NR 07-17 URA ENG NTI Board Passes Uranium Policy.doc
(September 18, 2007 – Cambridge Bay, Nunavut) Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. 1st Vice-President James Eetoolook announced today that the NTI Board of Directors unanimously approved a policy concerning uranium mining in Nunavut during their week-long meeting in Arviat. In accordance with the policy, NTI will support uranium exploration and mining in Nunavut if these activities are carried out with the objectives and policy statements set out in this policy, NTI’s other policies, and all regulatory requirements.
After several months of careful consultation with communities and various Inuit organizations and regulatory agencies, the NTI Board of Directors reviewed the policy concerning uranium mining and made the decision to approve it, said Eetoolook.
The guiding principle of the policy is that uranium exploration and mining must be carried out in an environmentally and socially responsible way, and the uranium that results from the mining shall be used only for peaceful and environmentally friendly purposes. The policy includes 20 policy statements and 13 implementation items.
As owners of the Andrew Lake, End Grid and Lac Cinquante uranium deposits, and lands specifically selected for the uranium potential, the challenge for the NTI Board was to develop and approve a policy that would allow Inuit to benefit from this resource and industry while ensuring the protection of our people, the wildlife and environment, he said.
The objectives of the policy are as follows:
1. Support Responsible and Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy will be used for peaceful and environmentally responsible purposes.
2. Require Benefits from Uranium Exploration and Mining
Uranium exploration and mining in Nunavut will bring significant economic benefits to Inuit.
3. Ensure Protection of Human Health
Uranium exploration and mining will be carried out in a manner that protects the health and safety of the workers and of all Nunavummiut.
4. Limit Impacts of Uranium Exploration and Mining
Uranium exploration and mining will be carried out in a manner that will not cause significant adverse effects on people, the environment or wildlife.
5. Promote Participation of Inuit
Inuit of affected communities will be given an opportunity for full and meaningful participation in both the environmental assessment process and the operations of a uranium mining project.
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