Reviewed by Lexie CornerNov 27 2024
Probe Gold Inc. has provided an update on the Novador development program, including progress on its Environmental Baseline Studies. The second year of the company’s three-year baseline program, which focuses on gathering data on the biophysical aspects of the project region, has been successfully completed. These investigations are vital for documenting the current environmental conditions and play a key role in the permitting process, helping to facilitate the overall progression of the Novador project.
As part of its dedication to promoting cooperation and expediting the permission process, Probe is actively interacting with First Nations and regional stakeholders in addition to its environmental work. The company is making significant strides in gaining social acceptance for the Novador project through continuous discussions and meetings with communities and interest groups.
The baseline studies are essential in providing the information that will allow us to make the right decisions and help us minimize environmental impacts. It is also one of the key components in the permitting process, which is being run concurrently with other development work, including the ongoing Pre-Feasibility Study. We are currently expecting both the baseline studies and the PFS to be completed before the end of 2025.
David Palmer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Probe Gold Inc.
He added, “It is crucial that we maintain an aggressive internal timeline to advance our project towards development. Another key component of the permitting process is our consultation and engagement program. We are dedicated to working closely with First Nations, local communities, government agencies, and environmental organizations to ensure that our operations are sustainable and responsible. This work is critical in developing a stronger mine plan that meets the expectations of mine permitting regulators.”
Probe’s environmental studies aim to establish a comprehensive baseline of the physical, biological, and social components of the project study area, which is essential for conducting a thorough impact assessment. This baseline evaluation serves as a reference for accurately assessing the potential effects of the project on the surrounding environment.
In 2024, the company focused on several key areas. Probe completed its second year of research on vegetation, wetlands, aquatic habitats, fish populations, and bird species, providing detailed information about these ecosystems. Additionally, the company expanded data collection on physical environmental components, including soil, surface water, and groundwater quality.
Next Steps
The company plans to expand its research on fauna and important physical characteristics, such as surface water and groundwater, by 2025. They aim to complete a thorough baseline evaluation by the end of 2025 to confidently move into the impact analysis phase, where the potential effects on each environmental component will be thoroughly assessed.
To further ensure that the rock is not causing acidification or leaching, which is vital for reducing long-term environmental risks, Probe is conducting geochemical investigations. These studies are essential for obtaining environmental permits, as positive results help reassure regulatory bodies and accelerate the approval process for critical permits, such as environmental authorizations and tailings management.
In addition, Probe has been holding regular stakeholder information and consultation meetings. The company values the involvement of First Nations in the development of the Novador project. It remains committed to ongoing stakeholder engagement and consultation, which are crucial for securing the social license to operate—a key factor for regulatory bodies.
Probe has also received specific guidelines from both the Quebec and federal governments regarding the requirements for the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), enabling the company to proceed with preparing its impact statement.
About Probe’s Novador Project
Since 2016, Probe Gold has been expanding its land position in the promising Val-d'Or East region of Quebec, now holding a district-scale land package of 685 square kilometers, making it one of the largest landholders in the Val-d'Or mining camp.
The Novador project, which covers a 175-square-kilometer area, includes four former producing mines (Beliveau, Bussiere, Monique, and Beaufor) and represents 80 % of the company's gold resources in Val-d'Or East. Located in a politically stable and low-cost mining environment, Novador benefits from proximity to several active producers and mills.