I am writing to register my…

I am writing to register my objection to the proposed permit to Transition Metals Corp. to undertake early exploration activities at One Island Lake (ERO number 019-3249, Ministry Reference #: PR-21-000064).

According to the proposal, proponents are required to follow provincial standards for early exploration to minimize the impacts to public health, safety and the environment from early exploration activities. I have a number of concerns related to public health, safety and the environment stemming from this proposal as well as with any future mining action in this area.

I would like to raise a multitude of potential negative impacts influencing the environment, and mine and my family’s health, quality of life and socioeconomic stance:

• I am greatly concerned about the establishment of a mining site within extremely close proximity to One Island Lake. This is a lake that is heavily influenced by anthropogenic effects as it is, with fish populations and water quality struggling in its current state. Given that the rare earth metal deposit being prospected is found at significant depth, potentially extending up to 1000m below surface (according to the magnetic inversion modeling and preliminary borehole results), I am concerned with the hydrogeochemical implications of the project. How would the exploitation of these resources affect surface water and groundwater quality in the area?

• Increased traffic on the already narrow, winding Gilbride and Mapleward roads will further increase the danger of travelling for property owners and recreation seekers in the Fowler Township area. The transportation and operation of heavy machinery will add additional stress to an area that has already seen many tragic traffic accidents.

• I am concerned that noise from heavy machine operation will disrupt quality of life for nearby property owners.

• How will the exploration of these resources impact nearby wildlife? With a radius of 1km, the potential forest and overburden removal within very close proximity to a lake ecosystem may have ecological implications.

On a personal level, I am astounded that property owners within hundreds of meters of this mineral exploration site have no knowledge of the project. How will this project affect property values around One Island Lake?
My family’s cottage was built by my late grandfather in the 1980s and lies about 500m from the Saturday Night exploration site. This property is an extremely valuable asset to my family in terms of both emotional and economic value. I fear that Transition Metals Corporation aims to make massive economic gains from this rare earth metal deposit while devaluing surrounding properties and reducing overall quality of life for nearby residents.
Thank you for considering my comments.

Zachery Hynna