The board cited “significant adverse ecosystemic effects” on marine mammals such as narwhals, fish, caribou and other wildlife, which in turn could harm Inuit culture, as the main reason for the decision.
The company said it was both surprised and disappointed by the board’s decision.
“Our … proposal is based on years of in-depth study and detailed scientific analysis, and has considerable local support based on years of consultation with Inuit and local communities,” chief executive officer Brian Penney said in the statement.
“We will be asking the federal government to consider all of the evidence and input and to approve the … application with fair and reasonable conditions,” Penney noted.
Dan Vandal, the federal northern affairs minister, has 90 days to either side with the review board or the mining company, in which steel giant ArcelorMittal has a 28% stake. The rest of Baffinland is held by Nunavut Iron…
