Greenland Worried about Canadian Mining Project

Greenland’s self-rule authority is concerned about a potential expansion of the Mary River mining project in Nunavut, Canada and fears cross-border environmental impact of the potential expansion, according to KNR.

Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation is behind the Mary River Project and wants to double production at the mine. That would mean more ships to transport iron ore out, and the company wants to establish a shipping route passing by Greenland.

Greenland’s Nature Institute last year stated that the route is considered one of the biggest threats to sea mammals in the Arctic. The Ministry of Environment is also reacting to the project and has currently initiated a public hearing, meant to be used in Greenland’s formal response to Canada regarding the mining project.

The Ministry argues that the company’s Espoo report does not sufficiently address cross-border environmental impact of the mining project, an allegation refuted by the company.