Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Jun 29/01) - Miramar's decision to stop mining at Giant will have little impact on the cleanup of the mine, but the decision is not yet final.
David Nutter, who is overseeing the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs' cleanup of the mine, said Miramar's decision will have no impact on the department's plans for the mine this year.
That was determined by the $3.3 million budget Ottawa provided for clean-up research and work on the mine this year.
Another $2.1 million was provided to cover costs associated with taking over management of the mine if Miramar exercised its option to stop mining at Giant.
But that decision is not yet final.
In a statement last Friday, Miramar said it is continuing to discuss its involvement with Giant with DIAND, but added the company does not expect to continue operations "unless significant cost savings can be achieved."
Nutter said Wednesday Miramar's decision won't be final for "another month or two."
Miramar is going to provide DIAND with a description of the costs associated with mining at Giant with a view to determining if any agreement can be brokered for the continued operation of the mine. The company is also exploring the viability of assuming a role in doing the minimal work required to keep the contaminants in the mine from entering the environment surrounding it. That job consists mainly of maintaining the pumps used to keep groundwater from coming into contact with arsenic trioxide dust stored under ground.
"We have to wait and see what they're going to put on the table," said Nutter.
If Miramar opts out of Giant, the mine will be shut down, rather than being put on care and maintenance, Nutter said.
