Mineral Exploration is the official publication of the Association of Mineral Exploration British Columbia.
Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/264766
38 s P r i n g 2 0 1 4 Photograph : Kivalliq Energy Corporation Paterson believes Nunavut has poten- tial to become a major uranium producer similar to Saskatchewan, which boasts the highest-grade mines in the world. That will take more time and more capital he says, as Saskatchewan has a decades-long head start on both counts. As for infrastructure, a major challenge in the North, Paterson says U 3 O 8 can be fl own out or transported via a network of winter roads. Nunavut's emergence as "the next Saskatchewan" will depend on govern- ments staying the course on uranium exploration. And pressure was brought to bear after the Fukushima incident, which occurred while Areva was seek- ing community support for its project. Areva brought community leaders to Saskatchewan to see operating uranium mines, and other companies, including Kivalliq Energy, visited communities or arranged visits to their sites to address concerns and share information. "The positive thing was that peo- ple were interested in learning more," Paterson says. Uranium exploration is providing jobs in Nunavut during a period when many gold and base metal projects face fi nanc- ing challenges. The industry also holds the promise of long-term stability for Nunavut, just as it did for Saskatchewan. A not he r d e v e lo p me nt i s t he Canadian-European Union free trade agreement, which opens the door to European companies interested in Canadian projects. Canada agreed to waive a requirement that European com- panies must have a Canadian partner in the belief that it is no longer required to safeguard Canadian interests. Paterson says these policy changes are attracting the interest of utility and min- ing companies from all over the world, and will make it easier for uranium companies to raise money or form strategic alliances. "The possibilities are wide open." Community engagement is key to unlocking Nunavut's potential: Kivalliq exploration manager Bill Cronk hosts leaders from Baker Lake at the Angilak property. SCS Diamond.indd 1 12-11-08 3:59 PM p36-39_Nunavut.indd 38 14-02-14 3:06 PM