Western Potash Corp. Submits Milestone Environmental Impact Statement and Provides Company Update
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (Business Wire) -- Western Potash Corp. (TSX: WPX) (FSE: AHE) ("the Company")
has submitted an Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") for the
proposed Milestone potash solution mine, located approximately 30 km
Southeast of Regina and 80 km Southeast of Mosaic's Belle Plaine mining
lease. The EIS was prepared and submitted to the Saskatchewan Ministry
of Environment ("MOE") in conformance with the Government of
Saskatchewan's "Environmental Assessment Act."
The EIS describes innovative features designed to minimize the potential
impacts to the environment, while optimizing social and economic
benefits to the local and regional communities.
The EIS comprises a comprehensive series of coordinated studies that
rely upon substantial data collection and analysis. The Baseline studies
include the study of: wildlife, surface water quality, air quality,
aquatic biota, soil, and vegetation with a focus on potential
project-environment interactions, as well as, socio-economic components.
The EIS includes records of all engagement meetings with the members of
the local communities, the First Nations and Metis communities, and
government and regulatory agencies. Once all necessary approvals are in
place, the environmental monitoring and follow up programs will be
outlined.
Golder Associates Ltd. ("Golder") of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan assisted
Western Potash Corp. with the preparation of the EIS. Golder is an
employee-owned, global company providing consulting, design, and
construction services in earth, environment, and related areas of
energy. Golder was chosen by the Company, because of their commitment to
technical excellence and their experience with environmental assessment
work for other potash projects in Saskatchewan. Canada North
Environmental Services ("CanNorth"), an ISO 9001 and 14001 certified
100% Aboriginal owned company based in Saskatoon, provided environmental
impact assessment expertise related to the Company's option of using
recycled water from the City of Regina. CanNorth was chosen due to their
highly regarded specialty skills and extensive experience in and near
the Project area.
Patricio Varas, Western Potash Corp.'s CEO and President commented:
"In 2010, the Western Potash Corp. environmental team was put together
at our Company offices in Regina, Saskatchewan, in order to prepare and
facilitate the EIS work for the Milestone Project. Today, after a
coordinated effort between all the regulatory agencies and our team we
are pleased to be submitting a critical document that will go a long way
to de-risking the Milestone Project and ultimately create lasting value
for our shareholders."
Following a technical review by the regulatory agencies, the EIS will be
input on the MOE's website and available for public review. At present,
Western Potash Corp. expects this to occur sometime in Q4 2012.
Company Update
The Milestone Project is being designed as a solution potash mine with a
minimum of 40 years of mining at a full production rate of 2.8 million
tonnes per year. In June 2012, the City of Regina approved Key
Commercial Terms that will allow a large portion of the City's treated
sewage effluent to be diverted to the Milestone Project.
Patricio Varas elaborated:
"We know that effective water governance requires the involvement of a
broad range of stakeholders. Western Potash Corp. is but one
stakeholder. We recognize that the sustainable development of natural
resources requires detailed attention to water use. Water has value in
economic, social and environmental terms. The natural resource sector
will continue to be the most significant user of water in Saskatchewan
and we believe it falls to those natural resource development companies
to demonstrate the kind of leadership and innovation that we hope will
become more prevalent in industry. We at Western are planning a very
innovative use of water in the development of our Potash Solution Mine."
The Milestone Feasibility Study is now drawing to a close with a
completion date set for late November 2012. In addition, Western Potash
Corp. remains involved in ongoing negotiations with numerous parties,
any of which could lead to equity and debt financings, joint ventures,
takeovers or other types of merger transactions to advance the
development of the Milestone project.
For more information on Western Potash Corp.'s projects, please visit
the Company's website at: www.westernpotash.com.
"The Milestone Feasibility Study is now drawing to a close with a
completion date set for late November 2012. In addition, Western Potash
Corp. remains involved in ongoing negotiations with numerous parties,
any of which could lead to equity and debt financings, joint ventures,
takeovers or other types of merger transactions to advance the
development of the Milestone project."
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