080121-08MN006-Sabina Hackett River Project Proposal ... - NIRB

Description of the Existing EnvironmentExploration and MiningThe potential for mineral development in the West Kitikmeot region is recognized to be high(NPC, 2004). Mineral exploration and development activities expend millions of dollarsannually, contributing to local and regional economies and employment patterns. Revenues fromroyalties and land use fees are also gained on both Crown and Inuit-owned lands (WKRLUP,2005).Local hiring for exploration and development is valued by the regional plan, which recognizesthat local residents often have detailed knowledge of the land, land use patterns, and wildlifebehaviours.Existing development in the region is currently limited to the Jericho diamond mine (TaheraDiamond Corp.), which began operations in August, 2006. The Jericho mine is located at thenorth end of Contwoyto Lake, approximately 130 km west of the Hackett River Project. Southof the Jericho mine, the Lupin gold mine (Kinross Gold Corp.) operated from 1982 to 2005.This property has now been transferred to Zinifex and is not operational at present.There are a number of potential mining developments in the area (Figure 6.3-1). Details of theseprojects are summarized in Table 6.3-1.Table 6.3-1Potential Mining DevelopmentsProposed Project Developer ProductHope Bay (Doris North) Newmont GoldHope Bay (Boston) Newmont GoldHigh Lake Zinifex Copper, Zinc, Gold, SilverIzok Lake Zinifex Zinc, Copper, LeadBack River (George Lake) Dundee Precious Metals Inc. GoldThe Bathurst Inlet Port and Road (BIPR) project is currently in the environmental assessmentprocess in Nunavut. If approved, this development could improve access to the region formineral development. The project description for BIPR involves supporting the diamond minesby supplying fuel during the winter months. However, the project involves constructing an allweatherroad, which may be used by metal mining operations in the future. The preferred optionfor the Hackett River Project is to use the upper portion of the BIPR road and the proposed BIPRport for hauling concentrate to overseas markets.Other Land UsesCommercial char-fishing activities are identified at and around the confluence of the BurnsideRiver with Bathurst Inlet (WKRLUP, 2005).A number of protected areas are also identified in the West Kitikmeot Regional Land Use Plan(Figure 6.3-1). The largest is the Queen Maud Gulf Migratory Bird Sanctuary (establishedJanuary 2008 Hackett River Project – Project Proposal Sabina Silver CorporationReport Version B.1 6–32 Rescan Environmental Services Ltd. (Proj. #833-2)