Renewable energy

Yes, there is a possibility that less than twelve could be installed, depending on which exact wind turbine model is selected

Other options were studied such as a hydroelectric dam. However, the area is very flat and building a dam would require flooding a vast region. While a dam would have been technically viable, we wanted to limit our impact on the environment, wildlife and local communities.

Other options such as solar-powered panels were explored but would not be viable given that in winter the panels’ production would be at its lowest while electricity need is at its peak. The footprint of solar panels would have also been significant, covering hundreds of acres of land to produce a fraction of the power estimated to be provided by the planned wind farm.

In addition to the turbines themselves, the project will also include other components required to secure them and integrate them to the power grid. This is currently planned to include: 

• constructing additional access roads to the sites of the turbines (about 4km);

• stripping and excavating the ground on the wind turbines site and in surrounding work areas;

• building a 100mX100m platform for each wind turbine;

• installing a battery system encased in nine 20 foot shipping containers; and

• installing reinforced power cables running directly on the ground.

Wind turbines will be transported by ship from the manufacturer to Deception Bay. Two or three ships will be needed to transport the wind turbines and their components. Another ship will ferry the trucks, trailers and crane for the onsite installation team. 

All parts and equipment will then be transported from Deception Bay to Raglan Mine by truck using the existing road. The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment will assess the potential impact of truck, heavy machinery, and traffic on the road. 

The expected life span for this type of wind turbine is 25 years. However, given Raglan Mine’s intense wind and cold conditions we are expecting a 20-year life span.

After the end of their expected lifespan, the turbines need to go through a full certification and mechanical  overhaul. Depending on their overall state after 20 years and how technology may have progressed, they could be recommissioned for another extended period in collaboration with the manufacturer.

Given the distance from the communities, the wind turbines will not be visible from Salluit nor Kangiqsujuaq. Raglan Mine is currently conducting simulations and 3D mapping to determine how they will be visible in the landscape from different points on the land in weather conditions that would create maximum visibility, both in the daytime and the nighttime. Those simulations will be presented in fall 2024 during community consultations and in individual consultations with local and regional stakeholders.  

Yes, all wind turbines have a red light sitting at the top of the nacelle and on the mast. Visual simulations will include nighttime views to determine how they will be visible from different points of view on the land.

No. Communities should not hear any noise coming from the wind turbines. It is estimated that the average noise level from the current wind turbines, at a distance of 750m, is lower than 40Db, which is the sound level of a normal dishwasher. A noise modeling will be conducted to describe how the noise generated by the wind turbines will spread in the environment and to predict the sound levels.

Wind turbines can become invisible to birds when spinning which can cause collision and mortality. The wind turbines currently in place have each undergone a 3-year monitoring program to determine their effect on wildlife. They have not been shown to have caused any bird mortality. Raglan Mine is committed to wildlife protection and will perform the same monitoring program for the new wind turbines.

The monitoring program has also shown that small mammals, such as artic foxes, continue to inhabit the area. It is expected that the addition of further wind turbines will not scare off small mammals.

Some scientific literature seems to indicate that caribou could be sensitive to the presence of wind turbines. However, more research is needed, as well as input from traditional Inuit knowledge holders (Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit) to try to identify and mitigate any potential adverse effects on the caribou. The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment will document potential impact of construction (such as traffic) and operations (the presence of wind turbines).

Raglan Mine’s activities are subject to the Raglan Agreement. This agreement states that procurement policies and procedures give priority to local businesses for many categories of products and services. The windfarm project will be governed by the same policies, ensuring that existing Inuit businesses are favored and that opportunities are provided to increase the number of such businesses in our projects.  Additionally, the Tamatumani program aims to increase the ratio of Inuit employees and contractors within Raglan Mine thus promoting Inuit employment and their integration into different fields of the mining sector.

Raglan Mine has been collaborating with local communities for almost 30 years. Building on its existing relations with local communities, we will ensure community feedback is collected through local public consultations, focus groups, radio interviews, and stakeholder consultations. Such feedback will be included in the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment required by the Kativik Environment Quality Commission.

Community feedback will help shape the mitigation measures to address concerns raised during consultations.

This project is subject to the approval procedure defined by the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA) and the Environment Quality Act. Raglan Mine needs to conduct an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) to document the potential effects of the project on the environment and the local communities. In this assessment, Raglan Mine will need to show how it intends to avoid or mitigate anticipated negative impacts of the project. During this stage, communities and local stakeholders will be consulted to ensure concerns are thoroughly documented, and that Inuit traditional knowledge is included.

The ESIA will then be submitted to the Kativik Environment Quality Commission (KEQC), which will assess and review the project, ask questions and, if necessary, conduct its own public consultations. For more information on the approval process, please consult the KEQC website: Procedure page on the KEQC website.

One of the most important communication channels for our stakeholders is the Raglan Committee. It ensures that we receive regular feedback and maintain ongoing dialogue with our partners in Nunavik. 

Furthermore, Raglan Mine intends to continue organizing its yearly environmental forum, which will include updates on this project every year to ensure communities are kept appraised of the advancement of the project and have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. 

At any time after the project is approved, community members can also reach out directly to Raglan Mine by contacting their Community Mining Liaison Officer or through the mine’s grievance mechanism direct phone line (1-844-280-8110).