The practices of the Canadian sector of ArcelorMittal at the Mont-Wright mining complex are once again under the magnifying glass of the environmental authorities. Less than 10 months ago, the steel giant was nevertheless fined 14.5 million – a decision appealed – for having multiplied the offenses about a decade ago.
This time, the alleged violations occurred between 2014 and June 30, 2022. A judge recently ordered the Eurofins Testing laboratory to transmit analysis data to Environment and Climate Change Canada.
“At the complex, several offenses […] are counted for which there were unauthorized discharges of novice substances into waters frequented by fish at one or more locations on the mine site, “explains a federal investigator, in a sworn statement filed at the Montreal courthouse to justify the prescription.
The alleged facts would contravene the Fisheries Act. Environment and Climate Change Canada’s claims have yet to be tested in court. As of this writing, ArcelorMittal has not responded to questions from The Press about the new allegations. In 2022, ArcelorMittal generated net profits of US$10.6 billion.
According to the affidavit, mine effluents – tailings that may contain toxic substances – carried contaminants into Lake Irene, Lake Saint-Ange, Lake Webb and other streams. These are places which constitute fish habitats within the meaning of the Fisheries Act and which feed a basin that empties into the Moisie River, a “planned aquatic reserve”.
“The Moisie River is recognized as one of the most important Atlantic salmon rivers in North America,” says the affidavit. It has a worldwide reputation for the quality of its sport fishing and its exceptional panorama. »
Major complex
Located on the North Shore, the Mont-Wright mine, whose activities started in 1974, is the largest open pit iron deposit in Canada. It has reserves for another three decades, according to ArcelorMittal.
Company employees take samples to measure the concentration of mining effluents. These samples are analyzed internally as well as in an external laboratory. Federal authorities are calling for a series of samples taken since 2014. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, this will “demonstrate unauthorized releases of harmful substances”.
“It seems that it is more profitable for a mining company to pay fines after a long legal process rather than to respect the law, deplores Rodrigue Turgeon, lawyer and co-spokesperson for the Coalition Québec Better Mine. If the alleged facts are confirmed, this demonstrates the odiousness of the self-regulation system from which the mining industry benefits. »
Last June, ArcelorMittal was sentenced to a fine of approximately 14.5 million – the largest ever imposed in Quebec for environmental violations. As of fall 2021, the company had been found guilty of more than 90 counts filed under the Fisheries Act as well as Metal Mining Effluent Regulations. The alleged acts took place from 2011 to 2013.
The case is still before the Court of Appeal.
Depending on the turn of events, the multinational could find itself in a situation of recidivism if it were once again to be condemned. In the event of a guilty verdict, the fine then reaches 1 million per count.
If the suspicions of Environment and Climate Change Canada are confirmed, Mr. Turgeon believes that this will be an example where it would be necessary to go further by imposing financial sanctions “proportional to the profits of the mining companies”.
Learn more
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- 26 million
- Tonnes of iron ore concentrate extracted annually at the Mont-Wright complex
Source: ArcelorMittal