NUNAVUT mlnlng
Closing in on Goose gold
ᕿᔪᓕᕆᔨᓄ
Training strategy for made-in-Nunavut tradespeople ᐱᒋᐊᖁᔨᔪ
A call to action to unlock Nunavut's full mining potential
Hands-on opportunities
David Onipkak, of Kugluktuk, is among the employees who have put in hours at Blue
Star Gold Corp's exploration properties in the Kitikmeot region.
Photo courtesy of Blue Star Gold Corp.
Agreement drafted to share prosperity of Kitikmeot gold mining
B2Gold, Kitikmeot Inuit Association and Government of Nunavut strive to establish training, ensure Inuit values are respected
The principles of responsibility, inclusion and equity are at the core of a memorandum of understanding signed in February that brings together mining company B2Gold Corp., the KitikmeotInuitAssociationandtheGovernment ofNunavut,accordingtoEconomicDevelopment Minister DavidAkeeagok.
“This milestone agreement strengthens our commitment to responsible resource development,economicopportunity,andlastingbenefits forNunavummiut,”Akeeagoksaid.“Througha dedicated oversight committee, made up of all partners,wewillfocusoneducationandtraining, economicdevelopmentanddirectsupportforthe communitiesmostimpactedbyminingactivities.
“Thisisaboutmorethanjustdevelopment— it’s about ensuring that Nunavummiut share in the prosperity that comes from our land,” the minister added.
B2Goldisonthevergeofbeginningproduction at its Goose gold mine, approximately 400 km southwest of Cambridge Bay.
Akeeagok later noted that the GN now has writtenagreementspertainingtoeveryoperating mine in Nunavut. He described it as a commitment to “shared prosperity.”
“Wehavehadrightfromtheget-goaverygood
relationshipwithB2GoldandwiththeKitikmeot InuitAssociation,”hesaid.“Thosetwohavean Inuit impact benefit agreement that specifies very much on the training of Inuit aspects, and that they are being implementing as part of the memorandumofunderstanding.Thisallowsthe threepartiestoagreeandfocusontheeducation, the training and employment opportunities for Nunavummiutandmakingsureourcommunities see economic benefits from mining.”
The MOU “underscores the shared vision of all partners to advance economic development whilerespectingtheimpactedcommunities,the landandInuitvalues,accordingtotheKitikmeot Inuit Association,” according to the Kitikmeot InuitAssociation.
LawrenceOtokiak,theKIA’ssocialandcultural vice-president, noted that the terms outlined in the MOU are complementary to the KIA’s Inuit impact benefit agreement.
“Together, we are taking meaningful steps towards creating lasting, positive impact for Kitikmeot Inuit and advancing opportunities in the region,” said Otokiak.
CliveJohnson,presidentandCEOofB2Gold, said his company will aim to ensure that it is a “responsible corporate citizen and good neighbour to all Kitikmeot communities who have been so welcoming to our work at the Back River gold district.”
DIG:ᓇᓂᓯᓗᑎᑦ,ᐱᕈᕐᓴᐃᓗᑎᑦ,ᐱᕈᖅᑎᑦᑎᓗᑎᑦ ᕿᓂᖅᐱᑦᐊᖏᒡᓕᒋᐊᖅᑎᑦᑎᓇᓱᖕᓂᕐᒥᒃ ᐅᔭᕋᖕᓂᐊᒐᒃᓴᓄᑦ ᐱᓕᕆᐊᒃᓴᓂ ᓄᓇᕗᒻᒥ?
ᓇᓂᓯᓗᑎᑦ, ᐱᕈᕐᓴᐃᓗᑎᑦ, ᐱᕈᖅᑎᑦᑎᓗᑎᓪᓗᐱᓕᕆᐊᒃᓴᖅ ᐊᑐᐃᓐᓇᐅᑎᑦᑎᓲᑦ ᑮᓇᐅᔭᓂᒃ ᐃᑲᔪᖅᓱᐃᓂᐊᕐᓗᑎᒃᐱᐅᓯᒋᐊᖅᓯᒪᔪᓂ ᐱᓕᕆᐊᒃᓴᓂ ᑲᔪᓯᑎᑦᑎᕙᓪᓕᐊᔪᓂᐃᑰᑕᕐᓂᕐᓂᐅᓄᖅᑐᓂᒡᓘᓐᓃᑦ ᑲᑎᖅᓱᖅᓯᒪᔪᓂ ᖃᐅᔨᓴᒐᒃᓴᓂ.ᐱᓇᓱᐊᖅᓯᒪᔪᒧᑦᑐᓂᔭᐅᔪᓐᓴᖅᑐᑦ$250,000−ᒧᑦ ᑎᑭᓪᓗᒍ.
DIG:Discover,Invest,Grow LookingtoexpandyourmineralexplorationprojectinNunavut?
