Baffinland officials talk year-round shipping in Pond Inlet

Toronto-based mining company Baffinland is touring north Baffin Island to talk about changes to its local operations.

The company is ramping up the second phase of its Mary River Project and hopes to ship iron ore yearround.

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The hope for year-round shipping is a stark contrast to Baffinland's original plans to only ship during the open water season and the change has some people in Pond Inlet worried. The company held a meeting in the community Wednesday.

"It's everybody's concern, I think,if this proceeds," says Simon Merkosak. He says there would need to be controls and constant monitoring to ensure the animals are not adversely affected.

The local hunters and trappers organization alsoattended themeeting and says it feels the company is listening tofears about the impact of year-round shipping.

No one from the company was available to speak to CBC about the meetings.