Sept.11.2012. NIRB Final Hearings for Mary River Project
NIRB final hearings – speech Tom Paddon Download Now › A team made up of Baffinland management and staff, along with a group of technical consultants, travelled to three Nunavut communities from July 16th to the 28th for the NIRB (Nunavut Impact and Review Board) Final Hearings. These hearings marked the conclusion of the Environmental and Socioeconomic Impacts Assessment of the Mary River Project.The first week was spent in Iqaluit, Baffin Island, where Baffinland’s team, Inuit organizations, government regulators, other interveners, the NIRB staff and Board, as well as a room full of community members and elders from many Nunavut communities, gathered to hear presentations on all aspects of the benefits, challenges, and realities of the proposed Mary River mine. Tom Paddon, CEO and President, kicks off hearings Tom Paddon, CEO of Baffinland, kicked off the hearings with an introductory presentation and a speech in Inuktitut. Mr. Paddon stressed the importance of the relationship between Inuit and the company, and highlighted many benefits that could be accrued on both sides of the partnership, especially in the areas of community development and education. Baffinland spent two days giving presentations on terrestrial wildlife, the marine environment and shipping, operations, and socio-economics, followed by questions from regulators, NIRB staff and Board, and the communities. Elders were invited to ask questions throughout the proceedings. All regulators gave presentions to the NIRB Board, who also heard from interveners from the Makivik Corporation, and the Nunavik Marine Regional Impact Review Board. On to Igloolik and Pond Inlet A smaller contingent of the Baffinland team, regulators, and NIRB staff moved on to Igloolik and Pond Inlet for the following week, which was limited due to the availability of accommodations. In these North Baffin communities, summary presentations were presented by Baffinland. The two week period was a milestone in the company’s pursuit of its environmental approvals for Mary River, which began in 2008. It also provided an opportunity for members of the public to make their questions and comments known to the NIRB Board and staff, who will be developing a recommendation on the project. Baffinland would like to thank all parties involved for a very professional, informative, and productive hearing. The company looks forward to working with all parties and communities as the project advances to the regulatory process.
NIRB final hearings – speech Tom Paddon Download Now ›