On November 3, 2008, Shore Gold Inc. ("Shore") filed a Project Proposal with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment and federal agencies.  The filing commenced an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to examine the impact of a possible open-pit mine at the Star Kimberlite and a possible second open-pit at the Orion South Kimberlite, mining method, processing facilities and associated infrastructure to commercially extract diamonds.  As well, the Project Proposal provided a conceptual site layout.  The Project Proposal has most recently been followed by the publication of a Pre-feasibility Study on the combined Star-Orion South Diamond Project.  This would involve the contemporaneous development of the two open pits.  This updated project description, which will be the subject of a highly detailed Environmental Impact Statement, will be used by regulators to guide them in decision-making, and forms the basis for continued discussion with the public about what the potential project would look like.

Presently, Shore is in the process of completing an Environmental Impact Statement for submission to Saskatchewan Environment and federal agencies, to be submitted in 2010.  Community engagement and feedback is a key part of the EIA process and will inform the Environmental Impact Statement.  To this end, Shore held an initial series of Open Houses in February, 2009 in Smeaton, Nipawin, Melfort and Prince Albert, and is holding a second round in June, 2010.  The format involves a series of displays, maps and simulations and provides an opportunity for members of the public to submit questions or comments.  The Open Houses have four stations, dedicated to Geology, Mining and Processing, Environment, and Employment and Procurement.  Professionals in each area attend to staff the displays, answer questions and take comments.

The first-round of Open Houses attracted over 1000 people, and proved to be a successful exercise both in conveying Shore's plans and receiving input from members of the public.  It was clear that the public supported development, under appropriate environmental standards.

The second round of Open Houses were held June 14-17 in Meath Park, Choiceland, Nipawin, Tisdale, Melfort and Prince Albert.

In addition, Shore remains in regular contact with the communities of the region in which mining would occur through the Diamond Development Advisory Committee. The committee is made up of representatives of cities, towns, villages, rural municipalities, First Nations and Métis Regions in the area, and is a valued vehicle through which two-way communication between Shore and the community is maintained.