3 March 2021
Recent events and the public hearings on Baffinland’s proposed expansion of the Mary River Project provide an important opportunity to scrutinize the expansion. We understand some people may support it while others don’t, and others are unsure or have questions.
It’s important that everyone has access to accurate information. Over the past six years, we have been in constant dialogue with hamlets, Hunter and Trapper Organizations, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) and regulators at all levels through consultation, technical meetings, community roundtables, and other formal and informal meetings, many of which are open to the public. Extensive written documents have also been filed during this assessment process. Our plans have been closely reviewed by all parties and we have made changes based on this input, which includes direct Inuit feedback.
Baffinland is one of the most environmentally sustainable iron ore operations in the world - it produces very little waste rock, and no chemicals or water are used for processing. We will improve upon this strong performance with Phase 2, where we aim to set new benchmarks in the mining industry.
We understand that harvesting caribou, narwhal, seal and char are important food sources and at the centre of Inuit culture and identity. Preserving and respecting this aspect of Inuit wellbeing is critical to our planning. Narwhal monitoring shows consistent numbers in Eclipse Sound between 2013-19, with mine operations starting in 2015. The total allowable harvest was increased in 2016, and since that time, the annual average harvest number in Pond Inlet has increased substantially.