employment through businesses that provide services to the Project, and induced employment through businesses that provide services to employees ~800 person years of local indirect/induced labour during the construction phase and an additional 1,300 regional (Thunder Bay) person years ~500 person years of local indirect/induced labour during operations C O M M U N I T Y S E R V I C E S A N D I N F R A S T R U C T U R E The assessment compared anticipated Project demand for services and infrastructure with existing capacity. R E S I D U A L EFFECTS O N COM M U N I T Y S E R V I CES AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMUNITY SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE MITIGATION MEASURES Temporary camp will be in place for construction and for short term resource needs Project rescue vehicles and trained First Responders will be at the worksite GGM will maintain communication with relevant agencies and organizations, including municipal authorities, health agencies and school boards GGM has developed a Waste Management Plan, to limit demands on local landfills Standard construction procedures and a Traffic Management Plan will be implemented to reduce traffic delays during construction of realigned Highway 11 Population decline in the area has led to an abundant supply of housing that will be available to house Project employees during operations Site preparation activities during construction will lead to the removal of some existing recreation facilities. Demands on community services and infrastructure will not be above current capacity such that standards of service will not be reduced below current levels for an extended period P6

7 Built and Cultural Environment LAND AND RESOURCE USE ENVIRONMENT Surface Water Quality Monitoring Stations Spatial analysis and baseline data collection was used to assess the extent of land and resource use activity in the Project development area including local and regional areas. RESIDUAL EFFECTS ON LAND AND R E SO U R C E U SE Loss of existing land uses within the Project development area Sensory disturbance may also affect local wildlife resources and local recreational and commercial uses LAND AND RESOURCE USE MITIGATION MEASURES Where possible in accessible areas, leave trees and other vegetation in place to buffer the view of Project components, reducing the change in viewshed and muffling nuisance noise Maintain access to mining claims located on the peninsula east of the Project development area Maintain alternate access within the Project Development Area to the Southwest Arm of Kenogamisis Lake during construction and operation Provide labour and equipment to assist Greenstone Snowmobile Club in improving existing trails Implement Biodiversity Management and Monitoring Plan, Aquatic Management and Monitoring Plan, Air Quality Management Plan, Water Management and Monitoring Plan, and Noise and Vibration Management and Monitoring Plan H E R I TA G E RESOURCES HERITAGE RESOURCES MITIGATION MEASURES ENVIRONMENT How were the effects assessed? For archaeological resources, Stage 1 and 2 Archaeological Assessments were conducted. For architectural and historical resources, evaluating the location of resources within the Project development area relative to construction or operation activities was undertaken. Key construction and operation staff will be trained in the recognition of basic archaeological artifacts such as Aboriginal material culture and Euro-Canadian material If an archaeological resource is discovered, all work will cease within a 20m radius of the archaeological resource Effects on heritage resources will be managed through 60m buffer zones, documentation and salvage, or commemoration Implement Archaeology and Heritage Resources Management Plan RESIDUAL EFFECTS ON HERITAGE RESOURCES Effects on archaeological resources will be avoided, having carried out archaeological assessment programs in areas of archaeological potential prior to ground disturbance activities in the construction phase Protocols to protect archaeological resources in the event of a chance find will be implemented No residual environmental effects on architectural and/or historical resources are anticipated P7

