Mining News: Summit highlights mining the Arctic – Petroleum News

Alaska, Greenland and Canada’s three northern territories share problems, secrets of success at first northern regions conference

Geo-political differences aside, the challenges facing those involved in mineral development in the North are remarkably similar. Whether lack of infrastructure, scarcity of skilled labor, or negative perceptions of mining, northern jurisdictions from Alaska to Greenland grapple daily with same aspects of issues created by their location in the Arctic.

This uniformity of concerns brought together about 150 participants in the inaugural Northern Regions Mining Summit in Vancouver May 28-30. Facilitated by Alaska’s Institute of the North and sponsored by Alaska Native regional organizations and Canadian mining companies, the gathering highlighted issues faced by northern indigenous communities, especially those located near substantial mineral resources.

The goal of the summit was to foster meaningful conversations and idea-sharing between Alaska, Canada’s three territories – Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon Territory – Greenland and other Arctic jurisdictions in hopes of identifying effective strategies for sustainable development.