Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (Feb 15/99) - Nunavut's mining potential will make something of an international debut during an event in Tokyo this week.

Kitikmeot Corp. president Charlie Lyall and Gordon MacKay, director (designate) with Nunavut's Minerals, Oil and Gas division are scheduled to speak at the Canada: A Window on Global Mining event.

The one-time event, organized by Natural Resources Canada and Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, is being held at the Canadian embassy in Tokyo, Feb. 16-17.

Day one will focus on Canada's geology, minerals and metals industry, and mining financing while the second day will look at Canada's expertise in exploration, mining, engineering and consulting services, environmental stewardship and processing.

"(We are) trying to encourage the Japanese to invest in Canadian mines and use Canadian technology and to promote the use of Canadian goods and services," said Natural Resources Canada financial analyst Jim Lauer.

Lyall said one of the goals of the trip will be to inform Japanese about the potential investment opportunities in Nunavut.

He will also discuss the proposed Bathurst Inlet port and road system designed to access half-a-dozen potential mining projects as well as the diamond developments at Lac de Gras.

Lyall, who has spoken on many occasions about the potential of mining in Nunavut, said this will be the first time he has taken the message abroad. But it won't be the last, he adds.

"They invited me to speak on the effects of division on mining," he said.

The message will be that Nunavut is "open for business," he said. "Inuit want jobs and contracts."