Dealing With Challenges In Northern Mine-Related Constructions Projects

The boom in exploration and mining activity in the North has resulted in an increase in the demand for infrastructure. Projects underway or in development include those designed to efficiently transport product, equipment, and labour to and from various remote mining sites.

One of the more ambitious projects in the works is the construction of a 150-km railway on northern Baffin Island which will facilitate the transport of iron ore from the Mary River iron mine project to a port at Steensby Inlet 300 days a year. Construction is expected to take three to four years and may begin as early as next year, depending on environmental hearings and the permitting processes.

Another proposed project is for the construction of a 1,300 km all-weather road to connect Rankin Inlet with northern Manitoba, estimated to cost $1.2 billion for which a cost benefit analysis has been performed. If this project proceeds, it would be the first highway connecting Nunavut to the