b'SUCCESS STORYbon economies, aligning with efforts topresident of the Annauma Communityoutside of Baffinland, but its very well reduce carbon emissions in the steelFoundation, the first-ever Nunavutsupported by the company to be able production process. Because its highcommunity foundation. The foundationto do things like that. Its all towards the grade and over 67-per-cent purity,aims to support community initia- same thing: creating opportunities, link-our product is part of the productiontives in a manner that aligns with Inuiting north with south, sharing resources, of green steel, part of the low-carbonvalues. This is another dimension tocreating jobs. Its all linked.economic shift going on, because steelmy commitment beyond the mining is quite environmentally heavy, industry, she states. We had our offi- Hansons leadership at Baffinland she explains. cial opening in April of 2023. We havereflects a commitment to community managed to raise almost seven of aengagement, sustainable practices The Mary River iron ore mine, located$10-million goal, and everything we areand economic development. Her role on Baffin Island, produces the high- doing is trust-based philanthropy. Wenot only contributes to the success of est-grade direct shipping iron ore glob- are trying to ensure that the communityBaffinland, but also aligns with broader ally. Notably, Baffinlands operationsinitiatives we support are done in a wayefforts to create positive and lasting involve crushing and screening on site,that reflect our Inuit way of sharing.impacts on the lives of Inuit and com-eliminating the need for concentratingThats something that keeps me busymunities in Nunavut.or processing, consequently avoiding the production of tailings ponds. Green steel, which is critically dependent on high-grade ore, is the most critical element in the global green economic transition and is the main mineral needed for every technology type. While other metals are also vital, green steel is required in virtually every aspect of that environmental shift.Baffinlands commitment to sustain-ability and collaboration with Indig-enous communities is evident in its engagement with Inuit firms. In 2023, the company contracted with 42 Inuit firms, amounting to a total value of $173.9 million, Hanson states. She also emphasizes Baffinlands role as a major contributor to Nunavuts economy, currently being the largest private employer and accounting for nearly a quarter of the territorys GDP, she notes. Baffinlands operation is estimated to have over 100 years of production ahead of it.Incorporating Inuit knowledge (Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit) into all aspects of the business is a fundamental practice at Baffinland. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit guides our baseline studies, operations and future planning, Hanson affirms, reflecting the deep integration of tradi-tional wisdom into modern practices.When asked about standout opportuni-ties, Hanson cites the increase in Inuit employment levels at Baffinland, which have almost reached pre-COVID levels at around 400 employees. Additionally, Baffinland has contracted over one bil-lion dollars with Inuit firms, contributing to the economic well-being oflocal communities.Hansons commitment to community development extends beyond Baf-finland. She is the co-founder andIssue #1, 2024INDIGENOUS PROSPERITY 13'