From critical minerals to gold, NunavutSA国际影视传媒檚 resource-rich land continues to attract global attention and with good reason.
We are one of CanadaSA国际影视传媒檚 most promising jurisdictions for mineral exploration, and the world is watching. As the deputy minister of Community Services, I see firsthand the opportunities this brings and the responsibility that comes with it. Our department plays a central role in ensuring that mining and exploration create lasting, meaningful benefits for Nunavummiut.
NunavutSA国际影视传媒檚 mineral landscape is incredibly diverse. From gold and diamonds to critical minerals like high-purity iron, copper, zinc, and cobalt, our territory is home to many of the building blocks of modern technology. Projects like Izok Lake, Ferguson Lake and the Storm Copper Project arenSA国际影视传媒檛 just about extraction. They signal jobs, training, infrastructure and long-term economic empowerment for our communities.
To put things in perspective, preliminary estimates show mineral exploration expenditures in Nunavut reached $197.9 million in 2024, and the outlook for 2025 is even stronger, climbing to $291.7 million. As global interest in the Arctic grows, so does the need for strong governance, thoughtful regulation and respect for the land and people that make Nunavut what it is.
ItSA国际影视传媒檚 also important to recognize where investment is currently focused. Right now, roughly 85 percent is directed toward gold exploration, while other minerals like iron ore are quickly gaining traction. Companies like B2Gold, Baffinland, and Agnico Eagle have played a major role in building local economic opportunities through employment and training programs that prioritize Inuit workers. That contribution matters and the benefits are real.
That said, we know the global economy is shifting. While gold remains valuable, the demand for minerals that support greener technologies SA国际影视传媒� lithium, cobalt and high-purity iron SA国际影视传媒� is growing fast. These minerals power batteries, solar panels and wind turbines. Nunavut has them. With high-purity iron recently added to CanadaSA国际影视传媒檚 list of critical minerals, we are in a strong position to contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy.
But with opportunity comes responsibility. The Government of Nunavut is committed to supporting mining and exploration projects that respect the environment, wildlife and the communities that call this territory home. The Nunavut Impact Review Board plays a critical oversight role, ensuring that growth doesnSA国际影视传媒檛 come at the expense of what matters most. At the same time, the work of the Regional Socio-Economic Monitoring Committees (SEMCs) brings together communities, industry and government to track the social and economic impacts of mining. After a pause during the pandemic, I am pleased that SEMC meetings resumed in 2024. It is a space for meaningful conversations about what resource development should look like in Nunavut.
One of the initiatives I am most proud of is the launch of the Nunavut Mine Training Strategy (NMTS) last year. As a human resources professional, I have always believed that people are the heart of every strong industry. NMTS is about putting people first. Through partnerships with the Department of Family Services and Nunavut Arctic College, we are working to build awareness, remove barriers and support Nunavummiut in advancing within the mining sector.
As we gather for this yearSA国际影视传媒檚 Nunavut Mining Symposium, I hope we all keep in mind that NunavutSA国际影视传媒檚 greatest resource isnSA国际影视传媒檛 whatSA国际影视传媒檚 in the ground. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 our people. This is about more than economic potential. It is about building stronger communities, shaping our future together and ensuring that Nunavummiut are at the centre of everything we do.
SA国际影视传媒�Kristie Cronin is deputy minister of the Department of Community Services.
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