Canada rejects Arctic mine expansion project after years of fierce protest
The Minister of Northern Affairs announced Canada’s decision to accept the Nunavut Impact Review Board’s recommendation not to approve Baffinland Iron Mine Corporation’s proposal to double production at the Mary River Mine to 12 million tonnes a year.
After years of environmental impact hearings, this decision echoes the concerns raised by Oceans North and local organisations about the potential negative environmental impacts the proposed expansion would have on wildlife and on the ocean, as well as the socio-economic effects on Inuit.
This announcement an historic moment in the context of the Canadian Arctic’s biggest industrial development and a great conservation achievement for the planet. There is, however, more to be done and Becht Foundation will continue to support Oceans North’s and its efforts to protect Tallurutiup Imanga and its ecosystem.
