Share your ideas: Amendments to the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations for the IOC Western Hillside Project
Current status: Closed
This consultation will be open from February 23 to April 24, 2026.
Background
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is seeking comments 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 Carol Mine. This requires an amendment to Schedule 2 of the MDMER to list these water bodies as “Tailings Impoundment Areas”.
- Iron Ore Company of Canada (the Proponent) is proposing to build a pipeline extension to continue depositing tailings into Wabush Lake. The tailings being deposited will encroach into Hillside Stream on the west side of the lake. The mine is located near Labrador City, in Newfoundland and Labrador
- The regulatory amendments, if approved, would list Hillside stream as “Tailings Impoundment Areas” for the Carol Mine
Focus of this consultation
ECCC is consulting on the Alternatives Assessment Justification report and the Fish Habitat Compensation Plan.
- Alternative Assessment Justification (PDF) (prepared by the proponent and available in English only)
- Summary of the Alternatives Assessment Justification (PDF) (prepared by the proponent)
- 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)
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 April 24, 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
Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Section
Mining and Processing Division
351 boulevard Saint-Joseph
Gatineau QC K1A 0H3
Email: mdmer-remmmd@ec.gc.ca