Mining News: Northern Neighbors: Nunavut board rejects Back River mine proposal

Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. June 16 reported that the Nunavut Impact Review Board has recommended to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs not to advance Sabina's proposal to develop a mine at the Back River gold project to the permitting phase at this time. In its report, the review board indicated that the Back River proposal could be reconsidered once more information is provided to address uncertainties regarding effects, predictions and mitigation measures, particularly with respect to caribou and climate change. “We fully appreciate the central importance of caribou in the North,” said Sabina President and CEO Bruce McLeod. “Obviously, climate change is a matter that impacts everyone – and Northern Canada is more heavily impacted than other places. These are values and concerns we share. Sabina will be considering these issues carefully as it continues its review of the NIRB report.” The report follows a lengthy regulatory process during which NIRB reviewed the roughly 15,000-page environmental impact statement submitted by Sabina. During a six-day public hearing in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, the Back River project received broad support from the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, local communities and government agencies. In its report, NIRB acknowledges the general support for the economic benefits that are expected to accrue to the Kitikmeot region if Back River were to proceed. Under the provisions of the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement, the next step in the review process is for the minister to review NIRB’s report. Sabina is reviewing its options, including a request for the minister to refer the report back to NIRB for further consideration. “The report is over 300 pages long, and it will take some time for us to review and analyze the report in detail,” said McLeod. “We remain confident that the concerns of the board can be addressed and resolved through further consultation and collaboration with stakeholders.”

-Shane Lasley