PAULATUK - The community of Paulatuk is now the proud owner of a movable 15-to-20-person mining camp, thanks to more than $500,000 in investments from CanNor and the GNWT.

The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency announced the funding of the camp last week.

"A good portion of that fund is going towards the purchase of a mining camp. Another portion of that is to hire a consultant that will help our development corporation to put together a user policy for the camp and the equipment in that camp," said Gilbert Thrasher Sr., chair of the Paulatuk Development Corporation, which is receiving the money.

The corporation, in turn, will charge Darnley Bay Resources, which is exploring for diamonds south of Paulatuk, for use of the camp.

"The funding is giving us a chance to be owners of the camp and it's also opened doors to (eight) jobs," including a wildlife monitor, environmental monitor and several camp attendants, added Thrasher.

There are also some individuals from Paulatuk who are receiving training as driller's helpers - assistants to those operating the drills the exploration site.

CanNor is providing the corporation $485,000, while the GNWT is pitching in an additional $25,000.

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