The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is developing regulations to bring the NWT Mineral Resources Act (MRA) into effect. Staff are gathering public feedback on the detailed policy intentions concerning Benefit Agreements and socio-economic policy.

This is the second of three public engagements about the MRA Regulations policy this Fall.  The full list of engagements include:

• Engagement 1: October 29, 2025 to December 3, 2025 - Mineral resources administration policy, drill cores, and the removal of minerals policy. The deadline for engagement #1 has been extended from November 26, 2025 to December 3, 2025.
• Engagement 2: November 10 2025 to December 19, 2025 - Benefit Agreements and socio-economic policy. This is the current engagement.
• Engagement 3: December - Mineral Rights Review Board and transition of existing interests.

The policy intentions are designed to be technical yet accessible, by including line-by-line summaries and explanations. This transparency ensures that any concerns and recommendations can be meaningfully considered.

Providing your feedback on policy intentions is a great way to contribute to the regulatory framework before the GNWT reaches its final steps for the proposed regulations. All feedback will be considered within the review process for this legislation.

The MRA and its regulations will modernize the regulatory environment for the exploration, development and production of minerals in the Northwest Territories (NWT). This will improve the management of mineral rights and will evolve the government’s relationships and collaboration with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations.

The GNWT invites NWT residents to provide feedback about this phase of the MRA policy intentions through the GNWT’s Have Your Say portal by December 19, 2025.

RELATED LINKS

• Engagement on the Mineral Resource Act - Policy Intentions: Benefit Agreements and socio-economic policy
• Proposed Regulations to fulfill the Northwest Territories Mineral Resources Act: Benefit Agreements, and socio-economic policy

CONTACT
For media requests, please contact:
ITI Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
ITIcommunications@gov.nt.ca
867-767-9202 ext. 63038