Public input on proposed Sisson mine project sought

The New Brunswick government is seeking public input on Sisson Mines Ltd.'s proposed open-pit tungsten and molybdenum mine and ore processing facility.

"The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulation of the Clean Environment Act calls for a public participation process to be conducted as part of the review prior to a decision on the project," Environment and Local Government Minister Brian Kenny said in a statement.

A copy of the EIA report is now available for public review until July 17 on the department's website, at municipal offices in Florenceville-Bristol, Fredericton, Stanley, Woodstock, Millville and Nackawic, and at the public libraries in Fredericton and Stanley.

A public meeting, chaired by a panel of independent experts, will also be held on June 22 in Stanley High School's gymnasium at 7 p.m., the statement said.

Citizens can register in advance with the Department of Environment to make a presentation during the meeting.

The government will also hold meetings in several First Nations communities, the statement said.

The deadline for written briefs to be submitted to the Department of Environment's education and engagement branch is July 17.

The proposed $579-million project, which would be built on 12.5 square kilometres of Crown land north of Fredericton, has people in the village of Stanley divided.

Some people say the mine, which is supposed to create 800 jobs, is a way to give the community a much-needed economic boost.

But there are also deep-seated fears about the environmental impact of the project among some living in the community.

Copies of the EIA summary and general review statement are available at the following locations:

• Burtts Corner: Birds Corner Store, 1002 Route 104.
• Florenceville-Bristol: town office, 4724 Juniper Rd.
• Fredericton: Department of Environment and Local Government,  20 McGloin St. (Marysville Place); Fredericton Public Library, 12 Carleton St.; Nashwaaksis Public Library, Nashwaaksis Middle School, 324 Fulton Av.
• Juniper: Mills Convenience Store, 6765 Route 107.
• Millville: Village office, 39 Howland Ridge Rd.
• Nackawic: town office, 26 Pinder Rd.
• Stanley: village office, 20 Main St., Stanley Community Library, 28 Bridge St., Unit 2, Hillside Convenience, 30 Main St.
• Tay Creek: Tay Creek Country Store, 3789 Route 620.
• Woodstock: town office, 824 Main St.