Aurora Energy Resources confirmed today that the Nunatsiavut Government voted eight to seven in favour of implementing a three-year moratorium on uranium mining on Labrador Inuit Lands, but will continue to allow uranium exploration. Aurora understands that the basis for the mining moratorium is to allow time for the Nunatsiavut Government and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, through the Regional Planning Authority, to formulate a Land Use Plan as required by the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement.
“The Nunatsiavut Government has indicated that it is supportive of natural resource development and open to evaluating ongoing project information, but needs additional time to prepare for significant developments like the Michelin Project,” said Dr. Mark O’Dea, President and CEO, Aurora Energy Resources. “Currently there is no uranium mining on Labrador Inuit Lands and there are no plans for uranium mining operations for the next three years.”
Nunatsiavut Government Lands and Resources Minister William Barbour said following the Assembly decision today, “We are prepared to work with any company wanting to conduct exploration within our territory. During the course of the next three years we will build our human resources capacity to effectively govern our land and resources and effectively participate in environmental protection and management together with industry and other governments.”
Aurora plans to conduct an in-fill drill program at the Michelin and Jacques Lake deposits and continue with a pre-feasibility study on the Michelin Project. “We are committed to continue working closely with the Nunatsiavut Government, Inuit Community Government members and beneficiaries on such things as tailings management and environmentally safe mine closure plans. We strongly believe that we can demonstrate to the Nunatsiavut Government that uranium mining can be safely carried out, with the utmost care for the integrity of the environment,” concluded Dr. O’Dea.
The Nunatsiavut Government is a newly formed regional government established in 2005.