The Discover, Invest,GrowProgram providesfundingtosupport advancedprojects thatcarryoutdrillingorbulksampling.Successful applicants mayreceiveupto$250,000.
DIG:Naunaiqhilutik,Maniliurutigilugu, Angiklijuumilugu Pijumavinangiklijuumiluguilvitujaraqhiurnikkutqiniqhaijithavakhamun Nunavunmi?
Una Naunaiqhilutik,Maniliurutigilugu,AngiklijuumiluguPinahuarut tunihivaktunmanikhanikikajuutikhanunihuaqhijuumihimajunhavaakhat havaarivaktainunikuutaktunangijuniklunainaijainirmun.Angiqtaujun uuktuqtunpiniaqtunkikiklikhaanun$250,000-mun.
DIG:ProgrammeDécouvrir,Investir,Croitre Vouscherchezàélargirvotreprojetd’explorationminièreauNunavut? LeprogrammeDécouvrir, investir, croitre offre dufinancement pour soutenir desprojets avancés qui réalisentdesforagesoudes échantillonnages envrac Lescandidats retenus peuventrecevoir jusqu’à 250000$. gov.nu.ca/dig minerals@gov.nu.ca
engineering and project evaluation; Lawrence Otokiak, KIA social and cultural vice-president; and Economic Development Minister David
were the signatories to the agreement. Standing is Andrew Moore, B2Gold’s director of Indigenous and Northern Affairs.
Inuit Association
Akeeagok stated that resource development in Nunavut should strike the right balance by “honouringourlandandtraditionswhilecreating economicopportunitiesforfuturegenerations.”
“This agreement is a powerful example of what is possible when industry, government and Inuit organizations work together,” said
the minister. “I want to thank B2Gold and the KitikmeotInuitAssociationfortheirleadership and collaboration. Together, we are paving the wayforastronger,moreself-reliantNunavut— onewhereeconomicgrowthandInuitvaluesare woven together, creating lasting opportunities for future generations.”
ᓄᓇᓖᑦᐃᓚᐅᑎᑕᐅᓂᖏᓐᓄᑦᐃᑲᔫᑎᓄᑦᐱᓕᕆᐊᒃᓴᑦ ᑎᒥᐅᔪᑦᐱᓇᔪᒍᓐᓇᖅᑐᑦᑮᓇᐅᔭᖃᖅᑎᑕᐅᔾᔪᑎᓄᑦᐃᑲᔪᕐᓗᒍᓂᕈᐊᖅᑕᖅ ᓄᓇᓖᑦᐃᓚᐅᑎᑕᐅᓂᖏᓐᓄᑦᖃᓄᐃᓕᐅᕈᑎᓄᑦᐊᒃᑐᐊᓂᓕᖕᓄᑦ ᐅᔭᕋᑦᑎᐊᕙᖕᓂᑦᕿᓂᕐᓂᕐᓂᐱᓕᕆᐊᒃᓴᖅ.ᑐᓴᕆᐊᒃᑲᓐᓂᕈᑎᓄᑦᐱᓪᓗᒍ ᐱᓕᕆᐊᒃᓴᖅᒪᓕᒃᓗᒍᑲᓲᑎᕝᕕᒃᐅᕙᓂ
https://www.gov.nu.ca/en/industry/ community-engagement-support-program.
CommunityEngagementSupportProgram Companiesmayapplyforfundingtosupportselect community-engagementactivitiesrelatedtomineralexploration.For moreinformationabouttheprogram,followthelinkon
https://www.gov.nu.ca/en/industry/community-engagement-supportprogram.
NunallaatIlauqatigiirnikkutIkayuutikkutPinahuarutit Havagviuyutuuktugiaqaqtunmaniktaqvikharnikikayuutikharnik pukuktauhimayutnunalaaniilaulukaarutikharnikhulilukaarniaqtunik aulahimayuttalvuunauyaraqhiurnikkutilihairutikharnik. Naunairyumigumaguvituumingailihairutikharnikmalikhautilugut qaritauyaliqidjutikhangauvani
https://www.gov.nu.ca/en/industry/ community-engagement-support-program.
Programmedesoutienàl’engagementcitoyen
Lesentreprisespeuventprésenterunedemandeafindesoutenir certainesactivitésd’engagementcitoyenenlienavecleurprogramme d’explorationminière.Pourplusd’information à proposdece programme,cliquezsurlelienapproprié danslesiteduministèrehttps:// www.gov.nu.ca/en/industry/community-engagement-support-program.
cesp@gov.nu.ca 1-888-975-5999
Mining company B2Gold, the Kitikmeot Inuit Association (KIA) and the Government of Nunavut inked a memorandum of understanding at the Kitikmeot Trade Show in Cambridge Bay on Feb. 6. From foreground to background, Dennis Stansbury, B2Gold senior vice-president of
Akeeagok
Photo courtesy of the Kitikmeot
Derek Neary Northern News Services
Goose mine set to pour first gold in June
B2Gold looks to establish a generational operation at Back River in the Kitikmeot
The initial gold produced from Nunavut’s newest mine is expected to be just several weeks away.
