Overview

• The decision overturns earlier rulings by AER hearing commissioners who had denied Summit’s bid to cancel and later adjourned the proceeding to Feb. 26.
• The regulator will now consider the Mine 14 application without an oral hearing, with written submissions directed to AER staff for review.
• Morgan cited the absence of directly affected participants opposing the project, far more supporters than opponents, and little local dissent as key factors.
• Four nearby Indigenous communities that had opposed the project withdrew objections after signing impact benefit agreements with Valory Resources in June.
• Environmental groups say the move undermines the AER’s quasi-judicial process and public accountability, while the project proponent touts jobs and proposes an underground mine near Grande Cache producing about 3,562 tonnes per day.