NWT delegation attends mineral resources conference in Vancouver
Last week, a delegation of Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) leaders and officials attended the Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) Roundup conference in Vancouver to promote the territory’s mineral resources sector.
Premier R.J. Simpson was joined by Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Caitlin Cleveland, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance and Infrastructure Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Jay Macdonald, and technical and support staff from their departments. Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins and Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart also attended – with MLA Hawkins representing the Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment, and MLA Kieron Testart attending independently.
During their visit, leaders and officials met with industry leaders to highlight and support the crucial role they play in strengthening the Northwest Territories’ (NWT) economy, building communities, and enhancing residents’ quality of life. The NWT economy depends on mineral resource development as a core driver for employment, procurement with NWT businesses, and tax revenue for territorial programs and services.
The GNWT championed the message that by modernizing mining legislation, advancing infrastructure to support exploration and mining development, and working in partnership with Indigenous governments, the NWT is poised to be a critical player in Canada’s security, sustainability, and prosperity.
Participation alongside Indigenous Government partners at industry events like AME Roundup is more critical than ever. As diamond mines in the territory wind down their operations over the next decade, the GNWT aimed to leverage business-to-business meetings, events, and tradeshow activities at Roundup to promote new projects that can fill future gaps in the NWT economy.
GNWT activities included hosting networking events and investment sessions, focusing on how the NWT’s enterprising people and abundance of resources can be leveraged to drive the economy beyond diamond mining. Fostering collaboration and support for local projects is a critical part of planning for future economic growth and sustainable development over the next 10 years and beyond. A collective of NWT artists also showcased their talents and stories at the well-attended NWT Night.
The NWT is a resource-rich jurisdiction open to responsible resource investing and development that advances new exploration and mining projects – including new critical mineral projects. Critical minerals are key inputs for low-carbon solutions to climate change, and for a variety of defense and advanced technologies. The NWT’s extraordinary wealth of these resources will fuel the green economy of the future and strengthen national and Arctic security.
As we explore new avenues for growing and diversifying the NWT mineral resources sector, we will also work with our Western Canadian neighbours, the Government of Canada, and international allies to strengthen supply chains sourced with NWT resources. This cross-jurisdictional collaboration will be a major focus of the GNWT’s investment attraction strategy.
Quotes
“Attending AME Roundup is essential for fostering collaboration and building partnerships that drive sustainable development, economic growth, and opportunity in the Northwest Territories. This gathering allowed us to connect with Indigenous governments, industry leaders, and stakeholders to strengthen relationships, share insights, and work towards responsible and inclusive development of our mineral resource sector. By coming together, we lay the foundation for a resilient and prosperous future for the NWT and its people.”
- R.J. Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories
"Events like AME Roundup provide an unparalleled opportunity to showcase the Northwest Territories' rich potential, foster meaningful connections, and collaborate with leaders and stakeholders from across the industry. In participating, we strengthen partnerships, support our talented artists and entrepreneurs, and drive sustainable development that benefits all NWT residents. It is through these conversations and collaborations that we create a brighter, more resilient future for our territory."
- Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment
Quick Facts
- Over 6,630 geoscientists, prospectors, Indigenous partners, financiers, investors, suppliers, and government representatives from 34 countries attended AME Roundup 2025.
- Twenty-seven representatives from the GNWT attended this year’s event. The total cost of their participation will be available once fully compiled.
- More than 150 people representing at least 14 NWT Indigenous Governments and Indigenous Organizations attended AME Roundup 2025.
- Through the Indigenous Capacity Building program, the GNWT’s Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment provided financial support to 14 Indigenous Governments and Indigenous Organizations for them to attend AME Roundup 2025.
- The GNWT passed the Mineral Resources Act in 2018. The next step of the legislative development process is to finalize the draft co-developed regulations needed to bring the Act into force. 5 out of 7 steps have been completed under the Intergovernmental Council Legislative Development Protocol, with organizational design and job descriptions currently in progress to support implementation needs.
- Canada has identified 34 minerals that they believe will position Canada as a leading supplier of critical minerals – 25 of which can be found in the NWT.
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Press Secretary
Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
PressSecretary@gov.nt.ca