Iqaluit (Nov 27/06) - Mining companies in Nunavut are making strides and moving through regulatory procedures in hopes of opening up shop in the territory.

Wolfden Resources announced last week that it has submitted its comprehensive project proposal for its High Lake Project to the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB), according to a company press release.

Ian Neill, left, Wolfden Resources' High Lake exploration manager, and Dave Stevenson, Wolfden's Ulu exploration manager, show off some core samples during the 34th Geoscience Forum. - David Ryan/NNSL photo

The Thunder Bay-based company is hoping that NIRB will also consider the project proposal as a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in accordance with the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.

The project proposal and the EIS would be passed along by NIRB to Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Minister Jim Prentice.

The minister can make a recommendation and issue a project certificate.

"We're hoping things will proceed as quickly as possible, between 18 to 24 months," said Ian Neill, Wolfden's High Lake exploration manager.

The High Lake project, located 175-kilometres southeast of Kugluktuk, is part of Wolfden Resources' copper, zinc, gold and silver exploratory area. The company hopes to submit an application for its Izok Property in 2008.

While Wolfden may have to wait up to 24 months for project approval, Cumberland Resources has heard back from INAC.

The minister accepted NIRB's decision for the Meadowbank Gold Project last week and will issue a project certificate in the upcoming weeks, a press release from the company stated.

With the minister's project certificate, additional permits will be issued for construction of the project, which is located 70 kilometres north of Baker Lake.

The company is pleased with INAC's swift review and hopes to provide a number of employment opportunities for Nunavut, said Cumberland president, Kerry Curtis.

Cumberland will soon begin building a four-season road from the Meadowbank Gold Project to Baker Lake, he said.

Miramar Mining Corporation received approval from Prentice in August for its Doris North project and is now waiting for a water licence to be issued, said vice- president of operations, Jim Currie.

"We are hoping to get the water licence in order to make next season's sealift program," he said. "The company has gone through a lot of milestones this year. People got back a lot of confidence."

The Doris North project is located 75 kilometres northeast of Umingmaktuuq.