Economic Implications of Climate Change Adaptations for Mine Access Roads in Northern Canada
Data and Resources
Additional Info
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Creator | Perrin, A., J. Dion, S. Eng, D. Sawyer, J.R. Nodelman, N. Comer, H. Auld, E. Sparling, M. Harris, J.Y.H. Nodelman, and L. Kinnear. |
| Summary | Climate change poses significant threats to northern infrastructure in Canada, particularly impacting the mining industry. In the Northwest Territories (NWT), the Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road (TCWR)—a critical ice road supporting three active diamond mines and a fourth soon to be operational—is highly vulnerable to climate-driven disruptions. The TCWR, the world’s busiest heavy-haul ice road, is vital for transporting supplies like diesel to sustain year-round mining operations. Shortened road seasons due to warming temperatures lead to costly alternatives, such as air transport, raising economic concerns for the mining sector, a major contributor to the NWT economy. This vulnerability study identified five climate variables that affect the viability of the TCWR to supply the mines. |
| Local Relevance | This study identifies the impact of NWT climate change on the economical cost of TCWR. |
| Notes | |
| Tags | TCWR,Vulnerability,NWT climate change,Adaptation,Economics |
| Geographic Region | NWT |
| Release Date | 2015-01-01 |
| Last Modified Date | 2015-01-01 |
| Funding Program | Natural Resources Canada in support of Canada’s Adaptation Platform. |