August 16, 2017

(Photo: Yukon's Minister for Energy, Mines and Resources, Ranj Pillai; Nunavut's Minister responsible for Mines, Monica Ell; and Northwest Territories' Minister for Industry, Tourism and Investment, and Infrastructure, Wally Schumann).

Minister Wally Schumann joined colleagues from across Canada this week at the annual Energy and Mines Ministers Conference in New Brunswick.

As part of a busy agenda, Ministers discussed how governments can enhance public confidence in mineral resource development.

The NWT mining industry is recognized as a leader in this area thanks in part to its ongoing implementation of the NWT Mineral Development Strategy and its supports for community readiness, sustainability and enhanced Aboriginal engagement and capacity.

In a 2016 survey released by Abacus Canada, NWT residents strongly supported mineral exploration and development with 86% agreeing that a strong mining sector is vital to the long-term health of the NWT economy.

This summer the GNWT launched the Resources and Energy Development Information initiative encouraging NWT residents to “Get REDI” with fact-based information about the benefits, risks and potential for resource and energy development in the NWT.

With the growing focus of global economies towards a low-carbon future, Ministers at this year’s Energy and Mines meeting also committed time to discussing clean growth and technology.

Increased demand for clean technologies will result in a greater demand for NWT minerals such as copper, cobalt and lithium – an area of possible growth for the NWT mining industry.

Minister Schumann highlighted to his colleagues that consideration must be given to finding ways to improve the NWT’s investment climate during the low-carbon economy transition.

Click here for the EMMC news release.