8 T R A D I T I O N A L L A N D A N D R E S O U R C E U S E Project specific traditional knowledge studies, Project engagement activities, past Project experience and literature review were assessed. R E S I D U A L EFFECTS O N T R A D I T I O N A L LAND A N D R E S O U R C E S U S E Cultural and Social Environment Reduced access to land and availability of resources for the pursuit of plant harvesting, fishing, hunting, trapping, and cultural practices and sites within the Project description area and immediate Project vicinity Lahtis Road will be closed during construction and operation Harvesting areas and cultural or spiritual sites or areas will not likely be directly disturbed in the local assessment area, although there will be a change in access patterns TRADITIONAL LAND AND RESOURCE USE MITIGATION MEASURES Where there is interest, provide opportunities to local communities for harvesting of plants for traditional purposes prior to construction Maintaining alternate access within the Project development area to the Southwest Arm of Kenogamisis Lake during construction and operation Implement Biodiversity Management and Monitoring Plan, Aquatic Management and Monitoring Plan, Air Quality Management Plan, Water Management and Monitoring Plan, Noise and Vibration Management and Monitoring Plan Aboriginal communities will have the ability to maintain traditional land and resource use outside of the Project development area Within the Project development area, residual environmental effects to cultural sites and areas are considered adverse because of removal of sites H U M A N A N D E C O L O G I C A L H E A LT H A risk assessment tool was used to estimate potential health risks to human and ecological receptors resulting from exposure to Project-related emissions. R E S I D U A L EFFECTS O N H U M A N A N D E COL O G I CA L HEA LTH Health and ecological risks for chemicals of potential concern will not exceed regulatory thresholds and where exceedances are predicted, they are due to baseline conditions HUMAN AND ECOLOGICAL HEALTH MITIGATION MEASURES Follow-up monitoring programs for surface water and air emissions will serve to confirm the risk assessment predictions GGM recognizes that Aboriginal communities are interested in participating in a moose health (i.e tissues sampling) monitoring study. Given the large ranges of these animals and mandate of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), GGM will participate in an MNRF-led study Implement Biodiversity Management and Monitoring Plan, Aquatic Management and Monitoring Plan, Air Quality Management Plan, Water Management and Monitoring Plan, Noise and Vibration Management and Monitoring Plan P8

9 Environmental Benefits A L BENEFITS OF THE PROJECT R E M O V A L O F P O R T I O N S O F T H E H I S T O R I C AL M A C L E O D A N D H A R D R O C K T A I L I N G S R E S U L T I NG I N IMPROVEMENTS TO WATER QUALITY COMPARED T O B A SE L I N E C O N D I T I O N S E N H A N C E D C O V E R A N D S U B SU R F A C E SE E P A G E C O L L E C T I O N SY ST E M F O R T H E H I S T O R I C A L M AC L E O D H I G H T A I L I N G S D E C R E A SI N G L O A D I N G S T O K E N O G AM I S I S L AK E C O M P A R E D T O B A SE L I N E C O N D I T I O N S O P E N P I T D E W A T E R I N G R E D U C I N G T H E C U R R E NT L O AD I N G T O K E N O G A M I SI S L A K E A S SO C I A T E D W I T H T H E H I S T O R I C AL T A I L I N G S, A N D T H E R E F O R E A P O S I T I V E E F FE C T O N W A T E R Q U A L I T Y O V E R T I M E I N K E N O G A M I SI S L A K E, I N PARTICULAR BARTON BAY AND CENTRAL BASIN Economic and Community Benefits ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY BENEFITS OF THE PROJECT O N A V E R A G E, T H E P R O J E C T W I L L R E SU L T I N T H E EQUIVALENT OF 1,225 JOBS IN ONTARIO IN E A C H Y E A R A N D O F T H E SE, J O B S P E R Y E A R W O U L D B E D I R E C T L Y A S SO C I A T E D W I T H T H E PROJECT T H E P R O J E C T W I L L D I R E C T L Y A N D I N D I R E C T L Y C R E AT E $ M I L L I O N I N R E V E N U E S F O R T H E O N T A R I O G O V E R NM E NT L O C A L A N D R E G I O N A L B U SI N E SSE S, I N C L U D I NG A B O R I G I N A L - O W N E D B U SI N E S SE S, ST A N D T O B E NE FI T F R O M S U C C E S S F U L B I D S T O SU P P L Y T H E P R O J E C T W I T H G O O D S A N D SE R V I C E S HIRING OF LOCAL WORKERS CAN REDUCE THE LOCAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE BY MORE THAN 6% ~ $ M I L L I O N SP E N T L O C A L L Y A N D ~ $ 1. 9 M I L L I O N SP E NT IN THE REGION P9

