Our sustainable development approach
At Torngat Metals, sustainable development lies at the heart of our design, construction and operational activities. Our project approach draws on Indigenous perspectives, environmental sciences, social responsibility and robust governance processes. We are striving to reduce the impacts of our mining, transportation and rare earth processing operations while bringing long-term benefits to our host communities.
Our practices are aligned with internationally recognized standards, including the Equator Principles, the IFC’s Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability, the ICMM’s Mining Principles and the MAC’s Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) standard. These frameworks help us to focus our decision-making and ensure an independent assessment of our performance.
Biodiversity and “no net loss”
We undertake to preserve and enhance biodiversity thanks to a “no net loss” approach based on the following hierarchy of mitigation measures:
- Avoid sensitive areas, such as caribou calving grounds and main waterways.
- Minimize operational impacts mainly through design and seasonal restrictions.
- Restore ecosystems gradually over the entire project lifecycle.
- Offset residual impacts via conservation and restoration projects.
Working alongside Indigenous partners and experts specializing in the George River migratory caribou herd and the Arctic char, we are incorporating traditional Indigenous mapping and habitat monitoring knowledge.
Responsible resource development
Mining
Strange Lake’s geology allows us to focus on higher-grade ore. This means less waste and a reduced mining area. Site restoration will begin gradually during the operational phase, while closure planning will be factored in from the outset to foster sustainable land use after mining operations have ended.
Transportation
The seasonal access road and the maritime transportation system are designed to reduce impacts on lands, waters and habitats used by wildlife, as well as by the indigenous communities for cultural, subsistence and recreational purposes. Route/schedule planning would be designed to avoid sensitive areas.
Separation plant
The proposed rare earth separation plant in Sept-Îles would incorporate a closed-loop water management system, ensuring continuous recycling of process water to reduce consumption and eliminate any discharge into the environment. An advanced air purification system, dry stacked residue management, and energy-efficient infrastructure would help mitigate environmental impacts while promoting responsible processing.
Learn more about the separation plantClose collaboration with communities
Ongoing dialogue with all local and Indigenous communities has been at the heart of the Strange Lake project from the very start. Together, we aim to design a development process that brings sustainable economic and social benefits while respecting cultural values and minimizing our impact on northern ecosystems.
Indigenous knowledge is playing a pivotal role in the areas of environmental planning, wildlife protection and site restoration. Thanks to initiatives such as guardian-led land monitoring, community-based tree nurseries and joint environmental studies, we are incorporating traditional knowledge and scientific data with a view to making decisions that reflect shared priorities, from the project design stage to site closure.
Responsibility, governance and transparency
We undertake to assess the sustainable development performance of our operations. This assessment will be carried out within the framework of independent environmental audits, third-party evaluations and follow-up reports issued by communities.
We will also be publishing annual sustainable development updates summarizing our performance indicators, in particular greenhouse gas emissions, water recycling rates, biodiversity results and community mobilization. These indicators will be verified by independent experts and Indigenous partners.
A robust governance process guides each and every one of our decisions. ESG factor performance will be overseen by our Board of Directors and by specialized committees to ensure ethical practices, transparent accountability and responsible development.