Rankin Inlet (July 17/06) - Miramar Mining is still waiting for the green light from the federal government to proceed with development of its Doris North gold project.

In early March, the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) handed over its final project report to Indian and Northern Affairs Minister Jim Prentice.

An overhead view of Miramar Mining's Windy camp. The company's Doris North Gold Project, located nearby Windy could potentially provide the company with two years of production. Miramar continues to wait for project approval for Doris North. - photo courtesy of Miramar Mining Permits needed: If the minister approves Doris North, the Nunavut Impact Review Board will be able to issue a project certificate. From there Miramar will need to still gather several other permits: an explosives permit from Natural Resources Canada a water licence from the Nunavut Water Board a foreshore lease from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada authorization from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans A Navigable Water Protection Act permit from Transport Canada An amendment to the metal mining effluent regulations to allow the discharge of mine tailings into Tail Lake from Environment Canada

The minister is responsible for reviewing the project report and deciding whether a project certificate will be issued by the NIRB for the Doris North portion of the Hope Bay property.

Miramar was hoping to hear a decision about the project by early June, said Nicole Hoeller, investor relations with the company.

"We're not really sure what the hold up is," she said.

The gold mining firm is in a position to start spending money to build the approximately $40 million mine and is hoping to hit production in 2008.

Prentice was not available for comment, but Diane Laursen, ministerial liaison for INAC, said the minister has not yet reached a decision.

"Time is required to make the best possible decision, with the help of qualified personnel," said Laursen.

Miramar does hope to have a number of necessary permits and agreements approved in time for next year's summer shipping season, said Hoeller, but before that can happen the minister must first approve NIRB's recommendation to approve the development.

"We would like to start to get ready to prepare for the permits," said Hoeller.

The approval of the project would have a positive affect on the Kitikmeot region, said Cambridge Bay economic development officer Chris King.

"We want to send a message that not only the Kitikmeot, but all of Nunavut is open for business," he said.

The Doris North project has a projected two-year life span, but would fund additional phases of development expected to last a minimum of 13 years. First year production from Doris North is expected to hit 311,000 ounces of gold.