“The mine continues to [be] under construction. It is on track to pour first gold in June of 2025, so in the next couple months,” said B2Gold’s Randall Chatwin, senior vice-president of legal andcorporatecommunications,whilediscussingtheGoosemine. “We have worked through the last year and completed all construction activities in 2024, including installation of the ball mill, and over 95 per cent of the concrete was placed over the summer months,” Chatwin added.
Other significant construction activities include the open pit and the echo pit — the latter to be used for tailings placement when the mine becomes operational.
“Those both remain on schedule, to be completed so we have a significant stockpile when the mill starts up,” said Chatwin. “Thefocusofactivitiesfromaconstructionstandpointrightnow are electrical and piping.”
Therampuptocommercialproductionisexpectedtobeachieved in the third quarter, he noted.
In2025-26,themineisexpectedtoproducebetween120,000150,000 ounces of gold. From 2026-2031, the annual estimate for production is 310,000 ounces per year.
Critical to the opening and operation of the mine is the ice road, which is the main thoroughfare for bringing in staff and supplies. Construction started in December and was completed on Feb. 18, three weeks ahead of schedule.
“Transportation of the materials is happening right now. The first loads in were primarily fuel,” Chatwin said during the third week of March.
Overall, construction “went very well,” he remarked. “I think wedidaddquiteabitofequipmentforthisyear’scampaign.We have 105 trucks now available, running 24 hours a day.We have upgradedthemarinelandingareassignificantly,sothere’sanew camp, which is for the drivers that aren’t currently en route to be able to rest or sleep overnight. So it’s just provided a much more seamless operation coming up and down the ice road. We
expect we’ll pull about 3,000 loads during this winter ice road campaign, and that would include 80 million litres of fuel, as well as other equipment for the operations base for the project.
“Everything that [was] needed for complete construction was already on site,” added Chatwin. “This was really material, fuel, supplies for the next 12 months.”
He said the long-term strategy for the mine and vision for B2Gold is “to build a generational camp there. The idea is that we continue to build the district through regional exploration. Obviously, we’re going to optimize the Goose mine as it gets up and running. We’re going to continue to explore in and around theminetoalwaysextendminelife.Thedepositisopenatdepth in different directions.
“Also, our larger focus for this year is looking regionally at both George, which is a deposit that has a resource on it to the north, as well as six other permit areas where we are going to engage various types of exploration.
“Really,we’relookingatwhatkindofpotentialthe18-kilometre belthas—lookingatthelonger-termpotentialoftheBackRiver gold district in addition to the Goose project. Our overall plan would be just to operate this mine, then extend its regional areas [with]highest-degreesafetyandsustainabilitypracticesthatwe’ve beensynonymouswithglobally.Weintegrateourenvironmental practices, our EDI [equity, diversity and inclusion] strategy, as well as working closely with our Kitikmeot partners to look at promoting a respectful workplace and mitigating our effects on the environment and reducing our emissions.
“If we can work collaboratively to create positive change up North,” concludes Chatwin, “whether it’s through Kitikmeot community partnerships, economic contributions — it’s just really about helping the North and leaving it in a better place once the mine is completed, which we see is more of a generational type of an operation, rather than whatever mine life currently sits within Goose.”
B2Gold’s Goose mine, 400 km south of Cambridge Bay, is expected to produce between 120,000-150,000 ounces of gold in 2025-26.
Photo courtesy of B2Gold
The ice road campaign is expected to comprise close to 3,000 loads this year, including 80 million litres of fuel for the Goose gold mine. Photo courtesy of B2Gold
Kira Wronska Dorward Northern News Services
Urgency grows around Nunavut’s critical minerals
MLA also seeks clarity relating to land use plan’s impact on mining
ThefateofNunavut’scriticalmineralsisunder themicroscopeasglobaldevelopmentsaremoving at a rapid pace.
“It is both extraordinary and frightening how fast our world has changed in just 100 days,” Baker Lake MLA Craig Simailak said in the legislative assembly on Feb. 20. “I believe that the situation with the United States is forcing us to finally recognize the importance of moving decisively to streamline the process by which new mining projects, especially projects where critical minerals, are approved.”
Simailak noted that he raised the topic in NovemberandatthattimeMinisterDavidAkeeagok, who is responsible for mining and economic development,madereferencetoacriticalminerals roundtable, the Nunavut Impact Review Board andtheDraftNunavutLandUsePlan.TheBaker Lake MLArequested an update.
