The Matoush Uranium Exploration Project
Applicant: Strateco Resources Inc.
Location: The Matoush uranium exploration project is centrally located within the Province of Quebec, situated 210 km north of the Cree community of Mistissini and about 275 km north of the town of Chibougamau. There are no settlements or residences located in the vicinity of the proposed project. The nearest community is Mistissini.
Summary: The Matoush project proposes the creation of an exploration ramp, driving two exploration tunnels in waste rock, drilling of the mineralized zone, and up to three excavations through the mineralized zone. The proposed activities will allow the applicant to further define the amount and grade of uranium. This information will be used to determine the feasibility of building a mine and mill. There are no plans for development through the mineralized zone beyond what is required to define the ore body. No production mining or milling activities have been proposed.
Latest News
- July 27, 2012: Fact Sheet on Polonium-210
- July 12, 2012: Letter to the Mayor of Chibougamau (PDF) in response to her request during the public proceedings held in Chibougamau on June 7, 2012 for clarification on the content of a document written and submitted by Isabelle Gingras, MD entitled "Pourquoi un moratoire sur les mines d’uranium au Québec”" [Why a moratorium on uranium mines in Quebec?]
- June 5-7, 2012: A public Commission Tribunal hearing to consider Strateco Resources Inc.’s application for a licence to prepare a site and construct for an underground uranium exploration project was held from June 5 to 7, 2012, in the communities of Mistissini and Chibougamau, Québec.
- May 29, 2012: Fact Sheet in Cree - CNSC Licensing Hearing: The Matoush Underground Exploration Project (PDF)
- May 14, 2012: Fact Sheet - CNSC Licensing Hearing: The Matoush Underground Exploration Project
- May 2, 2012: Revised Notice of Public Hearing for Matoush project (new deadline) (PDF)
Licensing Progress Details (Timelines are best estimates and are subject to change)
- Environmental Assessment: Matoush Uranium Exploration Project
The proposed project was the subject of a public Commission Tribunal hearing held in Mistissini and Chibougamau, Québec on June 5-7, 2012. The Commission has not yet rendered a decision.
Project Milestone |
Responsibility |
Link to document |
Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strateco submitted an application for a Licence to Prepare Site and Construct |  Completed by Strateco |
Nov. 4, 2008 | |
| Notice of the the start of the licensing and Environmental Assessment (EA) process posted | Completed by CNSC |
Notice of the start of the Environmental Assessment process | Mar. 5, 2009 |
| EA Guidelines provided to Strateco | Completed by CEA Agency |
Matoush Uranium Exploration Project Guidelines | Mar. 31, 2009 |
| Availability of funding for public and Aboriginal participants in EA review (Participant Funding Program) announced | Completed by CEA Agency |
Notice of Public Funding Program | Sept. 30, 2009 |
| Awarded Participant Funding for the EA review | Completed by CEA Agency |
Awarded Participant Funding Program | |
| Submit draft Environmental and Social Impact Study (ESIS) | Completed by Strateco |
Environmental Impact Statement | Nov. 10, 2009 |
| Submit detailed licence application information |  Completed by Strateco |
Nov. 2009 | |
| Conduct technical review of the ESIS and licence application documentation | Completed by CNSC |
Commission Member Document CMD 12-H7 | Review of the ESIS by the CNSC was completed June 2011 Review of licensing application and Commission Member Document was completed by April 5, 2012 |
| Hold public information session on draft ESIS | Completed by COFEX/COMEX |
Notice of public information session | May, 2010 |
| Hold public hearing on draft ESIS | Completed by COFEX/COMEX |
Notice of Public Hearing | Nov. 2010 |
| Submit draft Comprehensive Study Report (CSR) | Completed by COFEX |
July 2011 | |
| Submit Comprehensive Study Report (CSR) to Environment Canada | Completed by CNSC |
July 2011 | |
| Post CSR for public and Aboriginal comment on the (CEARIS) | Completed by CEA Agency |
Comprehensive Study Report | Aug. 2011 |
| If the Minister recommends the project proceed to licensing the CNSC will begin their public hearing process | Completed by President of CEA Agency & Federal Minister of the Environment |
February 2012 | |
| Post CNSC Staff recommendations for licensing for public and Aboriginal comment | Completed by CNSC |
Commission Member Document CMD 12-H7 | April 2012 |
| Hold public licensing hearing (in Mistissini and Chibougamau) | Completed by CNSC |
Notice of Hearing | June 5-7, 2012 |
| Post Commission decision on the licence application | Expected from CNSC | Pending decision from the Minister of Environment |