NWT Mining Week recognizes industry and workers

YELLOWKNIFE (June 10, 2014) – NWT Mining Week takes place June 9-13 this year and provides an opportunity to recognize the important role the mining sector has played in the NWT over the past 80 years and, with careful planning, will continue to play long into the future. More than 3,000 people are employed in the mining sector in the territory and its four producing mines contribute more than $770 million in annual spending.

“Mining is a vital industry in the NWT. It continuously provides employment and economic benefits for our residents,” said Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay. “NWT Mining Week is a great opportunity to show our support and appreciation for this important industry and all those that work in it.”

To ensure the continued growth of a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable mining industry, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment recently launched theMining Incentive Program (MIP), which was a key recommendation of the Mineral Development Strategy (MDS).

The NWT is one of the largest untapped mining regions in the world – diamonds, gold, cobalt, bismuth, tungsten and rare earths can all be found in the territory. Since the first mine began operating in the early 1930s, the industry has been an economic mainstay in the NWT.

The 17th Legislative Assembly has a vision of a unified, environmentally sustainable and prosperous Northwest Territories and priorities of strengthening and diversifying the economy and increasing employment opportunities where they most needed. The Government of the Northwest Territories supports these priorities by celebrating the mining industry and the people that comprise it.

Mineral Development Strategy (MDS)
Mining Incentive Program (MIP)

For more information:

Alayna Ward
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-8696

Email: alayna_ward@gov.nt.ca