Proposed diamond mine triggers mercury concerns

When the province granted its approval for a large-scale diamond mine pit in Ontario’s northern Boreal Forest, the public had no say in the matter.

Concerned about this violation of law and the impact the mine would have on the region’s pristine lakes and rivers, Ecojustice staff lawyers Anastasia Lintner and Justin Duncan helped launch litigation alleging the government had circumvented the public’s right to be involved in the decision-making process.

Their message was heard. This spring, Ecojustice was able to withdraw its legal challenge after the government backtracked and opened the project for public comment.

As result, the DeBeers Victor Diamond Mine was subjected to the legally required public consultation process throughout the summer.

Ecojustice has filed its own comments on behalf of client CPAWS-Wildlands League, citing concerns about toxic mercury releases from the mine.

Mercury has devastating effects on all levels of the food chain, accumulating in soil and plants where it is then passed on to animals. In humans, mercury
exposure has been linked to significant neurological and developmental disorders.

Despite these dangers, Lintner said she is unsure how vocal the public will be about the project, in part because the local Attawapiskat First Nation has
already signed an Impact Benefit Agreement with the company. “If the community wants that kind of development, we will respect their wishes,” she said.

For now, Ecojustice anxiously awaits the government’s response to the public’s submissions. Lintner is hopeful that the ongoing reform of Ontario’s
135-year old Mining Act will address these types of concerns. Ideally, she said she would like to see mining exploration in the area halted until the far-reaching impact of this mine has been fully understood.