Current status

Notice of opportunity to provide input.

Project summary

We are considering, subject to the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council, issuing a mining lease under subsection 176(3) of the Mining Act to Compass Minerals Canada Corp., for land under the water of Lake Huron, approximately 6.2 km west of the Town of Goderich. The proposed new lease is situated adjacent to the western boundary of the applicant’s existing mining lease 110134.

Proponent

Compass Minerals Canada Corp.

Location

Goderich, Ontario

Type

Instrument

Reference number

Environmental Registry of Ontario #: 026-0226

Contact

Lisette Prudhomme

Mines and Minerals Regulation Division
B3-933 Ramsey Lake Road
Sudbury, Ontario
P3E 6B5

Tel: 1-888-415-9845 
Email: lisette.prudhomme@ontario.ca

Notice of opportunity to provide input on a Category B project

The Ministry of Energy and Mines is seeking feedback on the applicant's request for the issuance of a mining lease under subsection 176(3) of the Mining Act (the Act) for a new salt development area. The issuance of a mining lease under this section of the Act requires Lieutenant Governor in Council approval. In addition, the issuance may be subject to terms and conditions as considered appropriate by the Minister.

The proposed mining lease area covers approximately 1,592 hectares of land under the water of Lake Huron, approximately 6.2 km west of the Town of Goderich. The proposed mining lease area is situated next to the western boundary of the applicant’s existing mining lease 110134.

The applicant’s request to issue a mining lease because geological anomalies discovered in the northwest sector of mining lease 110134 have caused the applicant to pursue an alternative mine plan through the development of east-west mining panels south and west of the anomaly. The new salt development area will optimize salt extraction and allow the applicant to continue mine development elsewhere while they adequately define and assess the geology and geometry of the salt deposit within their existing mining lease. The proposed new salt development area was designed, sized and developed with a focus on long-term operation and preservation that incorporates sound rock mechanics principles, which will optimize mining panels for long-term stability. A subsidence assessment study was completed in 2024 along with a proposed life of mine plan that assesses the impacts to the land on the surface, the adjacent mine workings, the shafts and the overall stability of the mine. The area surrounding the shafts and mine infrastructure, as well as the coastal region adjacent to the town of Goderich, is projected to experience minimal subsidence over the next 100 to 200 years. The new salt development area is integral to the overall mining operations of the Goderich Salt Mine which is expected to operate until 2094.

Unlike most minerals, Ontario’s rock salt cannot be obtained by registering a mining claim under the standard process.

Therefore, due to the unique nature of salt extraction, Crown mining leases issued under the authority of the Lieutenant Governor in Council allow the Minister of Energy and Mines to establish special provisions that may differ from other mining leases issued under s. 81 of the Mining Act, which can include the payment of royalties and conditions for future renewals.

Low to moderate environmental impacts from issuing this mining lease is expected. The proposed area is next to the company’s existing mining lease, and any activities in the new area would still need to meet all environmental approval requirements and regulations. In addition, the issuance of a mining lease is an administrative requirement to hold proper tenure for a new salt development area.

The proposal has been screened as a Category B project with low to moderate impacts for environmental effects in accordance with the Class Environmental Assessment for Activities of the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines under the Mining Act (amended 2018).

In addition, the issuance of a mining lease under subsection 176(3) of the Act is an instrument for the purposes of the Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993. A notice for the proposed lease issuance has also been posted on the Environmental Registry of Ontario as ERO Number 026-0226. For both purposes, you are invited to comment on the request to issue mining lease.

For more information, or to submit comments, please contact:

Lisette Prudhomme
B3-933 Ramsey Lake Road
Sudbury, Ontario
P3E 6B5

Email: lisette.prudhomme@ontario.ca

Your privacy

Personal information you provide in a submission (such as name, address, and telephone number) and your views and opinions are being collected by the ministry under the authority of the Environmental Assessment Act for the purpose of engaging in public consultation and making decisions regarding the project.

Your personal information may also be shared with the Environmental Approvals and Permissions Branch of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. The collection, use, and disclosure of this information are all governed by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Questions about the collection of this information should be directed to:

Lisette Prudhomme

B3-933 Ramsey Lake Road
Sudbury, Ontario
P3E 6B5

Tel: 1-888-415-9845 
Email: lisette.prudhomme@ontario.ca