Brinex Mine Nunatsiavut: Inuit call for a full inquiry

The call for an inquiry noted the lack of any assurance that aboriginal title of Labrador Inuit would be protected under the proposal

ITC president Michael Amarook statement

“The Brinex proposal raises such far-reaching economic, environmental and social questions for the people of coastal Labrador to warrant a full scale inquiry.”

Project History Timeline

1955

British Newfoundland Exploration Limited (Brinex) discovers first significant uranium in the Central Mineral Belt.

1966-1969

Exploration and discovery of the Michelin deposit by Brinex and Joint Venture partners. Other mineral showings also found in the area. Mineral resource of approximately 18 million pounds of uranium* identified (according to the mineral occurrence data system of Newfoundland and Labrador).

1979

Brinex completes feasibility study for developing its Labrador assets and is in negotiations with a utility company for future sales of yellowcake produced by the operation.

An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is submitted by Brinex as part of an Environmental Assessment of the mining project. Public hearings are held.

1980 – 1985

The board appointed to review the EIS and Brinex’s mining project proposal does not approve the development due to inadequate information in the EIS.

Uranium prices begin to decline rapidly.

Brinex cedes exploration rights in the area. Mining leases are ceded in the early 1990s and the properties remain open until 2002.

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