KANGIQLINIQ/RANKIN INLET - The owner of the Meadowbank gold mine is preparing to build a 27 km gravel road to service a second gold project it acquired earlier this year, according to the executive director of the newly-formed Kivalliq Ming Training Society.

Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd. will build the road to its Meliadine gold project, which it acquired from Complex Minerals earlier this year, in the spring or summer of 2011. Meliadine is located about 24 kilometres north of Rankin Inlet and 300 km east of Meadowbank.

"They plan to use all local contracting companies, so there's going to be a lot economic spin-off opportunities for Rankin," said Bussey. "The gravel road will allow easier access for freight coming into the community and getting it out to the mine site."

Local hunters and tappers will benefit from the road, too, he added.

"It's also going to be accessible to the residents; it's not going to be a privately-held road. Traditional hunters and trappers will have access to more efficient hunting grounds."

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