Nunavut Izok project to undergo environmental review

MMGs proposed Izok Corridor mining project near Kugluktuk, Nunavut, will undergo a full environmental review.

The federal minister of Northern Development has given Nunavut regulators the go-ahead to assess the zinc, copper and lead project about 200 kilometres southwest of Kugluktuk.

The proposed project includes two mines joined by a 350-kilometre all-weather road, and a port in the Coronation Gulf.

The Izok Corridor site is near the Nunavut-N.W.T. border and Bernard Valcourt, federal northern development minister, said regulators should pay close attention to any potential transboundary impacts.

Some N.W.T. aboriginal groups are worried the project may threaten the Bathurst Caribou herd.

The federal government said it will give the Nunavut Impact Review Board money to hold public sessions and hearings outside Nunavut.

The board is now working to set a timeline for the review.