Nunavut can bring ‘stability’ to increasingly unstable world, says premier
P.J. Akeeagok talks Canadian sovereignty through Arctic mining at Nunavut Mining Symposium
Premier P.J. Akeeagok gives opening remarks at the 2025 Nunavut Mining Symposium on Tuesday at Aqsarniit hotel in Iqaluit before sitting for a Q&A with lawyer Adam Chamberlain. (Photo by Arty Sarkisian)
At times of global uncertainty, Nunavut can bring stability and provide minerals that the “world is hungry for,” Premier P.J. Akeeagok says.
“We have an abundance of critical minerals that are ready to be unlocked,” he said during his opening remarks to 375 delegates at the annual Nunavut Mining Symposium on Tuesday at the Aqsarniit Hotel and Conference Centre in Iqaluit.
With tensions rising between countries, Nunavut and its minerals can play an important role in asserting Canada’s sovereignty, Akeeagok said.
With glacial melting, the Arctic is becoming more accessible. That makes gaining control over its mineral riches and trade routes a goal for countries such as Russia, China, and the United States under an increasingly aggressive President Donald Trump.
“We are ready,” Akeeagok said, responding to a question from lawyer Adam Chamberlain about the “capricious” Trump administration.
Chamberlain was moderating the session with the premier.
“In times of uncertainty, we’re at a moment where we really need to move quickly to diversify our economies,” Akeeagok said. “I think critical minerals is our ticket.”
Nunavut has deposits of 23 of the 34 critical minerals that can be found in Canada, Akeeagok said, adding the territory can be a “trusted partner” in delivering those minerals.
“There is much more work to do in this area as we continue to explore unexplored areas throughout one-fifth of Canada’s land mass,” he said.
There are four mines currently operating in Nunavut: three gold mines owned by Agnico Eagle Ltd. and B2Gold and the Baffinland Iron Mines Corp.’s iron mine.
The territory is also in the process of developing a land-use plan to govern what parts of Nunavut can be mined and what parts will be protected. A draft of the plan has been in the hands of the federal government, Nunavut government, and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. for consideration since June 2023.
Unlocking more of Nunavut’s economic potential in critical minerals will not only benefit the territory but will also bolster economic opportunities across the country, Akeeagok said.
In the past months, all three major federal party leaders came to Nunavut with announcements. Akeeagok said it’s a sign that the Arctic is no longer an “afterthought” for Ottawa.
The North is a “strategic geopolitical location,” he said.
“There’s an incredible opportunity for us to be the economic engine of this country.”
The mining symposium runs through Thursday in Iqaluit.
The Beverly herd and the Qamanirjuaq herd have declined drastically. The Beverly and Qamanirjuaq Management Board reports that the Qamanirjuaq herd has declined from 496, 000 in 1994 to 252, 900 in 2022. The Beverly herd has declined from 276, 000 in 1994 to 103, 400 in 2018. I hope the needs of the caribou, and those who rely on them, will be protected against the potential for temporary monetary gains. The caribou, if protected, will be here for future generations. This means everyone can eat – not just a few who want to exploit the land.
How about people who want to exploit the herd itself, killing them for “monetary gains”. This is the real culprit, yet oddly the focus is always diverted to mining.
Why is that? Because mining is seen as something ‘outsiders’ do?
In an earlier comment about caribou.
As Baffin is no longer allowed, they will go after the Kivalliq herd next.
Excuse for over hunting ” “We are Inuit. We “h-a-v-e” to eat Eskimo food. Never mind caribou science and dwindling numbers.”
I agree that the caribou need to be protected.
But, take note that the herds are declining because of current conditions and policies, not some future mine.
I think that the real take away from this article is that the Land Use Plan is idle with all of the organizations that claim to care.
That plan will allow for development that minimizes the effect on traditional uses and natural ecosystems.
The early stages in development are funded out of pocket (with some support programs) by individuals/small organizations. One cannot invest their life savings and months of work into a project that can be killed by arbitrary red tape down the line, so resources go undeveloped. But if these authorities would get together and map out where needs protecting, people can turn their focus their efforts on development in zones that will not have the same negative consequences.
In previous decades, these two herds have been less than 100,000. When you say these herds are declining dramatically, you ignore the long term cycle caribou go through. They go up and down.over the decades. It is natural and known, and to hope for any different is unrealistic.
Too many red tape in Nunavut. After the whole Baffinland debacle last few years, we will see how many companies are willing to go through that to have a crack at mining in Nunavut.
The way the draft Land Use Plan is, Nunavut will not get new investment thus will not able to deliver the needs.
Four mines in Nunavut. The gold miners are here because the deposits are rich. And have been easily accessible. The iron ore that comes out of Nunavut is very rich. And it takes very little milling. So the iron mine is profitable.
Those other deposits that the premier spoke of. Will be years, if ever, before they become operational.
Just because deposit has been identified. Doesn’t mean it will turn into a mine.
Every day geologist are finding minerals in location. That are more accessible. Also were governments are willing to work. With mining companies.
Nunavut acts more like a third world country. Where mines are concerned.
Endless meetings. Changing deals once they have been negotiated. always complaining and asking for more.
Mines can cost the operators. Tens of millions of dollars before any minerals are extracted. With that kind of investment. A company needs a trust worthy partner.
Anything and any chance for a nice picture!
Since 1999 no land use plan. Fire the Nunavut Planning Commission, their executive director and the board. They have done nothing!
have not npc submitted a draft plan to nti and government like last year 2 years ago? what’s the hold up?
Well well well one mine closed walking away in baffin has not been mentioned yet , we need information from the bottom up from HTOs as they should have been informed how they will bring back the equipments ,
We don’t want rumors and be rushed to listen as the news spreads HTA of Amaruq had rushed there AGM without proper assessments how De-Beers will clean up the site in used.
Concerning how this will be dealt with no information given.
So get off the backs of industry and shut out the bleeding hearts who want to protect the local mosquito population or avinngaqs in the middle of nowhere. There’s only no-see-ums when your on a rock in the arctic ocean. Communities need jobs, not hand outs and definitely not payoffs for the local ruling class whose extended families control most hamlets. Expedite natural resources permitting to 6 months or less and develop Nunavut or step aside for somebody who will.
Blah, blah, blah. Ummmm, let me check my notes… oh yeah, blah, blah, blah.
Inuit from Nunavut
Let call for vote too in premier of Nunavut. There was no vote in last time when they put PJ. It was those MLAs who take paul quassa take the seat from premier. There was not even call nunavutmiut for the election.