Hunters want food security over cash, says QIA in response to Baffinland mine plan

The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA)says it's premature of the BaffinlandIron Mines Corporation to be applying to double production of iron ore at its Mary River mine on north Baffin Island in Nunavut.

"There's still a lot of unanswered questions that hunters have concern over," said Levi Barnabas,the QIA member-at-large in Arctic Bay, and the co-chair for the Baffinland file.

Baffinland is currently licensed to produce six million tonnes of iron ore, and ship it out through Lancaster Sound. It is in the process of applying to double production.The Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) has to approve the increase, and recently told the company that it didn't provide enough information at technical meetings, so there will be a second round of meetings.

During themeetings at the beginning of Aprilthe company couldn't answer many questions about the effects its current production has on animals and the environment.

Barnabas said there haven't been any reports provided to QIA or the community of Pond Inlet the closest community to the mine on the impacts on marine mammals since the mine started shipping ore out.

Trucks that transport ore frommine to port, drive through a caribou migration route, said Barnabas. He said that hunters are having to travel further to find the animals, and with its proposed expansion the mine wants to build a rail line in the area.

Concern over country food

Barnabas wants to hear how the company is going to mitigate impact on animals in the areabefore it expands production and buildsmore infrastructure.

Mine activity is making the availability of country food less secure, Barnabassaid.

Even if the mine offers to give more money to the communities, that won't increase food security, he said.

"So that's more risk for hunters than money can provide," Barnabas says.

• Baffinland must clarify effects on narwhal before expansion of Nunavut iron ore mine

Echoing what a scientist studying narwhal acoustics in the mine's shipping lanes said, Barnabas thinks Baffinland should slow down its production.

"The ore is going to be there regardless of whether it's rushed, it still can be mined," Barnabas said.

CBC has reached out to Baffinlandto ask about QIA's concerns; nobody from the company has replied.

The second round of technical meetings will be held at the Iqaluit Cadet Hall from June 17 to 19.