Targeted Engagement – Mineral Resources Act Regulations
Consultation has concluded.
Le suivant s’agit d’un échange ciblé à l’intention d’intervenants précis.
L’échange avec le public se trouve ici.
Overview
The following was a targeted engagement opportunity for identified stakeholders. A public engagement opportunity and additional background information on this subject can be sourced here.
Background
The Northwest Territories’ (NWT) first Mineral Resources Act (MRA) was passed by the NWT Legislative Assembly in 2019. The GNWT is currently working to research, understand and identify all of the regulations that will be required by the new Act.
The purpose of this Act is to provide a framework for responsible and balanced mineral prospecting, exploration, development and production, while recognizing the following goals:
- to regulate mineral interests efficiently, effectively and in a transparent manner;
- to support the economy of the Northwest Territories;
- to realize benefits from mineral development for Indigenous governments and organizations, communities and the people of the Northwest Territories;
- to ensure that wealth generated by mineral resources will be used for the benefit of present and future generations of the people of the Northwest Territories;
- to encourage positive relationships between proponents, Indigenous governments and organizations, communities and the Government of the Northwest Territories;
- to respect Aboriginal and treaty rights;
- to complement the systems for collaborative management of land and natural resources in the Northwest Territories;
- to improve geological knowledge in the territory; and
- to recognize sustainable land use.
This digital engagement was developed specifically for those working in exploration or mining and with some understanding of existing processes and regulations.
It was focused on collecting input on how the GNWT is proposing to implement and regulate the Mineral Resources Act.
While you may have comments on the Act itself, engagement questions in this forum were focused on how to implement the approved Act and what to include in the regulations. The regulations and implementation must reflect what is already established in the Act.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at: MRA_Implementation@gov.nt.ca
Next Steps
The GNWT has been working to research, understand and identify all of the regulations that will be required by the new Act. This includes numerous face-to-face engagements with leaders, stakeholders and organizations representing those most involved and impacted by mining in the NWT.
Now that this initial step is completed, required regulations will be more-fully developed and drafted. A formal public Consultation of all proposed regulations will then take place (Spring 2023).
Once its regulations are in place, the MRA will be able to come into force. When it does, it will become the first-ever stand-alone legislation governing mineral resources drafted in the NWT and will administer all aspects of mineral tenure; from the exploration and discovery of minerals, through the development, construction and operation of a mine – and to its eventual closure and remediation.
