Baker Lake (Sep 04/06) - Cumberland Resources is one step closer to having a producing Meadowbank gold mine near here by 2009.

The Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) concluded its review of the proposed mine by recommending the project should proceed.

Now it's up to federal Indian and Northern Affairs Minister Jim Prentice to review the NIRB's report and decide whether the board can go ahead and issue a project certificate to Cumberland.

"We are really happy that this project is moving forward," said Joyce Musial, manager of investor relations with Cumberland.

If Prentice does grant approval, the company will have to apply for a variety of other permits including a water licence from the Nunavut Water Board, said Musial.

Cumberland could potentially begin construction of the mine and an all-weather road linking the facility to Baker Lake later this year or in 2007, said Musial.

"It is all dependent on the permitting process," she said.

The company is now acquiring materials for construction, although it is still unknown when shipping of those supplies could begin, said Musial.

Cumberland projects capital costs for mine to be more than $300 million.

During construction, it's expected to employ up to 350 workers over a two-year period, estimated Musial.

Once the open-pit mine is built, another 360 full-time jobs could be created, said Musial.

Of those jobs, between 70 to 75 could be for employees from Baker Lake.

"We will employ as many Northern people as possible," said Musial.

"It's a very major step not only for Baker Lake but for all of Nunavut," said David Simailak, the MLA for Baker Lake riding.

The large number of full-time jobs for Kivalliq residents could also create a variety of spin-off jobs in secondary industries throughout the Kivalliq region, he said.

Cumberland estimates the total number of spin-off jobs could hit 700.

The construction of the all weather road will also be a big boast for the region, Simailak said. "That's what the region needs to open up," he said.