10 Goldfield Creek Realignment THE PROJECT COMPONENTS WILL OVERPRINT GOLDFIELD CREEK. TO ADDRESS THE LOSS OF THIS AREA INCLUDING EXISTING FISH HABITAT, GGM WILL REALIGN GOLDFIELD CREEK SO THERE IS NO DECREASE IN OVERALL FISHERIES PRODUCTIVITY. What will the Goldfield Creek realignment include? Development of approximately 7.5 hectares of new pond habitat at the interface between the existing Goldfield Creek and the new diversion channel Construction of a new 2.7km Goldfield Creek between the Goldfield Creek diversion pond and the existing Southwest Arm Tributary watercourse Reconstruction of the existing Southwest Arm Tributary channel between Southwest Arm Pond 2 (SWP2) and Southwest Arm Pond 3 (SWP3) to convey larger flows and facilitate the replacement of the existing Lahtis Road crossing Construction of the two valley wide grade control structures within the existing Southwest Arm Tributary to impound and lessen flows, reducing water velocity to address erosion potential and increasing available habitat for fish Example of Constructed Channel Early spring Late summer P10

11 Tailings Management Facility (TMF) Tailings Management Facility An engineered tailings management facility will be built using a robust downstream raise construction design to store tailings from the process plant. The downstream dam construction method creates the strongest and safest facility for environmental protection. The TMF is designed to store 145,000 kilotonnes of tailings. The surface area of the TMF is expected to cover 518 hectares and will be designed in two cells (north and south) to reduce water management requirements during early operations and facilitate progressive reclamation. The TMF maximizes use of natural topography to contain the tailings and has an ultimate dam height of approximately 35m. INDEPENDENT TAILINGS REVIEW BOARD GGM has formed an Independent Tailings Review Board (ITRB) to provide an independent assessment and opinion on the design, construction, operation and closure of the TMF to ensure it meets accepted design and operational guidelines based on internationally accepted practices. The ITRB will make recommendations to improve the design, construction, operation and closure of the TMF and/or reduce the risks associated with the TMF. The ITRB s objective is to ensure long-term safety and environmental protection. ITRB reports and feedback will be made available to interested stakeholders. FAQs 1. HOW WAS THE LOCATION OF THE TMF SELECTED? The TMF site was selected to minimize the disturbance to fish bearing water bodies, maximize the use of natural containment and optimize project economics. 2. WILL THERE BE A BUFFER BETWEEN THE TMF AND KENOGAMISIS LAKE? The TMF is set back from other waterbodies by an environmental buffer width of approximately 125m. 3. WILL THERE BE ANY LEACHING FROM THE TMF INTO KENOGAMISIS LAKE? The TMF is being designed to have very little leaching into Kenogamisis Lake. A perimeter ditch around the outside of the dam will capture the greater majority of seepage water and this will be pumped back into the facility. P11

12 Monitoring and Adaptive Management Plans A comprehensive set of monitoring programs will be implemented to verify the accuracy of the Final EIS/EA predictions and to determine the effectiveness of measures taken to mitigate the adverse environmental effects of a project. Water Management and Monitoring Plan Waste Rock Management Plan Emergency Response Plan Waste Management Plan Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Greenhouse Gas Management and Monitoring Plan Air Quality Management and Monitoring Plan Closure Plan COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE Before mining operations can begin, the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines requires that a Closure Plan with financial assurance be submitted under the Mining Act. GGM has developed a Conceptual Closure Plan as part of the EIS/EA. After the closure activities have been carried out, a post-closure monitoring program will continue until the closure objectives have been met MA IN S TREE T P.O. BOX GE RALD T ON, ON TAR IO P 0T 1M 0 T: F: Spill Prevention and Response Plan Soil Management Plan Noise and Vibration Management and Monitoring Plan Explosives and Blasting Management Plan Aquatic Management and Monitoring Plan Biodiversity Management and Monitoring Plan Archaeology and Heritage Resources Management Plan Site Plan at Closure GGM 3D table top model is available for viewing at the Community Relations office. The Community Relations office serves as a key location for community stakeholders to meet with the Community Relations team, receive updates and discuss issues of interest on the project. Drop by and visit us. Your comments are important to us! E: cr@ggmines.com MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dina Quenneville Manager - Community Relations Cheryl Lesperance Manager - Aboriginal Relations E: dina.quenneville@ggmines.com E: cheryl.lesperance@ggmines.com V1.0 P12