Frequently Asked Questions
Strange Lake mine site and concentration plant
This “Frequently Asked Questions” section is designed to provide clear and transparent answers to the main questions concerning our rare earths mining project in Nunavik. This section will be updated regularly to reflect your concerns and to share the most recent developments with you.
If you have any further questions or comments, please feel free to email us at the following address: information@torngatmetals.com.
ABOUT THE MINE SITE
Why do you want to develop a mine at the Strange Lake site (Lac Brisson) in Nunavik?
The Strange Lake mineral deposits are unique in that they contain significant quantities of heavy and light rare earth metals. These critical minerals are found in every aspect of our daily lives: not only in cellphones, computer screens, headphones and LED lighting, but also in electric vehicles, wind turbines and many industrial components.
Our project aims to facilitate the development of a Canadian rare earths sector, from extracting ore through to value-added processing. Our goal is to provide a more diversified and more reliable supply source to key industries across the country.
We aim to carry out this project responsibly, in full compliance with environmental and regulatory requirements and in close collaboration with local communities so their concerns, knowledge and priorities are taken into account right from the start. We are also seeking to generate positive long-term impacts, particularly in terms of job creation, training and business opportunities for local and Indigenous communities.
Is the mine already up and running?
No. The project is still in the development stage and has not yet received the required authorizations for construction or operation.
The on-site activities currently being conducted primarily include environmental studies, scientific work, engineering and consultations with local communities.
The results of those studies will help to determine how the project can be implemented and what measures should be put in place to reduce potential impacts.
What are the specific plans for the Strange Lake mining site (Lac Brisson)?
The site is expected to include various infrastructure components needed to develop the mineral deposits:
- An open-pit mine
- An ore concentration plant
- A landing strip for transporting personnel and equipment
- Facilities for housing workers (dormitories, kitchen, cafeteria, infirmary, etc.)
- Facilities for managing water, waste and mining materials
The final details will continue to be updated in light of the environmental impact studies and the consultation process already underway.
How large will the mine be?
The planned open-pit mine will measure approximately 0.59 km², i.e. a relatively modest size compared to various iron mines in the region. The project is expected to produce up to 200,000 tonnes of rare earth concentrate per year; the mine will be in operation year-round. Blasting will be used at certain stages, but will not be part of the day-to-day activities.
TIMELINE AND MINE LIFE
What is the expected timeline?
The project is currently in the technical/environmental studies stage.
We plan to finalize the environmental impact studies in late 2026 prior to submission to the government authorities. Those studies will then be examined as part of the regulatory assessment process. Construction cannot begin until the required authorizations have been obtained.
If the project is approved, the mining site is expected to begin operating in 2030, based on current estimates.
How long will the mine's useful life be?
Based on current estimates, the project’s useful life will be approximately 30 years.
This figure may be adjusted as the technical studies progress and the project wends its way through the authorization process.
Environment
What steps will be taken to protect the George River caribou herd, which is already in decline?
Protecting the George River caribou is one of our top priorities. Monitoring measures will be implemented, including posting wildlife guards, activating stop-work protocols if caribou are observed nearby, reducing sources of disturbance and working closely with Indigenous communities and wildlife experts. Find out more about our caribou protection strategy.
What steps will be taken to limit dust?
Various measures will be put in place to limit dust at source, including using adapted blasting methods, dust mats and covered conveyors; crushing ore under a dome; transporting materials in closed containers; and stabilizing/recovering waste. The concentration plant will be equipped with state-of-the-art air filtration and processing systems (dust extractors, electro-filters and purifiers). Modeling studies will be used to monitor and mitigate the dispersion of particles into the environment.
Will the project affect Lac Brisson?
We are seeking to protect Lac Brisson Strange Lake. The facilities are designed to avoid bodies of water, to keep clean water separate from any water that has come into contact with the mining operations and to process any contact water before it is discharged. No process water will be discharged into the environment. In addition, infrastructure such as diversion ditches, collection systems and a filtration marsh will also serve to protect water quality.
Does the project pose any radioactivity-related risks?
The deposits contain various naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM), which are present in rocks and soils throughout the region. NORM will be generated in full compliance with Canadian standards and guidelines with a view to protecting workers, communities and the environment. Studies thus far indicate that the radiation doses associated with the project should remain well below the limits for the public set out in Health Canada’s guidelines and applied by all provinces and territories.
What will happen to the Strange Lake site upon the conclusion of the mining operations?
Plans for the mine closure are embedded in the design stage of the project. A restoration plan must be approved by the authorities. In addition, financial guarantees must be and will be set aside to ensure that site closure/rehabilitation can be carried out properly upon the conclusion of the mining operations.
SUSTAINABLE RARE EARTH PRODUCTION
How will Torngat Metals produce rare earths more responsibly than China does?
Rare earth production in China is often associated with high levels of pollution due to coal use, less stringent regulations and deficient waste management.
At Torngat Metals, our approach is very different insofar as it is based on responsibility, transparency and sustainability:
- We favour dry waste storage, which is safer for the environment.
- Process water is 100% processed and recycled, with no discharge.
- We favour in-plant ore processing, not open-pit leaching.
- Our governance is aligned with international ESG standards (Equator Principles, ICMM Mining Principles, IFC Performance Standards and the Towards Sustainable Mining initiative), backed by independent audits.
Our goal is to build a rare earths sector outside China—one that is responsible, traceable and sustainable—while contributing to the energy transition.
EMPLOYMENT
How many people will be working on the mining site once it is in operation?
During the operational stage, approximately 250 workers will be assigned to the mining site.
What kinds of jobs will be available?
On-site personnel will include mining equipment operators, mechanics, electricians, plant operators, technicians, engineers, geologists and environmental specialists, as well as jobs related to housing, food services and camp logistics.
Will workers be recruited locally?
We aim to focus on local and regional hiring, in particular within Indigenous communities in Quebec and Labrador.
What will be the work schedule for the on-site employees?
The mine will be in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Work shifts will be 12 hours long. The mining site will operate on a fly-in/fly-out basis, with a work rotation of 14 days on and 14 days off. When they are working, on-site personnel will be housed in a camp set up near the mine and plant facilities.
Page last updated: July 2026