November 21, 2022
The NWT’s Mining and Exploration Industry celebrated excellence Thursday in the many areas in which mining and exploration contribute to the NWT.
Hon. Caroline Wawzonek provided opening remarks. “The NWT is a resilient territory full of talented people and boundless potential; there is prosperity to be had here. Together we can create a stronger, resource rich, sustainable North that benefits us all,” she said.
The Mining and Exploration (MAX) Awards gala concluded the 2022 Yellowknife Geoscience Forum; recognizing northern individuals, businesses, organizations and governments that have generated opportunities and demonstrated leadership in responsible and successful resource development.
Diavik Diamond Mine received MAX awards for Safety Leadership and Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) while Gaeleen MacPherson (3rd from the left), Sr. Manager, HR & CS received the the Inaugural Women in Mining Award.
Minister Caroline Wawzonek presented all three of the NWT’s diamond mines with the MAX Award celebrating Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) excellence. Above, (L) Lyndon Clark, General Manager of Gahcho Kué Mine; and (R) Rory Moore, President & CEO at Arctic Canadian Diamond Company Ltd.
Andy McMullen received the MAX Awards for Special Achievement from Tom Hoefer, NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines
“The bar, on a normal day in the NWT’s mining and exploration sector is set pretty high,” Minister of Industry Tourism and Investment, Caroline Wawzonek remarked in formally introducing the event. “On a day-to-day basis, we are witness to the excellence that exists in mining and exploration in our Territory. Tonight, we will recognize the best of the best.”
The Northwest Territories Geological Survey was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by: David Mate (far right), Director with the Geological Survey of Canada
In addition to award presentations, attendees enjoyed a keynote presentation from Jeff Hussey President & COO of Osisko Metals and took part in a live charity auction for varying items raising an incredible $53K for the Adopt-a-Family program in Yellowknife.
Premier Cochrane presented the MAX Award for Indigenous Achievement to Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty (middle) of the Tłîchô Government
In accepting the award for Indigenous Achievement on behalf of the Tłîchô Government, Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty observed: “It wasn’t long ago mining brought nothing but devastation to our environment, today it brings jobs and opportunities. As we move forward we are looking to lead development throughout our region - at our pace, led by our people and our organizations.”
