Thank you Mr. Speaker, I have two returns today, both to Mr. Erasmus from questions he asked on the 30th of April. The first is in relation to alternative mining technology.
As required by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, proponents are required to consider any alternative means of carrying out the project which are technically and economically feasible and assess the environmental effects of each alternative means. The Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, as the lead regulatory authority under the environmental assessment process, evaluated the three alternative mining technologies presented by Diavik. DIAND hired a consultant who evaluated Diavik's assessment of alternatives and provided a written critique.