AkeeagokrepliedthattheGovernmentofNunavutisworkingwithNaturalResourcesCanadato seewhereandhowtheterritory’scriticalminerals can be extracted.
“I keep advocating that we need more investmentinorderfor[criticalminerals]tobeextracted and contributed to Canada,” the minister said. “And in these last few hundred days that my colleaguementioned,criticalmineralshavebeen intheforefront,especiallyintheeyesofwhatwas our best friend in the south [the United States] and the need for it. And I think the premier is meeting specifically on that because it anArctic security and sovereignty issue.”
AkeeagokalsomentionedtheneedforCanada
to diversify its economy.
“Fartoooftenwereliedheavilyonthesouthern border,andnowthatworkistotryandfigureout how to do it [differently],” he said, adding that Canada’sinternaltradeneedstobestrengthened.
“One of the critical things that I’ve been advocating for along with premier — an example is the Inuit-led project that Grays Bay [road and port] would benefit Canada and the world if it was built,” saidAkeeagok, adding that the route wouldprovideaccesstocriticalmineralscurrently known to exist in Nunavut. “…that’s something that I’ll continue to advocate for is
that our territory needs investment in order for us to contribute.”
Land-use plan’s effects
Simailak also questioned Akeeagok about the NunavutLandUsePlan,whichtheNunavutPlanningCommissionsubmittedtotheGN,thefederal governmentandNunavutTunngavikIncorporated almost two years ago. He wanted to know how that plan could affect caribou habitat and critical mineral development, including Canadian North Resources Inc.’s Ferguson Lake project near Baker Lake.
Akeeagok said the Department of Economic
Development and Transportation is among the many stakeholders reviewing the land use plan and providing input “to ensure that wholesome information is provided.”
Simailak then complimented Akeeagok for visiting Baker Lake to tour the community and meetingwithhamletcouncilinDecemberasthe Municipality of Baker Lake and Agnico Eagle Mines have formed the Beyond Meadowbank Working Committee to address the transition after the Meadowbank gold processing site and theAmaruqdepositcloseinafewyears.Healso asked the minister to specify what actions have been taken to support the Beyond Meadowbank Working Committee.
Akeeagok characterized discussions with the committeeasongoingand“verylively.”Hesaid hehasmetagainwithofficialsfromAgnicoEagle and he has asked his staff to ensure that Baker LakeandtheKivalliqregionbenefitfromBeyond Meadowbank.
“AndIthinkthat’sgoingtosetagoodexample” whenthereareclosuresatotherminesregarding howplanningandimplementationtakeplace,the minister suggested.
WhenNetsilikMLAJosephInagayukQuqqiaq askedaboutpotentialeffectsofthelanduseplan on B2Gold’s new Goose gold mine, Akeeagok saidhedoesn’texpectany.Henotedthattheplan is still a draft and the Goose mine is at a very advanced stage.
“ThisBackRiverprojectisalreadypermitted,” theministersaid.“IthasgonethroughtheNunavut ImpactReviewBoardandhasreceivedconsentto mine within the Back River area, unless they go outside of that scope — then they will definitely havetogothroughtheregulatoryprocessagain.”
The Hamlet of Baker Lake has started planning for the closure of Agnico Eagle’s Meadowbank processing centre and the Amaruq gold deposit. Meanwhile, the status of the territory’s critical minerals is under scrutiny. Photo courtesy of Agnico Eagle
Derek Neary Northern News Services
Fossil Creek Industrial Training aims to help build Nunavummiut trades workforce
Company wants to deliver programs in Inuktitut
Apprenticeship Program of Nunavut.
Hiring Nunavummiut with a background in the trades is one of the ongoing challenges that mining companies face, but that workforce is growingwithhelpfromFossilCreekIndustrial Training Incorporated.
The Hamlet ofArviat, with support from the Kivalliq InuitAssociation and theGovernment ofNunavut,contractedthecompanytoconduct a 10-week heavy equipment operator course lastyear.Ninestudentscompletedthattraining.
“[It] was a fun time operating these big machine[they]hadsomeawesome…instructors,” said participant Braden Nakoolak, of Arviat. “Thanks to you guys and the hamlet for this opportunity.”
“Best thing that ever happened to me,” said Kyle Kablutsiak.
“Been a fun couple of weeks,” added AlexanderAngalik. “Thanks for the opportunity on this heavy equipment.”
DylanPlosz,directorandleadinstructorwith FossilCreek,isnowlookingtotaketheknowledgeandexperiencehonedinthesouth,already successfullyappliedtotheNunavutcontext,and turnthatintoamajorregionaltrainingoperation based in Iqaluit.
