Rankin Inlet (Apr 14/03) - One of the largest Inuit-owned companies in Nunavut plans to get even bigger.

Piruqsaijit Ltd. has entered into a strategic alliance with food giant Sodexho MS Canada Ltd, of Burlington, Ont.

Piruqsaijit general manager Hilary Rebeiro said the "exclusive" alliance enables the two firms to offer a broad range of services to potential clients.

The partners are targeting the mining industry in particular for new business.

"Sodexho is already involved with a number of mines around the world, including the Diavik diamond mine in NWT where they feed 650 people on a daily basis."

Fields of pursuit in addition to food services includes: camp accommodations, fuel tank farms, transportation, food services, transportation, facilities maintenance and management, and camp administration.

"What we have in mind is a vertically integrated alliance," said Rebeiro.

"We want to be the one-stop shop for mining companies in Nunavut. Rather than have four or five suppliers for different services, they can come to us."

The company anticipates announcing other mining-related joint ventures and alliances in the near future.

"Right now we are just getting into it but there are many opportunities," said Rebeiro.

"One of our partners has patents for environmentally friendly extraction processes for base and precious metals.

"We also have partners involved in process flow, reclamation, and environmental and water issues. We expect to make another announcement in a couple of weeks."

Highly diversified, Piruqsaijit's core business since it started 18 years ago has been residential and commercial real estate.

Based in Rankin Inlet, the firm now owns one of the largest privately-held portfolios in the territory.

It has properties in communities throughout the territory, including: Iqaluit, Arviat, Rankin Inlet, Chesterfield, Baker Lake, Coral Harbour, Whale Cove and Repulse Bay.

The company is also involved in retailing, hotels and travel agencies, medical facilities and equipment, energy, environmental and waste management, and mining.

Sodexho is a leading international supplier of food and facilities management.

It employs more than 100,000 people at 6,000 locations in North America, and 300,000 worldwide.

A Sodexho spokesman wasn't available for comment.