"Nunavut is open for business in respect to mining," NTI first vice-president James Eetoolook said.

"As long as certain criteria are met in regards to protecting the environment and wildlife habitat areas in the Nunavut settlement area," he said.

Equally important is the need to employ and train Inuit, he added.

"We are concerned that some people might see us in the same category as some areas of the North that have not resolved their land claims, or where no mining policy is in place," he said.

"NTI's mining policy is in effect to create certainty and encourage mining industry to invest in Nunavut."

The latest positive mining news for a Nunavut project comes from Cumberland Resources Ltd.

The Vancouver-based company estimates its Wesmeg property, part of the Meliadine joint venture near Rankin Inlet, holds 3.23 million ounces of gold.

A pre-feasibility study is expected to be completed in March, the company said Thursday.