2.3.3 Environmental Impact Study

An environmental impact study is an in-depth study of the environmental and socioeconomic repercussions of mining a deposit.

In Canada, this study determines whether or not a mine development permit is granted.

Many data and samples are collected in the field. They mostly concern the wildlife and vegetation, water, air, soil and special interest sites such as historical, archeological, fossiliferous sites, etc.

		Mining is now carried out in harmony with the environment.
	Source

An environmental impact study usually includes a history of the site, a summary of the rehabilitation plan, a schedule, a list of costs, a public hearing report, a conclusion and recommendations on the environmental assessment.

The environmental impact study must also include a description of:

• the expected location of mine facilities,
  
• the site (topography, vegetation, wildlife, archeological context, etc.),
  
• the mining plan,
  
• possible repercussions of the mine on the social, biological and physical environment,
  
• planned mitigation measures,
  
• environmental monitoring.
  

Visual environment mitigation measure: simulation of the construction of a roadside embankment to mask the site of a future open-pit mine. Source