NUNAVUT - Advanced Exploration Inc. is hoping to increase its prospects for mining iron ore in Nunavut as it heads into the 2011 summer exploration season.

Advanced Explorations Inc. began its 2011 summer drilling season in Nunavut in mid April. - photo Courtesy of Advanced Explorations Inc.

Exploration activities are continuing at the company's Roche Bay project and it is optimistic that the Tuktu site could develop into another mine in Nunavut.

"The exploration that we've done at the Tuktu site has been very promising," said John Gingerich, president and CEO of Advanced Exploration. "It could be a satellite to our Roche Bay project or it could be its own stand alone mine."

Between the two projects, about 3,000 metres of drilling will be done this summer. Estimates are that each site could provide roughly half a billion tonnes of iron ore.

Gingerich said the company plans on completing its feasibility study by the end of this summer and if everything goes smoothly, the mine could be in operation as early as 2013.

For the people of the area, the continued exploration means jobs. Gingerich said it is a top priority for the company that Nunavummiut benefit from its activities in the region.

"We try to hire as many people from the area as possible," said Gingerich. "Currently, over 50 per cent of people helping with exploration are from Hall Beach, Iglulik and the area."

During its 2010 exploration season, Advanced Exploration hired 40 people to work at the Roche Bay site. Gingerich said he anticipates about the same number of Nunavummiut to work at both sites this year.

"We're expecting about 20 people from the area at Roche Bay and another 20 at the Tuktu site. They would be working 12-hour shifts, two weeks in, two weeks out," said Gingerich.

He said most Nunavummiut will be labourers, and there are opportunities for people to receive training on site. "Some of the more skilled work, like geotechnical work, may have to be done by people outside of Nunavut, but we are certainly interested in hiring skilled workers from the territory as well."

Ammie Kipsigak, mayor of Hall Beach, said he is excited about the employment opportunities mean for his community.

"We've been told they are willing to hire about 30 to 40 people to help with exploration, so we are really excited," said Kipsigak. "This will really benefit Hall Beach. The Government of Nunavut doesn't have any employment opportunities here. With this and the other mining activities, it is going to be a good summer."

Roche Bay is located about 60 kilometres north of Hall Beach; the Tuktu project is located another 60 kilometres north of Roche Bay.

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