TSX-V-listed vanadium, high-purity iron and titanium producer Strategic Resources has submitted all responses to questions received from Québec's environment Ministry in connection with the proposed modification of the existing Certificate of Authorization for the company's metallurgical facility at Port Saguenay, which enables the development of a four-million tonnes a year iron-ore pellet plant.

The Ministry, Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs, already granted Strategic Resources with a full Certificate of Authorisation for the BlackRock project, including a mine and concentrator at Chibougamau. 

In 2025, Strategic Resources filed for an amendment to the permitted 1.5-million tonnes a year pellet plant that is a part of the BlackRock project and has been in a review process with the Ministry to enable the company to build and operate a four-million tonnes iron-ore pellet plant at the same site.

The company received questions regarding the application from the Ministry earlier this year and has worked closely with its engineering and environmental advisors to prepare detailed, technically supported responses. Strategic has also engaged in technical dialogue with the Innu Nations as part of its existing development agreements with the Innu and in keeping with the broader review process and the company's ongoing commitment to constructive engagement with regulators, First Nations communities and stakeholders.

"The submission of our responses is an important milestone in the environmental amendment process for the Port Saguenay pellet plant project, and we continue to anticipate a positive decision on the Certificate of Authorization amendment in the coming months," says Strategic Resources CEO Sean Cleary.

The completion and submission of these responses represent a meaningful step forward for the Port Saguenay pellet plant. While the timing and outcome of the regulatory process are subject to the Ministry's discretion and applicable requirements, Strategic believes that delivering thorough and timely responses helps reduce project execution risk associated with the permit amendment and supports the Ccmpany's broader development plans for Phase 1 of the BlackRock project.