Government of Nunavut updating mining regulations Rules for industry, environment, infrastructure, community benefits and role of critical minerals among areas to be examined

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The Government of Nunavut’s mineral exploration and mining strategy, known as Parnautit, is in the process of being updated for the first time in approximately 16 years.

“It was the first strategy addressing the territory’s mineral resource sector after Nunavut came into being. A lot of good work went into creating it, which turned out to be a strong document. The strategy has held up well over the past years,” said Paul Budkewitsch, manager of minerals with the Department of Economic Development and Transportation.

The modernization will look at the regulatory framework that the industry operates under, environmental concerns, supportive infrastructure, community benefits (direct and indirect) and the geo-scientific information available that goes into mineral resource investment decisions, according to Budkewitsch. These areas will be discussed with the mineral exploration and development industry, responsible government departments, Inuit organizations, communities and institutions of public government.

“As time passes, some issues gain or lose relative importance, and new ones may also arise through the discovery process of dialogue with our stakeholders,” Budkewitsch said.

The recent emphasis on critical minerals by the federal government will be among the items considered in the review, he acknowledged.

“The resource sector in Nunavut is important not only for Canada, but as part of that larger global picture,” he stated. “Mineral markets are influenced by worldwide cycles of supply and demand, and there are many components to consider in the strategy. Critical minerals, however, will be of significance in the strategy. In recent years they have become increasingly important, particularly the battery metals, and will likely be a driving factor in world markets for some time to come.”

The review process is expected to take about two years to complete.

“Parnautit sets a high bar for us and we want to do it justice with an equally meaningful new strategy to support the economic opportunities of Nunavummiut,” Budkewitsch said of the amount of time to be invested.

Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI), which oversees implementation of the land claim, is among the key participants in the update of the mining and exploration strategy.

NTI has its own Mining Policy and Uranium Policy, passed initially in 1997 and again in 2007.

“The policies are reflective of the different points of view — NTI and RIA (regional Inuit associations) are land and mineral owners and GN is not — but they are consistent in many ways,” stated Carson Gillis, Nunavut Tunngavik’s director of lands and resources.

“The discussions are only just beginning. The GN would like to open a dialogue to identify and discuss the key issues that affect the mineral exploration and mining sector, develop options for actions that the GN can take to address issues within their jurisdiction, and develop GN positions for key issues that affect the sector even if, at this time, they are outside of Government of Nunavut jurisdiction,” Gillis added.

Parnautit is also separate from the Nunavut Mining Regulation, which governs mining and exploration activity on Crown lands and falls under federal jurisdiction.

In light of some of the potential changes to Parnautit, there may be recommendations to amend the federal regulations, but Budkewitsch said because federal jurisdiction over mining on Crown lands is expected to be transferred to the territorial government, it’s most likely it will be left up to the Government of Nunavut to make its own modifications in the years ahead.

In the legislative assembly on March 10, Economic Development and Transportation Minister David Akeeagok told his colleagues that when Parnautit was released in 2007, Nunavut had no operating mines operating and fewer than 100 people employed in seasonal exploration work. By comparison, there are now more than 1,000 Inuit employed full-time in “well-paying jobs, supporting their families and communities,” the minister said.

“Our growing mining sector has brought significant investments to many parts of our territory. We must work to ensure Nunavut remains an attractive and competitive jurisdiction for the long-term benefit of Nunavummiut,” said Akeeagok. “Critical minerals are becoming more important for supporting a green economy where Nunavut can play a part. Exploration activity and the mining industry are strong cornerstones in our economy, creating many opportunities for Inuit-owned businesses and a high and sustainable quality of life for Nunavummiut.”