Qikiqtani Intui Association v. Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation
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The Qikiqtani Inuit Association is the owner of lands in Nunavut which have been leased by Baffinland for an iron ore mine. The QIA was entitled to advance royalty payments of a certain sum until the mine reached 60% of its intended capacity. The QIA and Baffinland subsequently disputed what he “intended capacity” was, with Baffinland claiming it was a lower number that had already been reached, thus ending the obligation to pay advanced royalties. The matter was heard before a three-member panel, who sided with the QIA and determined that advance royalty payments had to continue. Baffinland was required to pay back payments of more than $7.5 million and continue making payments until the mine reached the 60% figure or the cap of $75 million was reached.