Mining News: Record iron shipped from Canadian Arctic mine

Baffinland Iron Mines Corp. Oct. 18 reported that it shipped record quantities of iron ore from its Mary River Mine in Nunavut to European and Asian markets in 2017. From Aug. 2 to Oct. 17, Baffinland shipped roughly 4.1 million metric tons of iron ore from its Milne Inlet Port to markets in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Japan. Fifty-six panamax vessels with an average of 72,600 metric tons of iron ore each shipped over 75 days, marking the largest shipping program by volume ever executed in the Canadian high arctic. “Our record-setting performance was achieved through the hard work and dedication of our employees,” said Baffinland Iron President and CEO Brian Penney. “I also want to thank all of our partners involved in making this program a success, including our shipping partners, ice management experts, the Canadian Coast Guard, and the continued support of the North Baffin communities, in particular Pond Inlet, and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.” No health and safety or environmental incidents occurred during the shipping program. Baffinland Iron Mines, jointly owned by Nunavut Iron Ore and ArcelorMittal, has applied for permits to ship 12 million metric tons of ore annually from its high-grade Mary River iron mine on Baffin Island, Nunavut.

–SHANE LASLEY