Nanisivik Lead/Zinc Mine

Canada / Nunavut / Tununirusiq /
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Nanisivik (Inuktitut syllabics: ᓇᓂᓯᕕᒃ, translation for the place where people find things) was a company town which was built in 1975 to support the lead-zinc mining and mineral processing operations for the Nanisivik Mine, in production between 1976 and 2002. The town site was located just inland from Strathcona Sound, about 20 km (12 mi) east of the community of Arctic Bay in Canada's Nunavut Territory.

There is a port and dock about 3.7 km (2.3 mi) north of the former mine site which was used for shipping concentrate from the site, and receiving supplies. It is currently used by the Canadian Coast Guard for training.

Nanisivik Airport located 8 NM (15 km; 9.2 mi) south is still in operation as the main airport for Arctic Bay. The airport is about 19 km (12 mi) directly southeast of Arctic Bay but the road between them is 32 km (20 mi).

Since the closure of the mine in 2002, reclamation has been ongoing and the town is abandoned. Residents of Arctic Bay had hoped that the Government of Nunavut would be able to find a new use for the former townsite, potentially a trades training centre. They had also hoped to be able to move some of the buildings and equipment to their community. Due to heavy lead-zinc contamination, this was not possible and the homes have been demolished. Local telephone service was discontinued on February 19, 2007 on approval from CRTC.

As of the 2006 census the population was 0, a drop from the 2001 census with a population of 77.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   73°2'8"N   84°28'8"W
This article was last modified 10 years ago