Project to Expand the Ore Stockpile at the Puimajuq Deposit - Nunavik Nickel Project

The project covered by this request for amendment consists of expanding the Puimajuq deposit ore stockpile to an area of 26,000 m2, in order to store overburden showing signs of potential acid-generation. Construction of the open-pit mine at the Puimajuq deposit was completed in spring 2021. The ore is classified as potentially acid generating (PAG) and is leachable into metals (Co, Cr, Cu and Ni). The extracted ore will be temporarily stored near the pit and transported by truck to the Expo industrial complex.
Waste rock is classified as not being potentially acid generating. However, approximately 12% of the waste rock in the pit is leachable into metals (Cr, Cu and Ni), but low risk. The waste rock is transported to the waste-rock pile near the pit. Ditches and berms along the periphery of the waste-rock pile will capture runoff and direct it to the collection basin.
The proponent will segregate leachable waste rock (12%) and deposit it in the ore stockpile so that it can be returned to the pit during the closure period.