Falco Resources Ltd. (TSX.V: FPC) (“
Falco” or the
“
Company”) welcomes the report of the Bureau
d'audiences publiques sur l'environnement (BAPE), in which the
commission of inquiry brings to the attention of the relevant
decision-making bodies various elements that require commitments,
actions or modifications, with a view to issuing government
authorizations. This commission examined the Falco Horne 5 mining
project (the “
Project”) from a sustainable
development perspective, and, at this stage of the project’s
development, it is customary for the commission to request
additional studies and analyses in order to clarify certain aspects
of the Project. It is important to note that to date,
more
than 90% of the commission’s opinions related to the Project have
already been considered, planned or initiated. Falco has
summarized its main findings in a summary of highlights.
In addition, more than 50% of the
commission's opinions suggested updating various existing
studies. Falco wishes to reiterate that these updates and
analyses are already included in its project planning and will be
submitted to government authorities at the appropriate time, as
part of the Quebec regulatory process for the Falco Horne 5
project.
In terms of content, the report:
- Sheds light on Rouyn-Noranda's
current specific socio-community and health context.
- States that the methodology and the
various approaches used to produce the predictive model are
appropriate and comply with best practices in the field, and that
the estimates of seismic potential are therefore fully
adequate.
- Emphasizes that the Project would
contribute to the Plan québécois pour la valorisation des minéraux
critiques et stratégiques 2020-2025 and, in a real but moderate
way, to Quebec's energy transition and decarbonization.
- Acknowledges that the Project could
significantly stimulate and strengthen the regional and provincial
mining industry, and notes that it could also stimulate innovation
and consolidate the activities of both regional and Quebec
companies.
Application of the precautionary
principle: at the heart of the commission's opinions
Falco welcomes the continued application of the
precautionary principle in the report's conclusions and sees this
as an opportunity to further improve the Project, by continuing the
work already begun, in close collaboration with stakeholders, local
communities and the relevant authorities.
Falco would also like to point out that many of
the recommendations made by the commission in its report are also
addressed to the Quebec government, the City of Rouyn-Noranda and
other partners, and that more than a third of the recommendations
offer avenues of reflection for the mining industry as a whole,
which could contribute to its evolution in a more sustainable
development perspective. With the start-up anticipated for 2030,
Falco has the time it needs to meet the expectations expressed.
Health and safety: a
priority
With the health and safety of Rouyn-Noranda's
citizens at the heart of Falco's priorities, a committee of experts
will be set up in January 2025 to determine the acceptable
parameters and operating conditions to ensure the cohabitation of
the Project and the Radio-Oncology Center of the Centre intégré de
santé et de services sociaux de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue
(CISSSAT).
Several discussion groups have been or are in
the process of being set up. These consultation mechanisms will
give the community the opportunity to actively participate in the
search for appropriate solutions. The commission also recommended
that the Minister include in his decree the Integrity
Program - residences and infrastructures, a Falco
initiative that was presented to the public in the fall of
2024.
Hélène Cartier, Vice-President, Environment,
Sustainable Development and Community Relations, commented: “Given
the project's stage of development, we expected the findings of the
commission and fully accept the challenge of integrating its main
conclusions, which reflect the input of the groups participating in
the hearings. These high expectations also reflect our own
commitment to environmental and social excellence. Our vision has
always been to seamlessly integrate our project into the community.
We will work with the Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte
contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs
(MELCCFP) to complete the environmental analysis in order to obtain
the decree.”
Luc Lessard, President and Chief Executive
Officer added: “In light of the BAPE report, we will continue our
efforts to improve the Horne 5 project so that it meets the
public's expectations. We are convinced of the lasting and
significant benefits for the entire region. We will take the time
to analyze the report in detail with our experts, but we are
pleased to have passed one of the last stages of the environmental
assessment process. BAPE's contribution is just one of the elements
intended to inform the recommendation that the Minister of the
MELCCFP will make to the Council of Ministers.”
Falco is confident that, with appropriate
adjustments and ongoing collaboration with stakeholders over the
next few years, solutions can be found that will ultimately enable
the Project to be completed while meeting environmental and social
expectations.
About Falco Resources
Falco is one of the largest mineral claim
holders in the province of Quebec, with an extensive portfolio of
properties in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue greenstone belt. Falco
holds rights to approximately 67,000 hectares of land in the
Noranda Mining Camp, which represents 67% of the camp as a whole
and includes 13 former gold and base metal mining sites. Falco's
main asset is the Horne 5 project located beneath the former Horne
mine, which was operated by Noranda from 1927 to 1976 and produced
11.6 million ounces of gold and 2.5 billion pounds of copper.
Osisko Development Corp. is Falco's largest shareholder, with a 16%
interest in the Company.
For more information, please
contact:Hélène CartierVice-President, Environment,
Sustainable Development and Community
Relations514-216-8611hcartier@falcores.com
Luc LessardPresident and Chief Executive
Officer, Falco Resources514 261-3336info@falcores.com
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation
Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the
TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking
Information
This news release contains forward-looking
statements and forward-looking information (together,
"forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable
Canadian securities laws. Statements, other than statements of
historical facts, may be forward-looking statements. Often, but not
always, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such
as "plans", "expects", "seeks", "may", "should", "could", "will",
"budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends",
"anticipates", "believes", or variations including negative
variations thereof of such words and phrases that refer to certain
actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will
occur or be taken or achieved. Without limiting the generality of
the foregoing statements, the Corporation obtaining all required
governmental and regulatory approvals, are forward-looking
statements. Forward- looking statements involve known and unknown
risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual
plans, results, performance or achievements of Falco to differ
materially from any future plans, results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking
statements. These risk and uncertainties include, but are not
limited to, the risk factors set out in Falco's annual and/or
quarterly management discussion and analysis and in other of its
public disclosure documents filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, as
well as all assumptions regarding the foregoing. Although Falco
believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the
forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should
not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date
of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such
events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except
where required by applicable law, Falco disclaims any intention or
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement,
whether as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise.
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