FAQ
Below you’ll find the answers to the questions we get asked most often. If you don’t see your question, feel free to contact us
Why aren’t you transporting your product by rail?
Rail transport was the subject of a three-year study. The first scenario presented in the initial version of the environmental impact statement is available (in French) (see pp. 4-26 to 88/636 of the PDF). At the end of the study, all the possible rail transport options studied were found to present problems in terms of logistics (a requirement for an additional transfer site), public safety (a kilometre-long train would block streets too long for emergency vehicles) and encroachment on farmland, and were deemed unacceptable.
Will maritime traffic have an adverse effect on belugas?
An assessment of the effects of increased maritime traffic on subaquatic noise in the Saguenay River (WSP, 2017) concluded that, even in MAXIMUM traffic conditions (i.e., an increase of 410 ships by 2030 due to the ongoing projects in the Saguenay region, including Blackrock and GNL Québec), the river would remain unaffected by noise from large ships 95.7% of the time when belugas are present, i.e., between May and October. Taking only the noise from traffic related to the shipping terminal facilities on the north shore into consideration, under maximum multi-user conditions (140 ships), the Saguenay would remain free of noise from these ships for 97.4% of the period when belugas are present there (in French).
In addition, Arianne Phosphate and Rio Tinto have signed a project agreement concerning potential maritime services sharing. The agreement provides for discussions focused on Arianne’s use of ships serving Rio Tinto to deliver its phosphate concentrate to international markets, thus minimizing the increase in maritime traffic on the Saguenay.
During the BAPE hearings, Arianne informed the commission that it wishes to use Rio Tinto ships to transport apatite concentrate that these ships could represent 25% of all vessels used. This percentage could be reduced. Arianne will require approximately 60 ships per year, depending on the vessels’ tonnage.
Which routes will you use to transport your concentrate?
The concentrated transportation route was set out in Order-in-Council 1139-2015 issued by the government of Québec. To minimize the impact of transportation on more sensitive vacation/resort areas, bypass routes have been proposed to the various government departments. These bypasses are currently preliminary and must be approved by several provincial government departments once the detailed engineering phase has been completed.
A map of the proposed bypass routes is available at: http://www.arianne-inc.com/files/_user/bloc_document/carte_-_localisation_contournements_-v1_avec_notice-.pdf
Could your product contaminate the water?
Arianne Phosphate’s product—apatite concentrate—consists of non-water-soluble fine sand. The phosphorus it contains is “locked” inside the apatite crystals and cannot dissolve in water. Therefore, a spill of apatite concentrate into the water would simply release suspended solids, resulting in cloudy water.
Where can I apply to build or work at the mine?
We have no positions to fill at the moment. However, you may send your CV to info@arianne-inc.com for future reference. Note that contractors selected for construction must hire their personnel.
Will the port be built even if Arianne Phosphate doesn’t go forward?
No. The Saguenay port authority won’t start building the port until Arianne Phosphate begins constructing the mining facilities.
