YELLOWKNIFE (April 24, 2014) – Minister of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) J. Michael Miltenberger approved two Amended Type "A" water licences today, as required under the Mackenzie Valley Resources Management Act.

These are the first water licences to be approved since devolution came into effect on April 1, 2014. The amended licences were forwarded for Ministerial review and approval by the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Boardearlier this month.

“I’m pleased to see these water licence amendments proceed in such a thorough and timely manner,” said Minister Miltenberger. “This demonstrates the success of northern control over northern resources and our capacity for undertaking these responsibilities.”

An amended water licence for North American Tungsten Corporation Limited’s mining and milling operations at the CanTung Mine site was received on April 4, 2014. The amended licence allows for the establishment for a permanent wastewater treatment facility and associated discharge to the Flat River.

An amended water licence for Miramar Northern Mining Limited’s Con Mine was received on April 10, 2014. The amended licence allows for changes to cover designs being constructed during the ongoing closure and reclamation of the Con Mine site located in Yellowknife.

Devolution of public lands and resources makes northerners responsible for decisions that were previously made in Ottawa. New legislation gives the Government of the Northwest Territories the authority to ensure that water is used in a sustainable manner and that it is protected and conserved for future generations.

Letters approving the amended licences are being sent to the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board.

For more information:

Brenda Norris
Media Liaison
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel:(867) 669-2302
Email: brenda_norris@gov.nt.ca