NTI Applauds NIRB Decision on Baffinland’s Phase 2 Proposal

(May 16, 2022, Iqaluit, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) welcomes the decision of the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) in its Reconsideration Report on Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation (Baffinland)’s proposal on Mary River Project Phase 2.

The NIRB concluded (p. 252 of the Report):

• the “Phase 2 Development Proposal has the potential to result in significant adverse ecosystemic and socio-economic effects in Nunavut and the potential for transboundary effects on marine mammals and fish and the marine environment outside the Nunavut Settlement Area”; and

•   the “potential significant adverse effects cannot be adequately prevented, mitigated, or adaptively managed under proposed mitigation, adaptive management, and monitoring programs.”

As a result, NIRB determines and recommends to the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, that the Mary River Phase 2 Development Proposal not be allowed to proceed.

NTI supports the NIRB’s determination, and urges Minister Vandal to accept NIRB’s determination and conclusions.

“Given the potential significant and negative effects on marine mammals, the marine environment, fish, caribou and other terrestrial wildlife, vegetation and freshwater that cannot be adequately mitigated as well as negative impact on Inuit harvesting, traditional activities and food security, we believe this is the right decision for Inuit and the right decision for the affected communities at this time,” said President Aluki Kotierk.

“Although we hope this is the end of Phase 2, this should not be the end of the road for Baffinland and the Mary River Project,” Vice President James Eetoolook stated, “Baffinland still holds an approved project certificate that would allow it to build a full scale mine and to continue providing positive contributions to the Nunavut economy including Inuit employment. We are open and committed to working with Baffinland and the affected communities to solve outstanding community concerns such as dust and impacts from Baffinland shipping activities, among other things, consistent with NTI policies supporting balanced and responsible resource development with no significant, negative and immitigable impacts on wildlife and environment.”

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For further information:
Malaya Mikijuk
Director of Communications trainee
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
Tel: (867) 975-4900/Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006
mmikijuk@tunngavik.com
www.tunngavik.com

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