Labrador Inuit ponder ban on uranium mining

Labrador's Inuit assembly is considering a motion that would ban uranium mining on land it governs.

Aurora Energy is hoping to develop a uranium mine near the coastal Labrador community of Postville within the next decade.

The plan has divided people in Postville and nearby communities, with some embracing the prospect of high-paying jobs and others deeply worried about long-term environmental risks.

A motion, which is scheduled to go to second reading in the Nunatsiavut assembly in November, directs the self-government not to consent to a mine or mill on Inuit-owned lands.

William Barbour, the minister of land and resources with the Nunatsiavut government, said a committee will in the meantime study the benefits and drawbacks of uranium mining. He said Inuit leaders are feeling a bit overwhelmed by Aurora Energy's proposal.

"Maybe there is a safe method out there today, but these exploration companies who wish to go mining have to convince us that it can be done," said Barbour.

Aurora Energy is hoping to register a mine environmental assessment before the end of the year. Barbour, who would like to have a uranium policy in place by then, described the work of preparing a policy as "a monumental task."

Despite the proposed ban now before the Inuit assembly, Aurora officials remain optimistic.

"Aurora is actually quite pleased that Nunatsiavut is initiating a process to discuss uranium mining," said vice-president John Roberts, who said the company hopes to convince Inuit leaders that a mine can be developed safely.