“Whatwe’venoticedaproblemwithisifyou ask people to leave their community to do the schooling, they either end up getting lost, or won’tcomeatall,”heexplained.“Mymaingoal in the Baffin [region is]… you come into our course[and]twomonthslateryouhavetheskills that your local industry is looking for, whether itbesoftandhardskillsforadmin-relatedroles, and then industrial [skills] for trades.”
Fossil Creek Industrial Training is currently collaborating on a course with the Trades and
“ThetrainingiswhatI’mreallyexcitedabout here. I’m going to find the Inuit tradespeople, and turn them into instructors, if they want to,” said Plosz. “So that these courses can be delivered 100 per cent in Inuktitut and guided by someone who speaks Inuktitut.”
He noted that the company recently sent its trainers to the Kitikmeot region.
“We’d like to amp that up here in Iqaluit, so in five years I can leave, and the school can be self-sufficient,” he said. “I’ll make sure we have the right people in terms of mentorship.
“Forinstructors,it’sjusttooexpensivetobring them up here. So it makes the bills so high that the employers can’t afford it, and [can’t] continue operations with the locals. Since I started training in the Arctic, 25-75 per cent of every bill is travel, accommodations and per diems, and then also rental vehicles to transport.”
In order to combat these logistical issues, Plosz has a new approach of centralizing all these vital aspects of the construction business in Iqaluit. Additionally, he’s taking the next step of incorporating instructors at no cost to the client as a way of encouraging training en masse “right here in Baffin.”
“Oneofthethingsthatsetusaside…isIwant 30to40yearsexperiencebeforeyou’reteaching another individual,” he said.
“The real goal is to make sure that with all theconstructionhappeningintheBaffinregion here, that we can indeed support the workforce forit.Makesurethattheseindividualsgointoa jobknowingtheirrightsasaworker,forstarters, whichiswhereI’veseenconstructioncompanies steamrollovertheirInuithelp…we’realsohere to make it a bit easier for these companies to beWSCC [Workers’Safety and Compensation Commission] compliant.”
A Fossil Creek Industrial Training student learns to operate a loader. Photo courtesy of Fossil Creek Industrial Training
A student with Fossil Creek Industrial Training builds a pad in Pangnirtung. Photo courtesy of Fossil Creek Industrial Training
Kira Wronska Dorward Northern News Services
Unlocking Nunavut’s full potential: A call to action
Nunavut’s mineral potential has always been evident. From gold, diamonds, to strategic minerals like zinc, copper, uranium and high-purity iron, the resources found in Nunavut are vital to national security, clean technology, advanced manufacturing and overall economic growth.
Its vast mineral wealth, strategic location and resourceful people position Nunavut as a key contributor to Canada’s economy and security. Recent geopolitical events have resulted in enhanced interest in Canada’s North, and Nunavut specifically, with respect toArctic security and sovereignty concerns. Now is the time to strengthen Canada’s Northern economy.
investors with their lower operating costs and access to existing infrastructure, a N60METC would help level the playing field, attracting investment into grassroots exploration projects. Mining does not happen without an active exploration sector working to discover the next generation of mines.
However, Nunavut’s mineral potential is no longer enough to attract exploration investment. To ensure Nunavut plays a central role in Canada’s future, three critical areas must be addressed: a North of 60 Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (N60METC), improving and streamlining the regulatory process and support to nation-building infrastructure projects.
Strengthening investment with a North of 60 tax credit
Global markets are increasingly competitive for investments in mineral exploration.A North of 60 Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (N60METC) is a vital initiative that can help attract exploration investments to Nunavut. While other jurisdictions are quick to attract
Mining is already the backbone of Nunavut’s private sector economy, contributing 46.7 per cent of GDP in 2023 and spending $2.35 billion in the territory. The value of mineral production from 1999-2024 (including estimated and preliminary values) is close to $20 billion. Increasing exploration investment would not only create jobs but also sustain local businesses and boost community development to ensure multi-generational long-term economic benefits are realized to Nunavummiut.
Regulatory streamlining to unlock growth
Despite its economic potential and co-management regime, Nunavut’s mining sector still faces a lengthy regulatory process compounded by multiple permitting processes, excessive reporting and overlapping jurisdictional requirements, all of which can discourage investment and delay critical projects.At a time when global demand for resources is surging, Nunavut must position itself as a reliable jurisdiction for responsible development. Streamlining the regulatory process would ensure that projects meeting high environmental and social standards can proceed efficiently, providing economic stability and employment
opportunities.
Since 2007, the mining sector has contributed 50,930 person-years of employment, including 6,685 in 2023 alone, yet there is room to improve and create even more opportunities, particularly for Inuit workers who currently represent 12 per cent of the mine workforce.
Supporting nation-building projects
Investment in infrastructure and strategic projects is essential for Nunavut’s long-term success and Canada’s national interests.
