NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines
Leading Responsible Mining Operations
With offices in the capital cities of Yellowknife and Iqaluit in Northern Canada, the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines is the voice of the northern mining and exploration industry. Since 1967 the association has served companies operating in the NWT and Nunavut, supporting and leading the way for responsible and sustainable mineral exploration and development in the region.
The Chamber of Mines acts as the point of contact for the NWT and Nunavut mining industry. The organization researches current issues, arranges meetings, and assists in organizing special events, including the annual Geoscience Forum, NWT Mining Week, and the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting.
As a result, the Chamber of Mines is leading the charge for responsible mining operations in northern Canada as well as advocating for socio-economic, community, and regulatory improvements.
Membership
The mining industry has been instrumental for the economy of the NWT and Nunavut. It has and continues to provide significant training, employment, and business opportunities as well as contributing infrastructure to each territory.
“Membership in the Chamber allows you to keep tabs on what is going on in the mineral industry. The Chamber publishes regular newsletters and also emails news items to members. If you are engaged in any business in the North, you need to know what’s going on in mining and exploration or you’ll miss out on some exciting opportunities.”
The Chamber of Mines is comprised of over 400 influential individuals and companies including some of the biggest names in the mining industry. Members of the organization include producing mines, exploration companies, a variety of service and supply companies including drilling and aviation firms, expediters, prospectors, and a wide range of consultants. The Chamber of Mines offers members privileged connections to the growing mineral sectors.
Being a member of the Chamber of Mines provides a wealth of benefits. According to the association’s website, “membership in the Chamber allows you to keep tabs on what is going on in the mineral industry. The Chamber publishes regular newsletters and also emails news items to members. If
you are engaged in any business in the North, you need to know what’s going on in mining and exploration or you’ll miss out on some exciting opportunities. All northern business, no matter how big or small, or what your focus, is directly or indirectly tied to a healthy and vibrant mining industry, something the Chamber of Mines promotes every day.”
Socio-economic, Community and Safety Commitments
The Chamber of Mines actively works to improve the health, safety, and environment of the Canadian mining industry through collaboration. The organization has cultivated a group of individuals and companies to lead its Northern Mine Safety Forum (NMSF) in sharing HSE best practices and lessons, cooperating with members on common health and safety challenges, and engaging with external stakeholders on common industry issues.
According to their website, “the group is underpinned by the common understanding that HSE sharing is for the greater benefit of everyone in the forum (i.e. keeping our co-workers safe), and information shared by participants is not for wider distribution outside of the group.”
The NMSF supports this objective through numerous initiatives, which have been agreed upon by the signatories of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This includes participating and contributing to regular group meetings, conference calls, and actions/updates agreed by the group between meetings; maintaining a professional level of courtesy and respect towards members of the group and guests; treating information shared by participants as confidential; and using information shared by participants in the forum only with the intent of improving HSE.
The Chamber of Mines also works to assist the industry in one of its most profitable assets: diamond mining. As of 2015, there are three diamond mines operating in Northwest Territories: the Ekati, Diavik, and Snap Lake sites, along with the Cantung mine which produces tungsten. Nunavut hosts two operating mines: Meadowbank gold and Baffinland’s iron mine at Mary River.
Mining is the single largest economic engine in the North. Mining—directly and indirectly—accounts for no less than 20 per cent of the total GDP of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories; and the potential has yet to be fully reached. Northern Canada is one of the largest untapped mining areas in the world.
But it’s not an easy industry to be in. Mining and exploration in the North means exploring on undeveloped lands, far from infrastructure, of special interest to Aboriginal communities, and governed by robust regulatory requirements. Navigating this complex and political landscape can be challenging, but the Chamber of Mines helps to smooth the way and break ground.
With the NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines at its helm, the mining industry in Canada has a bright and supportive future ahead of itself.
Visit the Chamber of Mines
Website at www.miningnorth.com
Email at info@miningnorth.com
Follow the Twitter feed @MiningNorth
About the NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines
The NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines, which continues to serve companies operating in the NWT and Nunavut, has been the voice of the Northern mining and exploration industry since 1967. Its goals are to promote the industry and the North to Northerners, Canadians, and the world at large. It continues to speak out on industry opportunities, concerns and issues. It advises governments, investors, the media, educational institutions, and the public on industry positions and initiatives.
Our Vision
A vibrant and sustainable exploration and mining industry in the NWT and Nunavut which has the support of the peoples of the North.
Our Mission
To be the leading advocate for responsible and sustainable mineral exploration and development in the NWT and Nunavut.
Operations
The Chamber of Mines operates out of an office in Yellowknife, NWT, staffed by the Executive Director, Office Manager and Analyst, and an office in Iqaluit, NU staffed by the General Manager, Nunavut. The Chamber acts as the point of contact for the NWT and Nunavut Mining industry, researches current issues, arranges meetings, and assists in organizing special events including the annual Geoscience Forum and Nunavut Mining Symposium, NWT Mining Week, and the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting.
Board of Directors
At the November Annual General Meeting, the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines elects a Board of Directors currently comprising 24 members. Executive positions of the Board are: President, Vice-President Northwest Territories, Vice-President Nunavut, Secretary/Treasurer and Past President. The Board of Directors meets as required to carry out the objectives of the organization.
The NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines HQ
PO Box 2818
Suite103, 5102 50 Ave
Yellowknife, NT X1A 2R1
Phone 867-979-5291
Fax 780-669-5681
Email generalmanagernu@miningnorth.com
Website miningnorth.com
