Nunavat

The Kiggavik Project - Proposed uranium mining and milling operation

Start date: January 9, 2009
Type: Part 5 review under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (led by the Nunavut Impact Review Board)
Proponent: AREVA Resources Canada Inc.
Location: Kivalliq, Nunavut

Latest Update

• June 9, 2010 – Information and related documents are available on the Nunavut Impact Review Board website (external link)

Project Description

The Kiggavik Project is a proposed uranium mining and milling operation located in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut approximately 80 km west of the community of Baker Lake.

AREVA Resources Canada is proposing to use open pit and underground mining methods to develop the ore at two main sites: Kiggavik and Sissons. Ore would be excavated, trucked to an ore stockpile and directed to a mill to produce yellowcake, a uranium concentrate.  A dock site at Baker Lake would serve as a transfer and storage facility for materials and supplies.  A 90 – 100 km haul road would be constructed to link the Baker Lake dock site to the main project site.   

The Project would also include the construction of an accommodation complex for employees, warehouse and maintenance facilities, fuel and explosives storage, water treatment plants, administration buildings, and roads. 

An environmental assessment is required to be conducted before the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission can consider issuing a licence to AREVA to allow this project to proceed.  The Kiggavik project falls under the jurisdiction of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, and is therefore subject to the Nunavut Impact Review Board’s environmental assessment process rather than the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.  The CNSC will provide technical advice to the Nunavut Impact Review Board and participate in their process.

Further Information

Information is available on Nunavut Impact Review Board website.

For questions or information directly related to this environmental assessment, please contact:

Heather Nicholson  
Environmental Assessment Specialist
Environmental Assessment Division
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
P.O. Box 1046, Station B
Ottawa, ON
K1P 5S9
Phone : 1-800-668-5284
Fax : (613) 995-5086
Email : ceaainfo@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca

The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment; and to respect Canada's international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.