Mary River Project

Highlights:

Open Pit Rock Mechanics
Hydrometric Data Collection and Hydrological Analysis
Road and Landfill Design and Permitting for a bulk sample
Geotechnical Engineering Studies
Alternative Energy Feasibility Studies
Hydrology Studies
Traditional Knowledge/Inuit Quajimajatuqangit Studies
Environmental Baseline and Permitting for mine development
Environmental Impact Assessment
Cold Regions Engineering
On-site Environmental Coordinator Support

Client: Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation

Location: Nunavut, Canada (the Arctic)

Completion Date: Ongoing since 2004

Project Description: The Mary River Project is a proposed iron ore mine situated in northwestern Baffin Island in the Qikiqtani Region of Nunavut. The project, if developed, will include an 18 million tonne per year open pit iron ore mining operation, and construction of a 149-kilometre rail line over numerous waterways and continuous permafrost.

Knight Piésold’s Role: Knight Piésold has been conducting environmental services for the project since 2004. The environmental services provided include hydrological studies; natural environment baseline studies; socio-economic baseline studies; collection of indigenous (Inuit) knowledge of wildlife and land use; permitting, environmental management and supervision of a 113,000 tonne bulk sampling program; assistance with regulatory and community consultation; and scoping and preparation of environmental assessment documentation for the full-scale mine. Knight Piésold continues to support Baffinland through the environmental review process.

In addition, Knight Piésold has also provided engineering services, including geotechnical engineering investigations supporting mine, rail and port infrastructure; port site investigations; geomechanical investigation at rail cuts; geomechanical engineering and pit slope design; pre-feasibility study; and feasibility study of renewable energy alternatives (hydro-electric and wind). Knight Piésold continues to provide on-going support to the engineering and day-to-day permitting support as and when requested.