The fate of Nunavut's critical minerals is under the microscope as global developments are moving 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 November and at that time Minister David Akeeagok, who is responsible for mining and economic development, made reference to a critical minerals roundtable, the Nunavut Impact Review Board and the Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan. The Baker Lake MLA requested an update.
Akeeagok replied that the Government of Nunavut is working with Natural Resources Canada to see where and how the territory's critical minerals can be extracted.
"I keep advocating that we need more investment in order for [critical minerals] to be extracted and contributed to Canada," the minister said. "And in these last few hundred days that my colleague mentioned, critical minerals have been in the forefront, especially in the eyes of what was 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 an Arctic security and sovereignty issue."
Akeeagok also mentioned the need for Canada to diversify its economy.
"Far too often we relied heavily on the southern border, and now that work is to try and figure out how to do it [differently]," he said, adding that Canada's internal trade needs to be strengthened.
"One of the critical things that I鈥檝e been advocating for along with premier 鈥� an example is the Inuit-led project that Grays Bay [road and port] would benefit Canada and the world if it was built," said Akeeagok, adding that the route would provide access to critical minerals currently known to exist in Nunavut. "...that鈥檚
something that I鈥檒l continue to advocate for is that our territory needs investment in order for us to contribute."
Land-use plan's role
Simailak also questioned Akeeagok about the Nunavut Land Use Plan, which the Nunavut Planning Commission submitted to the GN, the federal government and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated 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 meeting with hamlet council in December as the 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 the Amaruq deposit close in a few years. He also asked the minister to specify what actions have been taken to support the Beyond Meadowbank Working Committee.
Akeeagok characterized discussions with the committee as ongoing and "very lively." He said he has met again with officials from Agnico Eagle and he has asked his staff to ensure that Baker Lake and the Kivalliq region benefit from Beyond Meadowbank.
"And I think that鈥檚 going to set a good example" when there are closures at other mines regarding how planning and implementation take place, the minister suggested.
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