City shares new developments on potential future of gold mining

A report has been released by the City of Yellowknife to help summarize a pair of public workshops that were held in November.

The two workshops discussed modern gold mining practices and regulatory oversight. The goal of these workshops was to build support for the potential of future gold mining in the NWT by showing residents with clear information on what the practice looks like in the modern day.

Experts on modern mining practices were invited to guide participants through presentations on new technology, environmental safeguards, and regulations specific to the NWT. The workshops also touched on how the economic landscape of NWT mining will be changing with the continuing closure of diamond mines.

Also covered at the workshops were the involvement of Indigenous governments, how a mine’s impact on the environment is regulated, and safeguards for nearby communities.

Yellowknife Mayor, Ben Hendriksen, was proud of how the city stepped forward to create an environment where residents could learn directly from experts.

“This report shows that when residents are given clear information, they can participate in a meaningful and informed way.”

YKDFN Chief Betsina also spoke on the workshops, saying “Our people have always carried the responsibility of caring for this land, and that responsibility remains as conversations about future development continue. These workshops gave residents clear, practical information about how modern mining operates today and the safeguards that are in place to protect the land and our communities. As the North faces real economic change, informed discussion and shared understanding are essential to making responsible decisions and building long-term resilience.”

The City of Yellowknife will be sharing the findings of these workshops at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada conference in Toronto on March 3^rd.