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Nunavut Impact Review Board

Nunavut Impact Review Board. Targeting Increased Effectiveness in a Changing Landscape. Nunavut Mining Symposium, Iqaluit, April 17, 2012. Presentation Overview. What is the NIRB?. NIRB’s Role in Sustainable Development for Nunavut. The NIRB.

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Nunavut Impact Review Board

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  1. Nunavut Impact Review Board Targeting Increased Effectiveness in a Changing Landscape Nunavut Mining Symposium, Iqaluit, April 17, 2012

  2. Presentation Overview

  3. What is the NIRB? NIRB’s Role in Sustainable Development for Nunavut

  4. The NIRB • The Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) is an Institution of Public Government • Responsible for the impact assessment of proposed projects in Nunavut • Established by the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement

  5. The NIRB • Screen project proposals to determine whether or not a review is required • Gauge and define the extent of regional impacts • Review ecosystemic and socio-economic impacts of project proposals • Determine whether project proposals should proceed, and if so, under what terms and conditions • Monitor projects that have been approved to proceed • Nunavut Settlement Area & Outer Land Fast Ice Zone • Transboundary Impacts

  6. The NIRB NIRB’s mission is to protect and promote the well-being of the Environment and Nunavummiut through the Impact Assessment process

  7. NIRB Assessments A Changing Landscape

  8. Current Assessments • Every piece of information related to all project proposals received by NIRB must be filed to an online public registry • Every assessment requires public consultation, technical assessment, decision-making and reporting by the Board

  9. Current Assessments The NIRB currently has 6 ongoing Reviews: • AEM Meliadine Gold Mine • Draft EIS anticipated in 2012 • Xstrata Hackett River Mine • Draft EIS anticipated in 2013 • Uravan Garry Lake Uranium Exploration • Suspended since 2009 • Sabina Bathurst Inlet Port and Road • Potential re-engagement in 2012 • AREVA Kiggavik Uranium Mine • Draft EIS re-submission in 2012 • Baffinland Mary River Iron Mine • Final Hearing in 2012 PHASE 2 PHASE 2 PHASE 2 PHASE 2 PHASE 2 PHASE 3 Each mining/milling development undergoing NIRB Review will also require a Type A Water Licence from the NWB

  10. Current Assessments The NIRB has 3 ongoing Monitoring Programs: • Shear Jericho Diamond Mine • AEM Meadowbank Gold Mine • HBML Doris North Gold Mine Each project also has a Type A Water Licence with the NWB

  11. Pending Assessments Continue to conduct a large number of Screening level assessments Pending Ministerial Referral • HBML Hope Bay Phase II Gold Mine – recommended for Review by the NIRB on Feb. 24, 2012 Pending submission for Screening • Sabina Back River Gold Mine – 2012 • MMG IzokCorridor – Base Metals – 2012 • Others...?

  12. A Changing Landscape • What does it all mean for the NIRB? • It’s a very busy time for the Board • Increasing pressure to reduce EA timelines and remove perceived barriers to economic development in Canada • NIRB continues to experience challenges with funding, board appointments and the number of hours in the day Increasing development in Nunavut requires support for the NLCA processes with continued improvement and realization of new regulatory efficiencies

  13. Ongoing & planned initiatives Targeting Increased Effectiveness

  14. Coordination with NWB • Detailed Coordinated Process Framework • Initiate consideration of Type A Water Licence Application concurrently with NIRB Review of EIS • Detailed plans submitted earlier in process by proponent, shorter overall EA/Licensing timeline • Advantages for Proponent & Reviewers • Revised guide to be released soon by NIRB & NWB • continue to refine process to reflect experience

  15. Standard EIS Guidelines • The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) forms the basis of the NIRB’s Review • NIRB’s EIS Guidelines provide a high level of certainty for project proponents regarding information requirements • The NLCA allows the NIRB, after due consultation, to establish Standard EIS Guidelines for the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements • NIRB is preparing to initiate public consultation on Standard EIS Guidelines in 2012 • Opportunities for industry engagement

  16. NIRB Public Guides • New Draft Guide 9: Exceptions from the Review Process • provide guidance regarding the types of exploration and/or development activities that the NIRB may assess independently of a related project undergoing Review • Outlines the application process for seeking an exception determination • Increased certainty regarding “pre-development” for project proponents • Currently out for public comment until June 11 • Available at: http://ftp.nirb.ca/04-GUIDES

  17. NIRB Public Guides • NIRB’s entire series of public guides will be undergoing revision and updating this year • Original guides developed in 2005-2006 • Target for completion: April 1, 2013 • Engagement with industry & stakeholders being planned • Objectives: • Reflect current best practices, timelines & information requirements • Demonstrate incorporation of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and Traditional Knowledge • Improve accessibility

  18. NIRB Website • NIRB will be undertaking a re-launch of its website at www.nirb.ca • Improve general accessibility to NIRB and create online application forms • Investigating potential coordination with other organizations, links to other agencies • Target for completion: April 1, 2013 • Continuing to investigate feasibility of new online public registry system

  19. General Initiatives • Temporarily increase staffing levels to better address current and pending assessments • Develop a new five year strategic plan to guide the NIRB’s continued improvement and address funding needs • Increase integration of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangitinto NIRB processes and procedures • Increase monitoring capacity through developing an internal database and mapping application • Nunavut General Monitoring Program funded initiative • Prepare for potential future implementation of NUPPAA

  20. conclusion

  21. Conclusion • Currently experiencing a period of unprecedented growth and development in the Territory • The NIRB is focusing on a number of initiatives designed to increase regulatory efficiencies: • new guides, updated guides, standardized EIS guidelines, • revised website & coordination with NWB • Increase certainty in process & information requirements while increasing efficiencies to address capacity issues • Continue to seek Government support for timely and sustainable NIRB funding & board appointments • Ensure good working relationships and improve coordination wherever possible

  22. Questions? Thank you for your time! Quana! ᖁᔭᓐᓇᒥᒃ ᑕᒪᐅᖓᖃᑕᐅᔪᓐᓇᕋᑖᕋᕕᑦ !

  23. NIRB Contact Info Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) PO Box 1360 Cambridge Bay, NU Toll Free: 1-866-233-3033 Fax: 1-867-983-2594 info@nirb.ca

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