PolyMet Updates EIS and Permit Schedule for Its NorthMet Copper-Nickel-Precious Metals Project
Wednesday November 7, 8:30 am ET
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(MARKET WIRE)--Nov 7, 2007 -- PolyMet Mining Corp. (Toronto:POM.TO - News)(AMEX:PLM - News) ("PolyMet" or the "Company") reported today that it expects that the State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and US Army Corps of Engineers will complete their evaluation of PolyMet's operating plans in January 2008 leading to publication of the draft Environmental Impact Statement (draft EIS) for the PolyMet project around the end of 1st quarter of 2008. PolyMet owns the NorthMet copper-nickel-precious metals ore-body and the nearby Erie Plant, located near Hoyt Lakes in the established mining district of the Mesabi Iron Range in northeastern Minnesota.
Completion of the draft EIS will be the culmination of a three-year effort involving PolyMet, PolyMet consultants, multiple governmental agencies and an independent EIS contractor. In addition to providing a detailed project description, PolyMet has submitted more than 70 detailed technical reports to assist those preparing the EIS to assess the environmental impacts of the project and to explore and evaluate the environmental impact of alternative approaches. Once completed, the draft EIS will be formally published in the Federal Register and State EQB Monitor. Publication will initiate a 30-day state and parallel 45-day federal public comment period.
"The agencies have indicated that they need another couple of months to complete their evaluation of the project," stated LaTisha Gietzen, Vice President of Public, Government, and Environmental Affairs for PolyMet. "We have seen significant progress on the work the agencies and their independent contractor have completed over the last several months. However, this will be the first non-ferrous mine to be permitted in Minnesota, and the agencies are intent on making sure that the project is well understood and will be able to be permitted under Minnesota's strict environmental regulations."
She continued, "Everyone recognizes that preparing a very high-quality draft EIS is key to the entire permitting process. Spending a little more time to ensure that everything is complete, properly reviewed, and carefully edited before publication is the right thing to do. The agencies recognize the importance of completing their work in a timely fashion, and are giving this project high priority."
One purpose of the EIS process is to consider modifications to operating plans that would result in better environmental outcomes. As a result, during the last several months, PolyMet has incorporated several significant improvements such as:
- Minimize wetland impacts. The mining schedule will be modified to allow waste rock backfilling in mined-out portions of the pit and the overburden stockpile will be eliminated so that wetland impacts will be reduced;
- Zero surface water discharge. Mine site water will be collected, treated, and pumped to the plant site where it will be used as process water resulting in zero surface water discharge and a reduced requirement for makeup water; and
- Minimize air emissions. Air emission controls at the crushing and concentrating plants will utilize the best available control technology, going beyond what is required by statute.
Joe Scipioni, PolyMet's Chief Operating Officer, stated, "The agencies are working hard to bring this next step in the EIS process to conclusion. The review process is working, as demonstrated by improvements to the environmental and operational aspects of the project. While we are eager to see completion of the environmental review and permitting, taking the time to do a complete and thorough job on the draft EIS is time well spent. Ultimately, our timeline to commercial start-up is driven by the date the permits are issued."
He continued, "Since joining us in August, LaTisha Gietzen has initiated a program of informing key stakeholder groups from northeastern Minnesota and elsewhere about the project and its impacts on the environment. This program will continue through completion of environmental review and permitting, and beyond."
He concluded, "We are encouraged by the strong political and community support, as well as by the commitment of the various State and Federal agencies involved to produce a timely and thorough analysis of the potential environmental impact of the project."
PolyMet will host a conference call to discuss the EIS and permitting at 12:30 pm Eastern Standard Time on Wednesday, November 7th, 2007.
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