Graymont announced that, following extensive public and First Nations consultations, it has filed a British Columbia Environmental Assessment application for a proposed lime plant and quarry operation to be constructed near Giscome, British Columbia, Canada, in the regional district of Fraser-Fort George.
“We are pleased to be moving forward with this critical step in the formal review and permitting process for a project that would generate economic spinoffs for the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation (LTFN) and local communities, while enhancing Graymont’s ability to supply customers in the region,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Stéphane Godin.
Godin noted that changes have been made to the scope and design of the Giscome project as a result of input received during consultations with the LTFN and key local stakeholders. “We intend to continue these consultations throughout the application review and approval process,” he added, emphasizing that Graymont is committed to world-class standards with respect to the environment and sustainability, and strives to make positive contributions to communities wherever it operates.
The Giscome project entails quarry development and construction of a processing plant including state-of-the-art kilns each capable of producing approximately 200,000 tpy of lime using low-emission vertical kiln technology. Assuming necessary approvals are received, the company anticipates starting construction in 2016 and commencing lime production in 2018.
The planned investment at Giscome is consistent with Graymont’s growth strategy and its objective to be the supplier and partner of choice in the lime and limestone industry, serving customers across Western Canada and the North. In support of that strategy, Graymont recently commissioned a lime hydrating and distribution facility in Alberta’s Lamont County, near Edmonton.