Uranium ban vote shows deep split among Labrador Inuit

A narrow vote by the Labrador Inuit assembly to halt uranium mining activity for three years is bad news for the region, a member says.

By 8-7, members of the Nunatsiavut assembly approved a ban on uranium mining in lands under its jurisdiction.

Keith Russell, who represents Upper Lake Melville in the assembly, said the moratorium is a step backwards.

"It was [an] utter disappointment," Russell told CBC News.

"In my opinion, I think that it comes from a complete misunderstanding of the risks at this point. We've created a perception to the world out there that we're not going to be the easiest to work with."

Several companies have expressed interest in the potential of uranium in Labrador, with one company, Aurora Energy Resources, undertaking an aggressive exploration program.

The ban does not limit exploration work, although mining companies are concerned about a ban on development.

William Barbour, the minister of lands and resources, said the bill hit close to home for every member of the assembly, as it pitted employment against environmental protection.

"It was hard to get away from the emotional side of the debate, whether you were for or against the moratorium," he said.

Health Minister Greg Flowers hopes the moratorium will give the government enough time to develop a land-use plan and environmental legislation.

"We waited 30 years for a land claim and if somebody [must] wait now for us, then so be it," Flowers said.

Nunatsiavut began providing self-government for Labrador's 5,000 Inuit in 2005, following a land-claim settlement that involves 72,520 square kilometres of northern Labrador. Of that area, the Inuit have full ownership of 15,800 square kilometres, and co-manage the remaining area with the Newfoundland and Labrador government.

The former Labrador Inuit Association had filed its claim in 1977.

Nunatsiavut acting president Tony Andersen promises the moratorium will be looked at again in three years. He said his government is prepared to work with any company wanting to do exploration in the region.