“Mining Matters” to Nunavut and Agnico-Eagle

Nunavut Premier Eva Aariak and President and CEO of Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd., Sean Boyd, talk April 10 about an agreement that will see new curriculum materials about earth sciences, called “Mining Matters,” in Iqaluit schools. (PHOTO BY SAMANTHA DAWSON)

The Government of Nunavut and Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd. want to encourage Nunavut students, especially students in Nunavut’s Kivalliq region, to pursue careers in the mining industry.

Nunavut’s department of education unveiled “Mining Matters,” a curriculum resource for use in all Nunavut schools in the legislative assembly lobby April 10.

“I am very pleased that our partnership with Agnico-Eagle has brought stimulating learning and outreach opportunities to students in the Kivalliq, and excellent curricular resource materials to their teachers,” said Eva Aariak, Nunavut’s premier and minister of education.

Agnico-Eagle owns and operates Nunavut’s sole operating mine, the Meadowbank gold mine near Baker Lake in Nunavut’s Kivalliq region.

The earth science-related material provides learning opportunities that will hopefully encourage Nunavut youth to pursue skilled trades and other careers in the mining industry.

“Mining Matters” will be integrated into science curriculums across Nunavut, starting with schools in the Kivalliq region.

Aariak made the announcement with Agnico-Eagle’s president and chief executive officer Sean Boyd.

“I look forward to providing “Mining Matters” to all our schools, giving our students outstanding learning material on earth sciences, helping them stimulate their interest in careers in the mining industry,” Aariak said.

The GN and Agnico-Eagle have both signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation that has been in place for a year.

That’s helped encourage hands-on learning opportunities for Kivalliq students in the trades.

The MOU supports resource sharing and expertise in the development of mines and trades-related curriculum as well as career development.

The goal of the MOU is to get more students in the Kivalliq region to successfully transition from high school to trades and careers in Agnico-Eagle’s mines.

Boyd said his company is pleased with the MOU and the relationship it has with the GN.

Agnico-Eagle is “deeply committed” to making sure the company makes a positive difference in the Kivalliq region, he said.

“This agreement provides Kivalliq students with the incentive and opportunity to pursue their dreams in an industry that has vast potential in Nunavut,” he said.