Share your ideas: Amendments to the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations for the Great Bear Gold Project
Current status: Closed
This consultation was open from June 23 to August 25, 2026
Background
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is seeking comments from the public and Indigenous Nations on a proposed authorization under the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations (MDMER) for the disposal of mine waste in fish-frequented water bodies at the Great Bear mine site. This requires an amendment to Schedule 2 of the MDMER to list these water bodies as “Tailings Impoundment Areas”.
- Kinross Gold Corporation (the Proponent) is proposing to construct a new open pit and underground mine. The mine is located 23 km southeast of Red Lake, Ontario.
- The regulatory amendments, if approved, would list water bodies frequented by fish as “Tailings Impoundment Areas” for the Great Bear mine.
Focus of this consultation
ECCC is consulting on the Fish Habitat Compensation Plan.
- Fish Habitat Compensation Plan (PDF) (prepared by the proponent and available in English only)
- Summary of the Fish Habitat Compensation Plan (PDF) (prepared by the proponent)
For your information
The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada is conducting an impact assessment on the Great Bear Gold Project, where the Proponent prepared an Assessment of Alternatives Report for mine waste disposal to identify the best option from an environmental, technical, economic and socio-economic perspective.
- Assessment of Alternatives Report (PDF) (prepared by the proponent and available in English only)
- Summary of the Assessment of Alternatives (PDF) (prepared by the proponent)
How to participate
Send a letter with your ideas and input to the address and contact information below.
Send an email with your ideas or comments using the contact information below.
Comments must be submitted by August 25, 2026.
Please read our privacy statement for this consultation.
Who is the focus of this consultation
ECCC would like to hear from:
- Indigenous Peoples
- provincial, territorial and local governments
- industry stakeholders and association members
- non-governmental organizations
- general public
Related information
- Tailings Impoundment Areas
- Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations
- Fisheries Act
- Guidelines for the assessment of alternatives for mine waste disposal
- Guide To The Regulatory Process For Listing Water Bodies Frequented By Fish In Schedule 2 Of The Metal And Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations
Contact us
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Mining and Processing Division
Environmental Protection Branch
351 boulevard Saint-Joseph
Gatineau QC K1A 0H3
Email: mdmer-remmmd@ec.gc.ca