Transportation initiatives such theArctic Security Corridor (an overland connection from Grays Bay to the northern terminus of the Tibbitt-Contwoyto Winter Road), would unlock access to critical mineral resources in the Slave Geological Province, supporting North
America’s push for resource independence and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains. Increased investment in multi-purpose infrastructure will support security initiatives, build stronger communities and facilitate responsible mineral development.
Afuture worth investing in Nunavut’s mining industry has already demonstrated its value, yet the territory’s full potential remains untapped. With targeted investment incentives, regulatory streamlining and infrastructure development, Nunavut can become a stronger economic pillar for Canada. In a world increasingly defined by resource security and geopolitical shifts, ensuring Nunavut’s continued growth is not just an economic imperative — it is a national priority. The time to act is now.
Investment in infrastructure and strategic projects is essential for Nunavut’s long-term success and Canada’s national interests. Aston Bay Holdings/Rachel Borg photo
COMMENT
Karen Costello is the executive director of the NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines.
Nunavummiut are the territory’s greatest resource
From critical minerals to gold, Nunavut’s resource-rich land continues to attract global attention and with good reason.
We are one of Canada’s 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. Nunavut’s 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 aren’t 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 theArctic grows, so does the need for strong governance, thoughtful regulation and respect for the land and people that make Nunavut what it is. It’s 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, andAgnico 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 — lithium, cobalt and high-purity iron — is growing fast. These minerals power batteries, solar panels and wind turbines. Nunavut has them. With high-purity iron recently added to Canada’s 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 doesn’t 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 NunavutArctic College, we are working to build awareness, remove barriers and support Nunavummiut in advancing within the mining sector.
As we gather for this year’s Nunavut Mining Symposium, I hope we all keep in mind that Nunavut’s greatest resource isn’t what’s in the ground. It’s 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.
Kristie Cronin is deputy minister of the Department of Community Services.
Strong results for Agnico Eagle; Baffinland throttles back
Gold miner thrives amid high prices for precious metal; iron miner seeks alternative strategy
talized exploration in Nunavut in 2025 are projected at $409.4 million combined.
Nunavut has three operating mines: Meliadine and Amaruq gold, belonging to Agnico Eagle Mines, and Baffinland Iron Mine’s Mary River site.
AgnicoEaglereporteditsfull-yearresultsfor 2024 in February and revealed that it returned close to $1 billion to shareholders after another year of record financial and operational performance based partly on a “favourable gold price environment.”
The price of gold spent much of 2024 at or above$2,500perounce.Thatpricebrokethrough $3,000 an ounce in the first quarter of 2025, boding well for this year.
Ofthecompany’snearly3.5-millionouncesof payablegoldproductiongloballyin2024,almost 884,000 ounces came from its Kivalliq operations — 504,719 ounces of Amaruq mine gold processed at Meadowbank and 378,886 ounces fromtheMeliadinemine.For2025,AgnicoEagle is forecasting 495,000 ounces at Meadowbank and 385,000 ounces from Meliadine.
The total cash cost per ounce to produce gold inNunavutstoodat$939in2024.AgnicoEagle expects that to rise about four per cent to $984 this year, primarily owning to rising labour and maintenance costs and well as more expensive spare parts.
AgnicoEagle’scapitalexpendituresandcapi-
Amaruq’sminelifeissettoendin2028.However,thecompanystatedinFebruarythatitisstill exploring the potential to extend underground production.Preliminaryfindingstothatendare expected in the first half of 2026.
In its February fourth quarter and 2024 yearendreport,AgnicoEaglemadenoteofitsefforts to safeguard nearby caribou.
“The company continues to account for the caribou migration in its production plan as this migration can affect the ability to move materials on the road between Amaruq and the Meadowbank processing facility and between the Meadowbank processing facility and Baker Lake,”thelatestreportreads.“Wildlifemanagementisanimportantpriorityandthecompanyis workingwithNunavutstakeholderstooptimize solutions to safeguard wildlife and reduce production disruptions.”
Increasing hope for Hope Bay
At Hope Bay, in the Kitikmeot region, there are indications that the mine is getting closer to resuming production after being in care and maintenance status since late 2021, although it doesn’t appear to be likely in 2025.
After years of additional exploration at the project,including119,000metresofexploration drilling in 2024,Agnico Eagle stated that it has “gained confidence on the potential for a larger production scenario and, having regard to the
logistics of operating in Nunavut, is planning to invest approximately $97 million in 2025 to upgradeexistinginfrastructureandadvancesite preparedness for a potential redevelopment, includingexpandingtheexistingcamp,dismantlingtheexistingmill,extendingtheairstripand completing early earthworks.”
Inaddition,$20millionhasbeenapprovedfor an exploration ramp at the Madrid gold deposit at Hope Bay. The Patch 7 zone at Madrid has aninitialindicatedmineralresourceestimateof 900,000 ounces, according toAgnico Eagle.
