Cambridge Bay (Apr 10/06) - The length of time it takes government to process regulatory documents is costing Nunavut exploration jobs and money was the message heard repeatedly during at the ninth Nunavut Mining Symposium in Cambridge Bay, March 31-April 3.

"The regulatory processes are taking too long, there is duplication and somehow this needs to be streamlined," said Pamela Strand, president of Shear Minerals.

The level of scrutiny placed on some projects is not necessary, echoed Ken Armstrong, president and chief executive officer of Strongbow Exploration. His company has had to take the bulk of its exploration budget south, because the regulatory regime had stalled the progress on its Nunavut holdings.

"We need investor confidence but we're starting to see some of that confidence erode," he said.

On the symposium's third day, an impromptu closed-door session was held to bring public and private sectors together to work on a solution.

"We have to look at how we can fix these problems," said Carl McLean, director of operations for Indian and Northern Affairs Canada's Nunavut Regional Office. "The right people heard the messages and solutions are being proposed."

Discussion came easily among the 215 delegates during their time on Victoria Island.

"Relationships are being built and connections between new exploration companies are being made," said Chris King, member of the symposium's steering committee and community economic development officer. The event brought $100,000 to the local economy.

Mining and service-related companies set up 28 booths for the public and delegates to view and all seemed pleased with the event.

"It's a great opportunity to discuss issues with communities, companies and regulators," said Peter Gillin, chairman and chief executive officer of Tahera.

The development of mineral resources in Nunavut represents a huge part of the future said Nunavut Premier Paul Okalik during the closing banquet. "The potential is vast as our territory," he said. "Only a fraction of our territory's resources have been identified."

The symposium will celebrate its 10th birthday next April in Iqaluit.