Coppermine (Sep 25/06) - Wolfden Resources is making the push to build its High Lake base metal mine and mill in the Kitikmeot region.

The company has submitted an application to a number of agencies - the first step on the way to a date with the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) and eventually, perhaps, regulatory approval from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Minister Jim Prentice.

This will be the fourth review of a proposed mine in the territory. Tahera's Jericho diamond mine is now in production. Miramar and Cumberland Resources were each supported by NIRB earlier this year for the Hope Bay and Meadowbank gold projects respectively.

"You won't find any other region, which is as diverse with economic mineral resources," said John Seaman, Wolfden chief financial officer and director.

The application is a culmination of three years of exploration, engineering, and environmental assessments, he said.

Regulatory applications for High Lake, located 175 km southeast of Kugluktuk, have been submitted to a number of organizations and government departments, including the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, the Nunavut Water Board, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Transport Canada.

With the paperwork filed, NIRB is expecting to hear a request to begin screening the application shortly, said Stephanie Briscoe, board executive director.

When one of those agencies pass the application on to the board, it can begin its screening process under Part 4, Article 12 of the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement, she said. It typically takes 45 days for screening and public input to decide whether or not the application will continue for a full review by the board, she said.

Wolfden is confident the High Lake will receive regulatory approval, said Seaman.

"We don't foresee any problems."

The company hopes to have a producing mine by 2009, potentially employing 200 to 300 workers during operations.

The property has indicated resources totalling more than 17 million tonnes of copper, lead and zinc along with smaller amounts of silver and gold.

If the project advances, Seaman said 200 workers would be needed during construction.

The company plans to also build a 53-km all-season road from High Lake to Grays Bay on the Coronation Gulf. There it would construct a shipping facility, said Seaman.

Wolfden is also planning to submit an application for a mine on its Izok Lake property in 2008, he said.

The High Lake mine would not only have a positive affect on Kugluktuk, but all of the Kitikmeot, said Manfred Eder, owner of JMS Supplies in Kugluktuk.

"It would draw people from Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak," he said.

"The mine could offer more jobs, more training and more apprenticeships."

A road leading to the Coronation Gulf would be difficult to build, said Charlie Lyall, president and chief executive officer of the Kitikmeot Corporation.

Lyall said he was concerned the company is building up false expectations to people in the the Kitikmeot.

"They need to do their homework."