June 7, 2017

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released two documents monitoring the socio-economics of NWT mining. 

The 2016 Socio-Economic Agreement (SEA) Implementation Report for Ekati, Diavik, Snap Lake, and Gahcho Kue diamond mines and the annual Communities and Diamonds

The SEA Implementation Report provides information on program delivery, spending, and community engagement activities undertaken in-line with the Socio-Economic Agreements between mining companies and the GNWT.

The purpose of the report is to ensure the benefits from mining activity go beyond short-term jobs and leave a legacy of improving the lives of citizens across all communities.

The collaborative effort includes input from the departments of Industry, Tourism and Investment; Health and Social Services; Education, Culture and Employment; Finance; Justice; the NWT Bureau of Statistics; and the NWT Housing Corporation.

The Communities and Diamonds report is produced annually to support SEA implementation. It compiles data and information on social and economic indicators that identify potential linkages between the opening and ongoing operation of the NWT’s diamond mines with the social health and economic well-being of its communities and people.

Measurements from seven small local communities (SLCs), in particular, are distinguished due to their geographic proximity to the operating mines. These SCLs are: Behchokǫ̀, Detah, Gameti, Łutselk’e, Ndilǫ̀, Wekweèti and Whatì.

Socio-economic agreements are one way the GNWT aims to ensure NWT residents capture and retain as much benefit as possible from mining activities in the territory.

Monitoring social and economic indicators associated with mining through research like the Communities and Diamonds report allows the GNWT to ensure resource development is undertaken in a holistic, responsible manner with an eye to community wellness.

Access the full documents below.