Operating Mines
Despite the very high potential of the territory
as a whole, only two sites are currently in operation: the Polaris
zinc-lead mine on Little Cornwallis Island and the Nanisivik zinc-lead-silver
mine, near the village of the same name.
The Nanisivik mine was opened in October 1976 with 200 employees.
In 1999 the mine continues to employ the same number of people overall
and zinc is still the main element taken out. Zinc constitutes between
7% and 8% of the total annual ore production of about 730 000 tonnes
(2000 tonnes a day), which means that nearly 54 000 tonnes of this
metal is mined. A small amount of silver also continues to be taken
from the raw ore. Not considering exploration activities carried
out locally, and assuming the same production rate, the calculated
reserves could allow the mine to extract substantial amounts of
ore for another five years.
The Polaris mine, the most northerly mine in the world, started its operations
in November 1981. It began with 231 employees, and the principal metals
it extracts are calcium, lead and especially zinc, at a production level
of 152 700 tonnes in 1997. Zinc comprises a little over 12% of the ore
mined, while lead accounts for about 3.5%. Further studies and exploration
activities determined that the deposit was not economically viable. Closure
of the mine is expected in the 3rd quarter of 2001 based on current ore
reserves.
Closed Mines
Nunavut has hosted many mines over the past several decades. The closed
mines include the North Rankin mine at Rankin Inlet; the Bent Horn mine,
325 km northwest of Resolute; the Cullaton Lake / Shear Lake mine, 230
km west of Arviat; and the Lupin mine, 275 km southwest of Bathurst Inlet.
The latter two sites were the largest projects to shut down, whereas Bent
Horn (oil) and North Rankin (nickel) operated only briefly.
The Cullaton Lake / Shear Lake property comprised two close-by gold deposits
which produced ferrous-based ore. Opened in 1981, these sites yielded
77 783 ounces of gold from 251 000 tonnes of ore extracted up to 1985.
The Lupin mine provided an ore rich in precious metals notably gold and
uranium. This plant, which opened in October 1982 and provided work for
over 500 employees at one time, had to shut down in January 1998. However,
further studies in progress could allow the reuse of certain facilities
on this mine property for the bulk processing of samples from a kimberlite
chimney (diamonds) found on the site.
Reference
Canada. Statistics Canada, Canada's Mineral Production, Preliminary
Estimate, no: 26-202, Ottawa, 1998.
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