Joint review panel for Pierre River Mine project

Written comments are being solicited by the Joint Review Panel reviewing Shell Canada Energy’s proposed Pierre River Mine project near Fort McMurray. It is the start of the Environmental Impact Statement, which assesses the anticipated effects of the proposed project on the environment. The panel will review the public comments received and will determine whether it will require additional information from Shell. Once the panel is satisfied that the information is adequate, it will announce the details of the public hearing, including the date of the start of the hearing and where it will be held. A minimum of 60 days notice prior to the start of the hearing will be given. The Joint Review Panel was established on June 8. The Pierre River Mine Project includes the construction, operation and reclamation of an oil sands surface mine and bitumen extraction facilities. The proposed mining project would be located approximately 90 km north of Fort McMurray on the west side of the Athabasca River. The proposed development includes an open-pit mine, ore handling facility, bitumen extraction facilities, tailings processing facilities, support infrastructure, water and tailings management plans and the construction of a bridge across the Athabasca River. The project is designed to produce a total of 200,000 barrels of bitumen per day.