More details on the larger production plans at Hope Bay are expected during the first half of 2026.
Baffinland focused on rail project
There have been few developments related to Baffinland Iron Mines since the company announcedlastOctoberthatitwouldtemporarily layoff10percentofitsMaryRiverminework-
force (up to 200 jobs) while it concentrates on its$5.7-billionSteensbyRailprojecttotransport ore, replacing trucks.
Amidsoftironoreprices,Baffinlandalsochose toreduceitsironoreshipmentsfromitsQikiqtani mine to Europe — cutting its 2024 target to 4.2 million tonnes instead of six million.
In March, Northern Affairs Minister Gary Anandasangaree sent a letter to Kaviq Kaluraq, chairpersonoftheNunavutImpactReviewBoard (NIRB), encouraging NIRB to commence “an evaluation of the existing Mary River Project monitoring program to identify improvements and consider whether updates to existing project certificate terms and conditions (or further directionontheireffectiveimplementation)are needed to address concerns about potential cumulative effects.” In addition,Anandasangaree recommended the development of an updated cumulative effects assessment framework.
• Generativeexplorationservices Targetedexplorationservices Wholerockanalysis &lithogeochemistry
• Carbon,sulphur,ABA &concentrates
• Minesiteservices
Agnico Eagle Mines produced nearly 3.5-million ounces of payable gold from all of its international mines in 2024, with almost 884,000 ounces coming from its Kivalliq operations. Photo courtesy of Agnico Eagle Mines
Derek Neary Northern News Services
Scratching the surface for Nunavut’s next big find
additional 25,194 acres were staked over the past year to expand the property. Based
average grade of 1.47 per cent copper and 4.5 g/t (grams per tonne) silver, containing 266.3 million lbs. of copper and 1.185 million ounces of silver.
While gold and iron have been mainstays of Nunavut mining, numerouscompaniesareconductingsurveys,samplinganddrilling withhopesofdiscoveringabonanzaofothermineralsormetals.
Here are some junior explorers who have been active in the territory over the past several months.
Project:Angilak
Owner:ATHAEnergy Corp.
Resource: Uranium
Location: 350 km west of Rankin Inlet
Status:ATHAEnergyCorp.hiredSRKConsultingtocomplete regional scale structural interpretation and targeting assessment —essentiallytobetterunderstandthe“overallplumbingsystem for uranium” on the property.
“Understanding these controls provides the company with a roadmapfortargetingadditionaldiscoveries,”thecompanystated on March 20, adding that SRK’s work led to ATHA increasing its holdings atAngilak by 25,194 acres.
The company added that it has started mobilizing equipment, fuelandsuppliestoAngilakinanticipationofa2025exploration program.
Project: Ferguson Lake
Owner: Canadian North Resources Inc.
Resource: Nickel, copper, cobalt and platinum group metals
Location: 250 km west of Rankin Inlet
Status: An extensive metallurgical program is in the works following the successful technical evaluation of bioleaching technology for the Ferguson Lake project.
“Highlyencouragedbytheexceptionalresultsofthebio-leaching tests completed in 2024,” said Dr. Kaihui Yang, president and CEO on March 3. “We are expanding the bio-leaching tests to develop a mineral processing flowsheet for the high recovery of nickel,cobalt,copperandPGE(platinumgroupelements).When proven,thisflowsheetwillsimplifymineralprocessing,bypassing smelting and metal refining, and it will substantially reduce the capital expenditures needed for mine development, energy consumption,andoperatingcostforproduction.Webelievethat bio-leachingisapromisingtechnologyfordevelopingalow-cost, low-carbon footprint green mine at the Ferguson Lake project.”
Project: Seal/Storm
Owner:Aston Bay Holdings/American West Metals Ltd.
Resource: Copper, zinc, silver
Location: 120 km south of Resolute Bay on Somerset Island
Status:Aninitialmineralresourceestimateforthenear-surface mineralization(above120metresdepth)comprisingtheCyclone, Chinook,Corona,Cirrus,LightningRidgeandThunderdeposits revealed indicated mineral resources of 8.2 million tonnes at an
The inferred mineral resources stand at 3.3 million tonnes at an average grade of 1.30 per cent copper and 3.1 g/t of silver, containing 95.4 million pounds (43,000 tonnes) of copper and 333,600 ounces of silver.
AstonBayemphasizedthelow-costdevelopmentpotentialdue to the resource being so close to the surface.
Project: Hood River, Ulu, Roma
Owner: Blue Star Gold Corp.
