The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) develops and delivers policy, programs, and services related to mineral exploration and development, manages land tenure associated with mineral development and administers royalties.

The GNWT encourages and promotes investment in the NWT’s world-class non-renewable resource sector, with a focus on increasing resource exploration and investment, partnership with Indigenous governments, and securing benefits for NWT Residents.

Mining in the NWT has a rich and ongoing history in precious and base metals (gold and zinc) and diamonds. Today, the NWT is looking towards critical minerals that are rapidly becoming important on a global scale.

Want to keep up to date with the GNWT’s latest resource sector publications? Check out our publications page.

With a skilled labour force, a strong mining service and supply industry, decades of experience working in concert with Indigenous governments, and a rich landscape, resource projects and related industries can continue to be a significant source of benefits for NWT residents and businesses, and royalties and other revenue for both the GNWT and Indigenous governments while being a strong part of a diversified economy.