Understanding the Social and Economic Impacts of Mining Development in Inuit Communities: Experiences with Past and Present Mines in Inuit Nunangat

Thierry Rodon,Francis Lévesque

doi:10.22584/nr41.2015.002

Thierry Rodon, Francis Lévesque

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.22584/nr41.2015.002

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Abstract

In this article, we examine whether the social and economic impacts of mines on Inuit communities have changed over time, based on Inuit experiences. After an overview of the past experiences of Inuit with the mining industry in Inuit Nunangat between 1957 and the early 2000s, we analyze the complex relation between Inuit communities in the vicinity of mines using recent fieldwork conducted in the Inuit communities located near two active mines in Inuit Nunangat: Salluit and Kangiqsujuaq (Nunavik) and the Raglan nickel mine and Qamani’tuaq (Baker Lake, Nunavut) and the Meadowbank gold mine. We argue that much work remains to be done to understand the economic and social impacts of mining development on Inuit communities.

Highlights

Arctic Canada’s mining potential has long been known
In the mid-twentieth century, mineral exploration was already underway throughout Inuit Nunangat (Inuit territory) (Boutet 2010; Keeling & Sandlos 2009; Sandlos & Keeling 2012; Rodon et al 2013)
In this article, using the Inuit experience provided by research reports and interviews conducted in Inuit communities, we provide a portrait of the complex relation between mines and Inuit communities in order to highlight the Inuit perception of their social and economic impacts over time

Summary

Introduction

Arctic Canada’s mining potential has long been known. In the mid-twentieth century, mineral exploration was already underway throughout Inuit Nunangat (Inuit territory) (Boutet 2010; Keeling & Sandlos 2009; Sandlos & Keeling 2012; Rodon et al 2013). Inuit communities from Nunavik and Nunavut seem to be in a better position to get more benefits out of mining development than they were half a century ago. The Raglan nickel mine (1997) and the Meadowbank gold mine (2010) are the only mines in Inuit Nunangat that have been in operation for a few years and allow us to understand their social and economic impacts on surrounding Inuit communities.

Results

Conclusion