[IPSM] In Nunavut, exploration frenzy continues

[Macdonald Stainsby]

The good thing about mining companies, is they keep headquarters in the big 
cities.

In Nunavut, exploration frenzy continues
WebPosted Feb 4 2005 07:31 AM MST
CBC News
http://north.cbc.ca

IQALUIT - More than a 1,000 permits have been issued to companies that want 
to explore for minerals in Nunavut this year.
Diamonds are just one of the minerals found by exploration companies in Nunavut

Diamonds are just one of the minerals found by exploration companies in 
Nunavut That's less than last year – but federal officials and industry say 
that doesn't mean there's less interest in the territory.

Eighteen different companies applied for exploration permits this year. De 
Beers got the most: a total of 538 permits, covering more than 23 million 
acres. BHP Billiton Diamonds got 233 permits.

This year's total number of permits – 1,137 – is nearly 400 fewer than in 2004.

But according to Michael Hine, the vice-president of the N.W.T.-Nunavut 
Chamber of Mines, those numbers don't mean companies aren't committed to 
exploring in Nunavut.

"My own take is that it simply reflects the lack of ground that's available. 
Like last year, they staked over 60 million acres. I mean, that's 
phenomenal. There wasn't that much ground left to go after."

So far, companies have found many minerals in Nunavut, including diamonds, 
gold and sapphires.

More than 150 million acres of land is being held for prospecting permits.
-- 

Macdonald Stainsby
http://lists.econ.utah.edu/mailman/listinfo/rad-green
In the contradiction lies the hope
	--Bertholt Brecht.