Area Development
Royal Nickel Corporation received a Certificate of Authorization for its Dumont Nickel Project from the Quebec Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change.

Once constructed, Dumont will be one of Canada’s largest base metal mines and will make significant contributions to the Quebec economy as a long-term and low-cost producer of nickel concentrate. Dumont is expected to employ an average of over 500 people in the Abitibi region over a 33-year project life, company officials said.

RNC's principal asset is the Dumont Nickel Project strategically located in the established Abitibi mining camp, in the municipalities of Launay and Trécesson, northwest of Amos, Quebec. The authorization is the most significant permit for mining projects in Quebec and positions Dumont to proceed to construction upon completion of financing.

Mark Selby, Royal Nickel President/CEO, said, “The Certificate of Authorization is the most important milestone achieved to date for the Dumont project. Following the appointment of Swedbank as advisors for our contemplated $600 million senior bond financing, we expect to build on this positive momentum in the coming months. Our objective is to complete the capital raising phase of the project in a timely manner to allow us to begin construction activities by early 2016.”

“The Quebec government’s permitting process is thorough and inclusive of all concerned parties. I am confident that the information exchanges amongst the various stakeholders throughout this process, along with RNC’s substantial community engagement effort and commitment, have made Dumont a stronger, more robust project,” said Selby.

“It has also helped to further align our approach to the project with regional interests, thereby maximizing the benefits to be realized by nearby communities, the Province of Quebec and our investors. Initiatives to safeguard the environment, and the health and safety of the community and our workers, have also been strengthened by this process,” he added.

The process of obtaining the certificate of authorization for Dumont included a comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment as well as public consultations conducted by the Quebec Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environnement. Under the Quebec Environment Quality Act, the Certificate of Authorization is the main permit required prior to commencing construction activities. RNC also owns interests in two advanced stage nickel exploration properties: the Aer-Kidd project near Sudbury, Ontario and the West Raglan project in northern Quebec.