Feasibility Study and Technical Report - Pretivm

20.2.1 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCESSMajor mining projects in BC are subject to environmental assessment and review prior tocertification and issuance of permits to authorize construction and operations.Environmental assessment is a means of ensuring the potential for adverseenvironmental, social, economic, health, and heritage effects or the potential adverseeffects on Aboriginal interests or rights are addressed prior to project approval.Depending on the scope of a project, assessment and permitting of major mines in BCwill proceed through the BC EA process pursuant to the BCEAA and the CEAA (2012).At a provincial level, proposed mining developments that exceed a threshold criterion of75,000 t/a (or 205 t/d) as specified in the Reviewable Project Regulations, are requiredunder the BCEAA to obtain an Environmental Assessment Certificate from the MEMNGand MOE before the issuance of any permits to construct or operate. The Project willthus require a provincial Environmental Assessment Certificate, because its proposedproduction rate exceeds the specified threshold.At a federal level, proposed gold mine developments (other than placer mines) thatexceed a threshold criterion of 600 t/d as specified under the Regulations DesignatingPhysical Activities, are required to complete an EIS pursuant to the CEAA (2012). Thuscompletion of an EIS will be necessary for the Project since the proposed production rateexceeds the specified threshold.Pretivm has formally entered both the provincial and federal EA processes. While theprovincial and federal decisions are made independently, the two levels of governmentwork together to allow for a coordinated effects assessment process. In relation to theprovincial EA process, Pretivm has submitted a Project Description and has received aSection 10 order under the BCEAA. Federally, Pretivm has submitted a ProjectDescription and has received final EIS guidelines from the Canadian EnvironmentalAssessment Agency. Pretivm is targeting completion of a combined application for anEnvironmental Assessment Certificate and EIS by the end of 2013. Provincial andfederal decisions on the EA process are expected in Q4 2014. Provincial approval of theEnvironmental Assessment Certificate and federal approval of the EIS will then allow forthe issuance of the necessary statutory permits and authorizations to commenceconstruction of the Project.20.2.2 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTSPretivm will design, construct, operate, and decommission the Project to meet allapplicable BC and Canadian environmental and safety standards and practices. Some ofthe pertinent provincial and federal legislation that establish or enable these standardsinclude:• Environment and Land Use Act (BC)• Environmental Management Act (BC)• Health Act (BC)Pretium Resources Inc. 20-23 1291990200-REP-R0012-02Feasibility Study and Technical Report on the BrucejackProject, Stewart, BC