Meet MNRL — Nunavut’s new Department of Mines, Natural Resources and Land
Premier announces addition as part of devolution process
The open pit of Agnico Eagle’s Meliadine Mine near Rankin Inlet is seen in this file photo. Nunavut Premier John Main announced Tuesday that the GN will form a new Department of Mines, Natural Resources and Land as part the devolution process. (File photo by Arty Sarkisian)
The Nunavut government is preparing to roll out a new department to manage its post-devolution responsibilities.
Premier John Main announced the Department of Mines, Natural Resources and Land — or MNRL — Tuesday in the legislative assembly. It will serve as a “single point of access for land and resource development matters,” he said.
The department will be responsible for the administration, regulation, and sustainable development of natural resources on land that the GN will acquire from the federal government.
“This includes public lands and fresh-water management, oversight of mineral and oil and gas development, and promotion of geoscience and mineral exploration through a Nunavut Geological Survey,” Main said.
The territory signed a devolution agreement with Ottawa in January 2024.
Touted as the largest land transfer in Canadian history, it is scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2027. The new department will also launch on that day.
Whoever championed this name internally deserves kudos.