Minerals, Oil and Gas

Minister’s Message

Mineral exploration and mining have played a significant role in the history and development of the Northwest Territories, and of Canada, since 1933, when the first modern mining operation was established at Port Radium on the shores of Great Bear Lake. The Con and Giant gold mines on the outskirts of Yellowknife commenced production in 1938 and 1948 respectively and underpinned the economy of the Territory for well over fifty years.

The discovery of diamonds in the Lac de Gras area in 1991 heralded the start of unprecedented economic growth in the Northwest Territories. By the end of 2003, Canada’s first and second diamond mines – namely the Ekati and Diavik Mines, owned by BHP Billiton and Diavik Diamond Mines respectively, were fully operational. A third diamond mine, namely De Beer’s Snap Lake project, is currently in the regulatory approval stage with construction expected to commence in 2005.

Canada is now the third largest diamond producing nation in the world by value, behind Russia and Botswana. The Ekati, Diavik and Snap Lake mines are expected to generate $26 billion in GDP over their lifetimes and provide around 125,000 person years of employment to Canadian residents. Furthermore, the diamond mines have allowed for the establishment of cutting and polishing factories in Yellowknife, further stimulating the economy of the Northwest Territories.

A chapter in the history of mining in the Northwest Territories came to an end in November 2003 when production from the Con gold mine ceased. The mine produced over 5.5 million ounces of gold over a 65-year period.

The goal of the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment is to work with industry to develop our mineral resources in a sustainable manner. We are committed to working with Aboriginal governments and organizations to maximize benefits deriving from the development of our natural resources. Partnerships are a key component to the success of this aim. We welcome this new era of opportunities and invite you to explore the potential of the Northwest Territories.

The Honourable Brendan Bell
Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment

The Minerals, Oil and Gas Division develops and implements strategies to encourage and attract non-renewable resource investment in the Northwest Territories. It also provides advice on the geological potential, industrial activity and potential opportunities associated with mineral, oil and gas exploration in the Territory.

The Northwest Territories Geoscience Office is a multi-agency centre with the mandate to undertake quality geoscience studies in the Northwest Territories. The Centre is a co-operative venture between the Minerals, Oil and Gas Division (MOG) of the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment; the Northwest Territories Geology Division of the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs (DIAND); and, the Geological Survey of Canada. The Centre currently houses geoscientists from MOG and DIAND in a single complex located in Yellowknife.

Minerals, Oil and Gas
Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment
P.O. Box 1320
Yellowknife, NT X1A 2L9
Phone: (867) 920-3222 Fax: (867) 873-0254
Questions? Comments? Need more information?
Email: Christy Campbell