We prepared a description and analysis of a property west of Wrigley, NWT, and offered development recommendations in alignment with the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act (MVRMA).
Client Name
Devonian Metals
Services Provided
We collected all the natural resource, cultural resource, and traditional knowledge information pertinent to the area around a future mine development and analyzed it in a comprehensive report. This information served as an important and valuable asset that provided the client with a basis for any future developer’s assessment reports. In addition, we outlined all the requirements of the MVRMA and provided strategies for proceeding with the development.
Client Challenge
The client wanted to be ready to enter an environmental assessment process in the most effective way and following all best practices. Their objective was to be cooperative, transparent, maximize benefits, and minimize any negative impacts. The client observed that knowing everything about the ecology, environment, cultural resources, and traditional knowledge of an area before entering an environmental assessment could provide them the opportunity to collect data ahead of time and avoid the unknowns that can often lead to conflict during assessment processes.
How B&B Solved it?
We researched every possible source of data relating to the proposed mine site. This included climate, air, water, soils, plants, wildlife, cultural resources, land-use history, and traditional knowledge. We compiled data in tables, created GIS files, and provided a comprehensive report with maps. We documented all critical data deficiencies and offered recommendations for further data collection. In addition, we provided timelines and costs for all necessary monitoring and research. Two immediate studies were recommended and conducted. This included a caribou survey with DNA information derived from pellet collection, and a traditional knowledge study for the local community of Wrigley. Both of these studies were completed, and a comprehensive strategy for entering any future environmental assessment was provided.