NUNAVUT IMPACT REVIEW BOARDTargeting Increased Effectiveness

in a Changing Landscape

Nunavut Mining Symposium, Iqaluit, April 17, 2012

Presentation Overview

Ongoing & Planned InitiativesTARGETING INCREASED

EFFECTIVENESS

Current & Pending AssessmentsA CHANGING LANDSCAPE

Sustainable Development in NunavutNIRB’S MANDATE & ROLE

WHAT IS THE NIRB?NIRB’s Role in Sustainable Development for Nunavut

The NIRB• The Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) is an

Institution of Public Government

• Responsible for the impact assessment of proposed projects in Nunavut

• Established by the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement

The NIRB• Screen project proposals to determine

whether or not a review is required• Gauge and define the extent of

regional impacts• Review ecosystemic and socio-

economic impacts of project proposals• Determine whether project proposals

should proceed, and if so, under what terms and conditions

• Monitor projects that have been approved to proceed

• Nunavut Settlement Area & Outer Land Fast Ice Zone • Transboundary Impacts

The NIRB

NIRB’s mission is to protect and promote

the well-being of the Environment

and Nunavummiut through the

Impact Assessment process

NIRB ASSESSMENTSA Changing Landscape

Current Assessments

YearScreening Review Monitoring

Total: new + renewal/amendment

Total Total

2011/12 186: 92 + 94 7 3

2010/11 168: 69 + 99 6 3

2009/10 186: 92 + 94 6 3

2008/09 141: 72 + 69 5 3

2007/08 172: 76 + 96 2 3

2006/07 122: 80 + 42 3 2

• Every piece of information related to all project proposals received by NIRB must be filed to an online public registry

• Every assessment requires public consultation, technical assessment, decision-making and reporting by the Board

Current Assessments

AEM Meliadine Gold Mine Draft EIS anticipated in 2012

Xstrata Hackett River Mine Draft EIS anticipated in 2013

Uravan Garry Lake Uranium Exploration Suspended since 2009

Sabina Bathurst Inlet Port and Road Potential re-engagement in 2012

AREVA Kiggavik Uranium Mine Draft EIS re-submission in 2012

Baffinland Mary River Iron Mine Final Hearing in 2012

PHASE 3

PHASE 2

PHASE 2

PHASE 2

PHASE 2

PHASE 2

Each mining/milling development undergoing NIRB Review will also require a Type A Water Licence from the NWB

The NIRB currently has 6 ongoing Reviews:

Current AssessmentsThe NIRB has 3 ongoing Monitoring Programs:

Shear Jericho Diamond Mine AEM Meadowbank Gold Mine HBML Doris North Gold Mine

Each project also has a Type A Water Licence with the NWB

Pending AssessmentsContinue to conduct a large number of Screening level assessments

Pending Ministerial Referral• HBML Hope Bay Phase II Gold Mine –

recommended for Review by the NIRB on Feb. 24, 2012

Pending submission for Screening• Sabina Back River Gold Mine – 2012 • MMG Izok Corridor – Base Metals – 2012• Others...?

A Changing Landscape

• What does it all mean for the NIRB?

• It’s a very busy time for the Board

• Increasing pressure to reduce EA timelines and remove perceived barriers to economic development in Canada

• NIRB continues to experience challenges with funding, board appointments and the number of hours in the day

Increasing development in Nunavut requires support for the NLCA processes

with continued improvement and realization of new regulatory efficiencies

ONGOING & PLANNED INITIATIVESTargeting Increased Effectiveness

Coordination with NWB

• Detailed Coordinated Process Framework• Initiate consideration of Type A Water Licence

Application concurrently with NIRB Review of EIS• Detailed plans submitted earlier in process by

proponent, shorter overall EA/Licensing timeline• Advantages for Proponent & Reviewers• Revised guide to be released soon by NIRB & NWB

• continue to refine process to reflect experience

Standard EIS Guidelines• The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) forms the

basis of the NIRB’s Review

• NIRB’s EIS Guidelines provide a high level of certainty for project proponents regarding information requirements

• The NLCA allows the NIRB, after due consultation, to establish Standard EIS Guidelines for the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements

• NIRB is preparing to initiate public consultation on Standard EIS Guidelines in 2012

• Opportunities for industry engagement

NIRB Public Guides• New Draft Guide 9: Exceptions from the Review Process

• provide guidance regarding the types of exploration and/or development activities that the NIRB may assess independently of a related project undergoing Review

• Outlines the application process for seeking an exception determination

• Increased certainty regarding “pre-development” for project proponents

• Currently out for public comment until June 11• Available at: http://ftp.nirb.ca/04-GUIDES

NIRB Public Guides• NIRB’s entire series of public guides will be undergoing

revision and updating this year• Original guides developed in 2005-2006

• Target for completion: April 1, 2013• Engagement with industry & stakeholders being planned • Objectives:

• Reflect current best practices, timelines & information requirements

• Demonstrate incorporation of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and Traditional Knowledge

• Improve accessibility

NIRB Website• NIRB will be undertaking a re-launch of its website at

www.nirb.ca• Improve general accessibility to NIRB and create online

application forms• Investigating potential coordination with other

organizations, links to other agencies• Target for completion: April 1, 2013• Continuing to investigate feasibility of new online public

registry system

General Initiatives• Temporarily increase staffing levels to better address

current and pending assessments

• Develop a new five year strategic plan to guide the NIRB’s continued improvement and address funding needs

• Increase integration of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into NIRB processes and procedures

• Increase monitoring capacity through developing an internal database and mapping application• Nunavut General Monitoring Program funded initiative

• Prepare for potential future implementation of NUPPAA

CONCLUSION

Conclusion• Currently experiencing a period of unprecedented growth

and development in the Territory• The NIRB is focusing on a number of initiatives designed

to increase regulatory efficiencies:• new guides, updated guides, standardized EIS guidelines,• revised website & coordination with NWB

• Increase certainty in process & information requirements while increasing efficiencies to address capacity issues

• Continue to seek Government support for timely and sustainable NIRB funding & board appointments

• Ensure good working relationships and improve coordination wherever possible

Questions?

Thank you for your time!

Quana!

ᖁᔭᓐᓇᒥᒃ ᑕᒪᐅᖓᖃᑕᐅᔪᓐᓇᕋᑖᕋᕕᑦ !

NIRB Contact Info

Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB)

PO Box 1360

Cambridge Bay, NU

Toll Free: 1-866-233-3033

Fax: 1-867-983-2594

info@nirb.ca