EDITORIAL & OPINION – PERSPECTIVES — The mine at the top of the world

For a remotely situated operation that was expected to produce for only 12 years, the Nanisivik zinc mine has demonstrated that staying power is possible even in the High Arctic.

The mine, situated on the northern tip of Baffin Island in what will soon be the territory of Nunavut, 750 km north of the Arctic Circle, entered production in October 1976. Its anticipated mine life of 12 years was based on mill production of 600,000 tonnes per year and a reserve of 6.3 million tonnes grading 14.1% zinc. The mine has been in operation for 22 years as a result of additional exploration. Based on identified reserves, the operation will be open for many more years. Last year, Nanisivik achieved record production.

The discovery, development and operation of the property spans almost 90 years, commencing in 1911. In that year, a prospector from a Canadian Coast Guard expedition first noted mineralization in the area. The Geological Survey of Canada further documented the area in 1954, bringing about the staking of the property and further work by Texas Gulf Sulphur. In 1972, Mineral Resources International obtained an option on the property. Further development was undertaken, and construction of the mine began in 1974. Production followed less than two years later.

In the promotional world of mining, new finds and mines are heralded and much-written about. However, mature operations like Nanisivik are often overlooked. I am often approached by people in the industry who are surprised that we have been able to overcome the challenges of a remote site, harsh conditions and declining head grades to keep the mine open. The fact that we are still here is a tribute to the mine’s employees.

Also contributing to our success were natural phenomena: there is marine accessibility for supplies and shipments, and permafrost contributes to ground control and civil construction. We have also introduced many new practices, such as dry drilling, and waste heat recovery for concentrate drying and building heat.

The potential for continuing operations is strong. We have survived longer than anyone expected, and will continue to do so, with the help of our employees, community and better technology.

— The authors are general manager and milling manager, respectively, of the Nanisivik base metal mine.