Atlas Salt Inc. Releases Great Atlantic Salt Project under EPA Conditions

April 23, 2024: Atlas Salt Inc. is proud to announce a significant milestone for its Great Atlantic Salt Project. The Honourable Bernard Davis, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, has released the proposed project from the provincial environmental assessment (EA) process. This decision, a crucial step in our journey, comes with a set of conditions that Atlas Salt is committed to satisfying before proceeding with development.

The press release highlights the project’s potential to bring economic growth to the region. The Great Atlantic Salt Project envisions the development of an underground salt mine on the west coast of Newfoundland, with a projected capacity of producing 2.5 million tonnes of rock salt annually for the North American de-icing market.

This positive development follows the release of a feasibility study by Atlas Salt in August 2023, outlining a 34-year mine life for the project. The study detailed plans for accessing the salt deposit via twin declines and employing a room and pillar method with continuous mining equipment for salt extraction. Processed salt would be crushed and screened within the mine before being transported to the surface via conveyor belts.

The press release emphasizes the project’s strategic advantages. Its location offers logistical benefits, while its environmental sustainability and economic viability are key selling points for potential investors. The company has already completed a greenhouse gas emissions study to validate the project’s low-carbon footprint.

However, the path forward for the Great Atlantic Salt Project is not without hurdles. The conditional release from the environmental assessment process signifies that the project must adhere to specific environmental regulations established by the provincial government. These conditions may involve measures to mitigate potential environmental impacts of the mine’s operation. The press release does not elaborate on the specific conditions the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change outlined.

Despite these conditions, Atlas Salt views the release from the environmental assessment process as a major step forward. The company now possesses the necessary clearance to pursue financing and construction and, ultimately, generate value for its stakeholders.

Industry analysts will be following the project’s progress with interest. The Great Atlantic Salt Project’s potential economic benefits for the region are undeniable. However, ensuring responsible development that prioritizes environmental protection will be crucial for the project’s long-term success. Atlas Salt’s ability to navigate the remaining regulatory hurdles and adhere to the environmental conditions will be a key factor in determining the project’s viability.

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