Canada is prioritizing Arctic infrastructure, a new port and railway project on Baffin Island has received construction approval. The Steensby Railway is a critical component for expanding production at the Mary River iron ore mine.
“With over a decade of experience in operating the High Arctic, we are moving ahead with the Steensby component,” said Jowdat Waheed, acting CEO of Baffinland. “Negotiations for the financing package are at a very advanced stage, and as soon as it is complete, construction will commence.”
Baffinland is pivoting back to the southern Steensby route. The plan involves building a 149-kilometer railway connecting the mine to a new deep-water port at Steensby Inlet.
This eliminates long-haul trucking to Milne port, lowering both production costs and environmental impacts.
The federal government supports the project as it aligns with the vision to develop Canada’s northern economy. Construction is expected to begin later in 2026.