IGO Sustainability Report

48 Independence Group NL

SCANDINAVIAN JOINT VENTURE

IGO has been undertaking exploration activities in

Scandinavia since 2007, under a number of nickel-copper

focused joint ventures with the Toronto Stock Exchange

(TSX)-listed company Mawson Resources Ltd (‘MAW’),

based in Sweden. The JV exploration activities have

included regional prospecting, regional geochemical

surveys and both ground and airborne geophysical

surveys.

The JV has sought to engage various stakeholders.

Some of those consulted have raised concerns. The most

common theme is a general concern about the scale and

potential for widespread impact associated with mining;

a concern that arises from the fact that, for many people,

their only experience of mining in the region has been

large scale open pit iron ore mining. Other concerns

include the industries potential impacts on communities

and people’s lifestyles. Of specific and consistent concern

is the potential to impact on reindeer migration and water

contamination.

IGO, in association with its JV partners, are clearly

advocates for mining. Notwithstanding this we have

sought to pursue our interests in exploration while

responding to the concerns of those with whom we

engage. With regard to the potential impacts of our

exploration activities, we have employed a range of

mitigation measures such as planning our activities in

winter, where possible, to avoid the calving season of

reindeer and the nesting season of bird life, and similarly

to avoid important traditions like the annual moose hunt,

which begins on 1 September every year.

There have been no reported environmental incidents or

community complaints in the reporting period.

IGO Orrbacken Project March 2012 –

DrillCon diamond drill rig on frozen lake

Sweden

Karesuando

Pessinki

kilometres

300

Kiruna

Malmberget

Boden

Skelleftee

FIGURE 13

SCANDINAVIAN JV