YELLOWKNIFE (June 4, 2013) – A stronger, environmentally sustainable and industry-friendly mineral development sector in the Northwest Territories is one step closer to reality following the release of Pathways to Mineral Development. The report was prepared by the Mineral Development Strategy (MDS) Stakeholder Engagement Panel and includes recommendations to support a sustainable mineral exploration and development sector in the NWT.
The Engagement Panel identified actions in five broad areas that could ultimately define the core of the MDS and ensure the NWT is able to address the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities facing it. The five areas for action are:
- Creating a competitive edge;
- Creating a new NWT regulatory environment;
- Aboriginal engagement and community capacity building;
- Sustainability; and
- Workforce development and public awareness.
To complete the report, the panel held over 40 meetings, where they heard from more than 120 individuals representing 65 different organizations.
“The NWT is a land rich in resource potential. One of the priorities of this Assembly is to strengthen and diversify the economy and, as part of that priority, we identified the need to have a comprehensive, environmentally sustainable Mineral Development Strategy in place,” said Minister Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay. “This report will help us to prepare a clear plan of action to ensure our territory enjoys strong economic growth from responsible mineral development.”
“The quality and thoughtfulness of the advice and suggestions the panel received during its consultation process was impressive,” said Angus Robertson, Chair of the MDS Engagement Panel. “The fact that many organizations were represented by their most senior officials also speaks to the importance that invested stakeholders attached to this process.”
The NWT Mineral Development Strategy will be finalized in early fall 2013.
For more information, contact:
Alayna Ward
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-8696