Public feedback related to policy intentions for the Mineral Resources Act regulations is now summarized and available through a What We Heard report.

Between October 2025 and January 2026, three rounds of public engagement occurred through the Government of the Northwest Territories’ Have Your Say platform, written submissions and other means.

The engagement focused on gathering input and feedback on the proposed policies for the regulations. This included policy related to benefit agreements, removal of minerals, drill cores, transition of existing mineral rights, the Mineral Rights Review Board as well as socio-economic and general administrative policy.

Feedback reflected a range of perspectives, with respondents emphasizing the importance of clear and transparent regulatory requirements, meaningful consultation and partnership with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations, streamlined requirements that avoid unnecessary duplication, flexibility to reflect regional differences, and minimizing administrative burden while maintaining effective oversight.

The Government of the Northwest Territories is considering this feedback as it continues to develop the proposed regulations in collaboration with Indigenous partners. The regulations are required for the Mineral Resources Act to be fully implemented and become law. The regulations will establish a regulatory framework that reflects the unique needs and circumstances of the Northwest Territories.

The fourth round of engagement occurred June-July 2026, but is not yet included in the current What We Heard report. Once the feedback from that round of engagement is summarized and available, the report will be updated and available to the public. That round of engagement gathered feedback on policies related to online map staking, transition periods and Temporary Restricted Areas.

For more information and to read the What We Heard report, visit:
Mineral Resources Act Regulations: Public Engagement on Policy Intentions – What We Heard

Timeline of engagements:

• Engagement 1: October 29, 2025 to December 3, 2025 - Mineral resources administration policy, drill cores, and removal of minerals policy.
• Engagement 2: November 7, 2025 to  December 5, 2025 - Benefit Agreements, and socio-economic policy.
• Engagement 3: December 10, 2025 to January 12, 2026 - Mineral Rights Review Board, and transition of existing mineral interests.
• Engagement 4: June 17, 2026 to July 17, 2026 - Online Map Staking, Blackout Period, And Temporary Restricted Areas.

RELATED LINKS:

• Mineral Resources Act Regulations: Public Engagement on Policy Intentions – What We Heard | Government of Northwest Territories
• Mines and Minerals

For media requests, please contact:
Melvin Leonard
Assistant Director, Strategic Communication
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 767-9202 ext. 63038
Email: ITIcommunications@gov.nt.ca