Key Highlights
- Falco Resources outlined progress on its Horne 5 mining projects environmental review in Rouyn-Noranda.
- Quebecs environment ministry indicated Falcos filings helped identify potential solutions, pending more information.
- Falco reported community initiatives, including vibration monitoring and a three-year $90,000 local partnership.
Falco Resources Ltd. (TSXV: FPC) says it has made progress advancing technical, environmental and community work for its Horne 5 Project, as the company works toward a provincial environmental authorization required before it can move into detailed engineering and preparatory development.
The companys update follows a report by Quebecs Bureau daudiences publiques sur lenvironnement (BAPE) and ongoing discussions with Quebecs Ministry of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks (MELCCFP). Falco said it has been addressing issues raised during the review process while also making regional commitments.
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Environmental review and timing
Falco said the MELCCFP indicated in June 2026 that information the company submitted allowed potential solutions to be identified for issues raised during the review. The ministry anticipated completing its environmental acceptability assessment in fall 2026, subject to receiving satisfactory additional information, according to the release.
Falco said it continues to take part in working sessions with the ministrys Environmental Assessment Directorate and is responding to requests for clarification and supporting information. The company also said it has been engaging with members of the new government following elections held in October.
Once the MELCCFPs assessment is complete, the ministry would then recommend the project to the Quebec Cabinet, which will decide whether to authorize it by decree, Falco said. The company said that even with a decree, additional studies, permits and authorizations would still be required before construction and operations.
Based on its current schedule, Falco said it is targeting receipt of the environmental decree in early 2027, while noting the timing and outcome remain subject to the governments assessment and authorization process.
Community initiatives and vibration-related work
Falco said it has advanced initiatives related to community dialogue, protection of residences and infrastructure, and regional benefits since January 2025. These included 10 meetings of an advisory committee, a community engagement governance framework developed with Rouyn-Noranda-based Agence Marinade, and an Integrity Residences and Infrastructure Program tied to vibration-related commitments, along with a Community Interaction Management Plan.
On vibration-related concerns, Falco cited an independent expert report issued in March 2026 that was commissioned by the Regional Public Health Department (CISSS-AT). According to Falcos summary, the report concluded the companys mining activities could proceed without significant risk to equipment at the Rouyn-Noranda Radiation Oncology Centre, provided specified measures are implemented. Falco also said it conducted continuous vibration monitoring at the centre from February through September 2026.
Falco also listed community investments, including a consultation table with the City of Rouyn-Noranda on a framework contribution agreement and a three-year $90,000 partnership with Collectif Territoire supporting rehabilitation of lac Osisko. The release also referenced a workplan with the city to acquire the Arthur-Gagnon ecocentre lands and a contribution toward construction of a new ecocentre on Mathieu Street in the industrial district.
Project scale and company background
Falco described the Horne 5 Project as approximately $1.75 billion in planned investment with the potential for 500 direct, permanent jobs. The company also cited an independent KPMG assessment estimating $12.1 billion in project-related expenditures over 15 years, which it said could support economic activity across Rouyn-Noranda and the Abitibi-T e9miscamingue.
Falco said it is one of the largest mineral claim holders in Quebec, with rights to about 60,000 hectares in the Noranda Camp. The company said its main asset, the Horne 5 Project, is located beneath the former Horne mine, which it said was operated by Noranda from 1927 to 1976 and produced 11.6 million ounces of gold and 2.5 billion pounds of copper. Falco also said Osisko Gold Group Inc. is its largest shareholder, with a 16.0% interest.
The original press release is available on stockhouse.com
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