The proposed iron-ore mine at Mary River in Nunavut is dominating the debate at the Qikiqtani Inuit Association's annual general meeting.

The meeting is being held in Iqaluit this week.

Last month, the Nunavut Impact Review Board approved the mine, with almost 200 terms and conditions. The final decision lies now with federal Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development John Duncan.

QIA supports the mine project, but has a list of terms, conditions and concerns.

Okalik Eegeesiak, the president of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, said attendees got updates on the impact benefit agreement they are negotiating with Baffinland Iron Mines - the company proposing the massive mine. (CBC)

"The text of the report is being reviewed right now by our lawyers and hopefully our negotiation session will start again in October and hopefully be completed by the end of December," said Phillip Paniaq, the chief negotiator for the QIA.

Meetings were mostly held in private until late Tuesday night.

"We talked a lot about the Mary River Project and got updates from staff, and going over the update of NIRB recommendations and terms and conditions, as well as an update on the impact benefit agreement," said Okalik Eegeesiak, the president of the association.

Several QIA representatives wonder about the potential mine's impact on animals and the environment.

"I am concerned most about the impact the project will have on the wildlife that inhabit our waters. The water will get contaminated and we need to ensure that we are prepared to deal with this and ensure that we will not harm them. We will continue to negotiate these issues for the areas that will be affected by the project," said Siman Nataaq, a community director for the association.

The meeting ends Thursday afternoon, and no major decisions about the Mary River project will be made until later this year.