NUNAVUT IMPACT
REVIEW BOARD
Targeting Increased Effectiveness
in a Changing Landscape
Nunavut Mining Symposium, Iqaluit, April 17, 2012
Presentation Overview
Sustainable Development in Nunavut
NIRB’S MANDATE & ROLE
Current & Pending Assessments
A CHANGING LANDSCAPE
Ongoing & Planned Initiatives
TARGETING INCREASED EFFECTIVENESS
WHAT IS THE NIRB?
NIRB’s Role in Sustainable Development for Nunavut
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
The NIRB
• Screen project proposals to determine
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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
The NIRB
NIRB’s mission is to protect and promote
the well-being of the Environment
and Nunavummiut through the
Impact Assessment process
NIRB ASSESSMENTS
A Changing Landscape
Current Assessments
Screening
Year
2011/12
2010/11
2009/10
2008/09
2007/08
2006/07
Total: new +
renewal/amendment
186: 92 + 94
168: 69 + 99
186: 92 + 94
141: 72 + 69
172: 76 + 96
122: 80 + 42
Review
Monitoring
Total
Total
7
6
6
5
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
• 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
Current Assessments
The NIRB currently has 6 ongoing Reviews:
PHASE 2
PHASE 2
PHASE 2
PHASE 2
PHASE 2
PHASE 3
 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
Each mining/milling development undergoing NIRB Review
will also require a Type A Water Licence from the NWB
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
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
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Sabina Back River Gold Mine – 2012
MMG Izok Corridor – Base Metals – 2012
Others...?
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
ONGOING & PLANNED
INITIATIVES
Targeting Increased Effectiveness
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
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
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
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
NIRB Website
• NIRB will be undertaking a re-launch of its website at
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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
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 Qaujimajatuqangit into 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
CONCLUSION
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
Questions?
Thank you for your time!
Quana!
ᖁᔭᓐᓇᒥᒃ ᑕᒪᐅᖓᖃᑕᐅᔪᓐᓇᕋᑖᕋᕕᑦ !
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
[email protected]