Mary River Project

Mary River Project

Client
Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation

Location
Nunavut, Canada

Highlights
  • High arctic environment and Inuit culture
  • Cold regions engineering
  • Geotechnical and geomechanical engineering services in permafrost
  • Alternative energy feasibility studies
Project Overview

The Mary River Project is located on Baffin Island in the Qikiqtani Region of Nunavut, Canada. The project is approved as a 22.2 million tonne per year (Mtpa) open pit iron ore mining operation, with a railway over continuous permafrost and year-round shipping using ice breaking bulk carriers. An initial 4.2 Mtpa operation was commissioned in 2015. The project owner, Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation, is currently seeking approval for a stepwise expansion to 30 Mtpa.

Project Role

Knight Piésold has been providing environmental services for the project since 2004, including:

  • Traditional knowledge/Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit studies
  • Environmental assessment lead on freshwater, socio-economics, accidents and malfunctions, cumulative effects
  • Developed the aquatic effects monitoring plan
  • Public consultation support
  • Permitting support to exploration and bulk sampling
  • Ongoing regulatory support including annual environmental reporting
  • Lead consultant on the original environmental impact statement
  • Lead technical author and coordination of water licensing related to the expansion project currently underway

In addition, Knight Piésold has also provided engineering services, including:

  • Geotechnical engineering investigations supporting mine, rail, road, and port infrastructure, including off-shore drilling at dock locations
  • Geomechanical investigations and design of open pit and railway cuts and tunnels
  • Pre-feasibility study of renewable energy alternatives (hydroelectric and wind)
  • Engineering support to advanced exploration and bulk sample programs