The Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Caribou Management Board is calling for a moratorium on mineral exploration on caribou calving grounds this summer.
Board secretary Ross Thompson says a company has apparently been given permits to the Victory Lake area of Nunavut by the territory’s Impact Review Board.
He says the board wants the permits cancelled before any damage is done to cows — and their calves:
“We just are disappointed and surprised that in the case of the Qamanirjuaq calving ground where Anconia Resources has been allowed to go in and explore. We just don’t know where to turn next and how seriously our words and recommendations are being heeded.”
Thompson says the area in question only affects the Qamanirjuaq herd.
He says July is usually a critical time for the animals as they prepare to give birth, so he’s hoping to hear something soon.
Thompson also notes that exploration projects can sometimes lead to full-fledged mining operations which would be a devastating blow to the animals’ calving ground.