BATHURST INLET PORT AND ROAD JOINT VENTURE Kitikmeot Region, Nunavut, Canada
NUNA & KITIKMEOT -- the Driving Force
The abundant mineral endowment of the Slave Geological Province (SGP), Nunvaut has been known for several decades. The SGP has produced minerals continuously since the 1930's, however, the full potential of this area has not yet been realized due, for the most part, to the lack of transportation infrastructure.
The very unique Bathurst Inlet Port and Road Project (BIPAR) is a 50/50 joint venture between Nuna Logistics Limited and Kitikmeot Corporation.
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The BIPAR Project will provide a means for mines in the region to truck concentrate over the 211 km all-weather road to the Bathurst Inlet port where ocean-going vessels will then deliver the product to market. The road will also serve as a trunk line for individual resource companies to construct site access roads from their respective properties connecting to the BIPAR route.
The BIPAR port will serve 50,000+ tonne ice-class vessels for the delivery of fuel, bulk cargo and general supplies as well as barges containing fuel and supplies for Kitikmeot communities. The port facilities will include a wharf, laydown and container storage areas, 220 million litre diesel fuel tank farm, accommodations, maintenance shops, airstrip and other site services.
The BIPAR project is at the Draft Environmental Impact Study stage and is under review by the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB). Further environmental field work will be carried out during the 2010 summer season. It is anticipated that in 2011 the Final Environmental Impact Study will be completed and submitted to NIRB for Project Approval.
Government of Nunavut Acknowledgement
2010 summer field work undertaking with the financial support of the Government of Nunavut, Department of Economic Development & Transportation and Strategic Investments Program.
Kitikmeot Corportion is accountable to the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, and is responsible for the investigation of business opportunities that benefit the Inuit of their respective regions, through job creation, training and skills transfer, and/or increased business growth for Inuit entrepreneurs. The company may also joint venture with Inuit or non-Inuit partners and invest in real estate.
For more information, see the Kitikmeot Corporation web site.
BIPAR Project Timeline
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2011 - Submit Final Environmental Impact Study to NIRB.
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2010 - Additional summer field work for the collection of data and geotechnical investigation. Secure additional Project financing.
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2008 - Draft Environmental Impact Study submitted to the NIRB.
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2004/2005 - Further studies carried out.
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May 4, 2004 - Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development referred the Project for a Part 5 review under Article 12 of the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement (NLCA).
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May 2003 - Project Description submitted to the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) that included the construction and operation of port facilities at Bathurst Inlet and a 211 km all-weather road from Bathurst Inlet to the Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road (TCWR) at Contwoyto Lake.
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September 23, 2003 - NIRB provided a Screening Decision recommending a public review be held for the Project.
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2002 - Engineering feasibility studies and baseline environmental studies required for permitting and construction were largely completed.
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May 1, 2002 - NUNA Logistics Limited and Kitikmeot Corporation incorporated "Bathurst Inlet Port and Road Joint Venture Ltd." under the Canada Business Corporations Act.
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June 2000 - Kitikmeot Inuit Association (KIA) organized the stakeholders and formed a Technical Committee to manage the Project and move it forward.
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Prior to June 2000 - Extensive work including hydrographical studies for shipping routes, road route planning and economic studies were undertaken to advance the Project. The BIPAR feasibility study showed that the Project is more than a transport system for the mines. It is rather, infrastructure that will facilitate a diversity of economic opportunities for the Kitikmeot communities plus provide improved transportation services to current diamond and gold mines, and prospective gold and base metal in the Kitikmeot Region, Nunavut.
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1998 - NUNA prepared a transportation concept paper that included preliminary road routes to a port site on Bathurst Inlet. A separate 1998/99 study by the Government of Northwest Territories Transportation Department examined road route alternatives through the Slave Geological Province that identified a route similar to that described by NUNA.
Nunavut Impact Review Board Mandate
The Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) is an institution of public government created by the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement to assess the potential impacts of proposed development in the Nunavut Settlement Area prior to approval of the required project authorizations. Using both traditional knowledge and recognized scientific methods, NIRB will assess the biophysical and socioeconomic impact of proposals and will make recommendations and decisions about which projects may proceed. The Board may also monitor the impacts of projects that have been reviewed and approved to proceed.
The Board consists of up to 9 members appointed by the Government of Canada and Government of Nunavut from nominations made by the federal and territorial governments as well as the designated Inuit organizations. The Board is responsible for making recommendations to the responsible federal or territorial Minister regarding the issuance of licenses in the Nunavut Settlement Area.
The BIPAR project will lie entirely within the Kitikmeot region of Nunavut and will comprise the development of a marine port on Bathurst Inlet, a 211 km all-weather road from Bathurst Inlet to Contwoyto Lake connecting to the existing Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road.
