Izok Corridor Project
MMG owns a number of undeveloped mineral assets in the Kitikmeot region of Nunavut, including the Izok Corridor Project (ICP). The ICP includes one of the richest undeveloped zinc deposits in the world at Izok and a high-grade copper deposit at High Lake. These form part of the geological formation known as the Slave Geological Province within the Canadian arctic. Regional prospectivity is world class with untapped potential however whilst the opportunity is immense, so are the capital requirements to explore and develop the ICP.
Significance of the Grays Bay Road and Port
The ICP has not yet been developed, primarily due to the lack of regional transportation infrastructure, and the substantial construction costs. This has been a significant barrier to the project’s development. MMG strongly supports the development of the Grays Bay Road and Port (GBRP) – a proposed shared-use infrastructure project. The project includes a 230-kilometre all-weather road through a well-known mineral rich region connecting to a deep sea port on the Coronation Gulf. The GBRP’s economic, community and security potential is significant, as it opens the first all-weather road and deep-water Port in Canada’s Arctic. It has the potential to unlock long-term social and economic benefits for Inuit regions and the country as a whole. We believe the most appropriate approach for the road and port infrastructure is based on shared-use facilities and the early involvement of key stakeholders.
Pathway to development
Our team is currently in discussions regarding Inuit opportunities and equity participation in the ICP. We have also proposed initiating a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) process with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporate (NTI) to provide structure and transparency for these discussions. We are committed to ensuring that our involvement in the region is a catalyst for local and national benefit, not a barrier.
“Completion of Grays Bay Road and Port Project would help facilitate the accelerated development of this highly prospective geological region and, with it, the Izok Corridor Project. By continuing to work together with the communities of Kitikmeot, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories and across the Canadian Government, the massive potential held within the western Kitikmeot region can be unlocked,” said Catherine Knight, MMG’s Vice President Canada.
“This would help bring employment, business opportunities, supply routes, infrastructure, new wealth and prosperity to Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and Canada. Shared value could come through significant Inuit or Canadian participation in the Izok Corridor Project. MMG has been in the region for over 15 years and wants to play an ongoing role in the development of infrastructure and investment in the mineral resources of the Slave Province.”
Local engagement & next steps
A small, dedicated MMG team (based in Canada) is currently conducting field visits and also engaging with members of the local communities and other stakeholders to ensure all interest – and any concerns – is fully understood and considered. MMG wants to play an ongoing and active role in the development of the mineral resources in the region and is reaching out to obtain expressions of interest from regional stakeholders. Environmental sustainability underpins our operations and wildlife conservation is a high priority for the ICP. It’s worth noting that development of the ICP would require a range of approvals including meeting all relevant regulatory requirements. Typically, the project approval process can take upwards of five years.
A little about MMG
- MMG is an international mining company with operations in Australia, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Peru. We pride ourselves on our team’s diversity of experience and skills, which includes global expertise and adherence to responsible mining practices (including ICMM membership), whilst supporting local talent, economic development and communities.
- Listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEx 1208) with independent board members, MMG sells its products to international markets, referencing LME pricing and on commercial arm’s length agreements.
- MMG’s major shareholder is China Minmetals Corporation (CMC). Founded in 1950, CMC is one of China’s major multinational state-owned enterprises.
- A long-standing member of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) since the company was formed in 2009, MMG commits to the ICMM Sustainable Development Framework.
- MMG has spent over CAD$70 million in ICP studies and on-ground exploration in the region from 2009 to 2025.
Need more information or have questions? Please get in touch Izok.info@mmg.com
