YELLOWKNIFE (October 16, 2015) – Fifty residents from Yellowknife, Dettah and Behchokǫ have competed an Introduction to Prospecting Course presented by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) in association with its industry partners, the Tłıchǫ Government and the Yellowknives Dene First Nation.
Directed by Jessica Bjorkman of Bjorkman Prospecting, the fully subscribed courses were delivered in each of the three communities in September and October. The two-day program included lessons on the Global Exploration Cycle, the Value of Prospecting, Prospecting Techniques and basic and regional Geology.
Guest speakers from the NWT Mining Recorder’s Office and the NWT Geological Survey provided introductions to the NWT’s Mineral Claim Regulations and NWT Mineral Assessment Reports and Geological Resources. Participants also received hands on field experience including discussion and demonstrations on making claim posts, establishing claim lines and staking claims.
The GNWT’s Mineral Development Strategy, released in 2013, highlights the importance of ensuring NWT communities are able to realize opportunities from mineral exploration and development in the NWT.
“These courses serve to provide community members with the training and tools needed to explore their lands for minerals while fostering a greater understanding and respect for the mining industry in our Territory,” Minister of Industry Tourism and Investment David Ramsay says.
The successful delivery of this year’s Introduction to Prospecting Course was aided by private sector partners including: Aurora Geoscience, the NWT Mine Training Society, TerraX Minerals Inc, the NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines and Skills Canada.
For more information contact:
Drew Williams Manager, Public Affairs and Communications Industry, Tourism and Investment 1-867-920-8696 | 1-867-445-3739 | Drew_Williams@gov.nt.ca