Resource: Gold
Location: 125 km west of Bathurst Inlet
Status: Blue Star Gold promoted its drill targets in January throughMarch,listingtheAxisprospect,theCentralprospectand theAuma prospect as being among its primary areas of interest. Axis,whichhasproducedsurfacesamplesof35.22gramsofgold per tonne, is described as “a priority mineralized trend located less than 300 metres from the high-grade Flood deposit on its UluProperty.”TheCentralProspectcontainsthreezonesofgold. TheAumaProspect,only15kmwestoftheproposedGraysBay Road, produced a drill intercept of 2.6 metres of 15.3 g/t gold.
Continued on Page Z10
Sunset at the Angilak deposit, 350 km west of Rankin Inlet. An
on Photo courtesy of ATHA Energy
Derek Neary Northern News Services
Project: North Thelon
Owner: Forum Energy Metals Corp.
Resource: Uranium
Location: 50 km west of Baker Lake
Status:ForumEnergyMetalsCorp.announced drill results for the Ayra, Loki and Ned grids on Feb. 18.
“TheAyraandLokigridshoststrongclayalterationandelevateduraniumvaluesupto72.8ppm (parts per million) in the sandstone and 323 ppm inthebasement.Thisisthefirstevidenceofmajor unconformity-styleuraniummineralizationatthe sandstone/basementcontactintheThelonBasin. Thesetargetshavethepotentialforthediscovery oftieroneuraniumdepositssimilartothosefound in theAthabasca Basin,” the company stated.
“These results are exciting and could lead to a game-changingdiscoverywithmoreexploration,” saidDr.RebeccaHunter,Forum’svice-president
of exploration.
Project: Sundog
Owner: New Break Resources Ltd.
Resource: Gold
Location: 235 km west ofArviat
Status: The Sundog project could be changing handsasGuardianExplorationInc.announcedon Dec. 9 that it had a non-binding letter of intent withNewBreakResourcesLtd.topurchaseNew Break Resource’s 100 per cent interest in the mineral rights and exploration data associated with the 9,415-hectare Sundog gold project in the Kivalliq region.
Upon the closing of the deal, Guardian Explorationwouldgrantfivemillioncommonsharesto NewBreakResources,$75,000incashandleave New Break with 20 per cent interest in Sundog through to production.
Continued on Page Z11
A helicopter hovers over SPC Nickel’s Muskox site in the Kitikmeot region. Helicopters are essential to much of the exploration work that takes place in the territory. Photo courtesy of SPC Nickel
Fury Gold Mines has created “a pipeline of targets for potential drilling in 2025,” including at its Committee Bay project, 130 km southwest of Kugaaruk. Photo courtesy of Fury Gold Mines
Project: Committee Bay
Owner: Fury Gold Mines
Resource: Gold
Location: 130 km southwest of Kugaaruk
Status: Based on fieldwork during the later stages of 2024, Fury Gold Mines has created “a pipeline of targets for potential drilling in 2025” at its various properties, including Committee Bay, the company stated in December. Three drill-ready shear zone-hosted targets have been identifiedatThree Bluffs, Raven, and Burro West, according to Fury Gold Mines.
Project: Rae
Owner: White Cliff Minerals
Resource: Copper/silver
Location: 70 km from Kugluktuk
Status:WhiteCliffMineralsaimstodrillcloseto4,000metres at Rae, the company announced on March 18.
TheplanwillseethecompanyinitiatedrillingneartheDanvers deposit, which, based on historic drilling, contains an estimated 4.16 million tonnes at 2.96 per cent copper.
Project: Yath
Owner: Generation Uranium Inc.
Resource: Uranium
Location: 350 km west of Rankin Inlet
Status: The project comprises nine mineral claims that span 14,100 hectares.The company has applied for a land-use permit andwaterlicencetoestablishasmallexplorationcampconsisting of 10 to 15 people and to carry out drilling.
Last August, the company hired Ontario-based Expert Geophysics Ltd. to conduct an airborne electromagnetic program. The project encompasses 123 square kilometres.
Project: Muskox
Owner: SPC Nickel Corp.
Resource: Nickel, copper, platinum group metals
Location: 75 km south of Kugluktuk
Status: SPC Nickel reported assay results last September with results confirming “widespread high-grade base and precious metal mineralization associated with multiple geological environments within the Muskox intrusion.” The company added that the intrusion is “one of the last undeveloped district-scale Ni-Cu-PGM (nickel, copper and platinum groupmetals)prospectsintheworld”thatrepresents“anexcellent opportunity to make a world-class discovery.”
David Onipkak of Kugluktuk is among the employees who have put in hours at Blue Star Gold Corp’s exploration properties in the Kitikmeot region. Photo courtesy of Blue Star Gold Corp.
A diamond drill crew at work at the Chinook deposit, part of the Storm project, which is jointly held by American West Metals and Aston Bay Resources, 120 km south of Resolute Bay on Somerset Island. Photo courtesy of Aston Bay Holdings
