Gov’ts open Nunavut geoscience base — Office part of federal effort to support northern mineral projects

A new geoscience centre in Iqualuit, Nunavut, will be instrumental in helping that region discover and exploit its mineral potential, say the three government partners involved in the project.

Natural Resources Canada, the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Nunavut’s Department of Sustainable Development will spend $4 million over the next three years to help the Canada-Nunavut Geoscience Office conduct research into regional geology, natural resources potential and the environment. The three agencies will co-manage the office and share data and technology.

“A key to unlocking [mineral] potential, and to bringing exploration and investment north, is expanding geoscience knowledge in the region,” said NRC Minister Ralph Goodale in a speech given in late September at the centre’s opening.

As proof that data compiled by government agencies are required for a healthy mining industry, Goodale pointed to the government’s role in the discovery of diamonds in the Northwest Territories, gold at the Meliadine project, also in the Territories, and base metals at Kudz Ze Kayah in the Yukon.

“While private companies may be the ones exploring for minerals, they need geoscience data to know where to look,” he said.

Nunavut’s minister of sustainable development, Peter Kilabuck, praised the agreement as necessary for the territory to support its own mining industry.

“If there is little to no information known about our rocks, investment will go elsewhere,” he said.

The new office is the latest in a series of moves designed to foster mineral development in Nunavut. Earlier this year, the government introduced a program to help those living in the region become prospectors.

Projects at the office slated for the next field season include integrated mapping in areas with high mineral potential and the compilation of existing geoscience data.