Mr. Chairman, my view and my department's view is whether this project goes ahead or not is going to depend on the economic case that can be put forward. It's not going to be a political decision. If it is worthwhile to invest the money that's needed, and our estimate or the latest estimate on the road and port construction is $216 million to build a road and then it's got to be operated after that. If there is enough mining activity to justify that size of a road, it will likely go ahead. But if there isn't, I don't believe any government is going to put the money into putting the road there. The traffic that would be required for it is probably based largely on the base metals, Izok Lake is one major example. Base metal prices continue to be fairly low. Right now, they wouldn't be economic, but if base metal prices went up, we could see this project move ahead quickly.
Joe Handley on Standing Committee On Governance And Economic Development Comments
In the Legislative Assembly on February 24th, 2003. See this statement in context.
general Comments
Standing Committee On Governance And Economic Development Comments
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
February 23rd, 2003
Page 273
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