IQALUIT
The territory's and the Northern mining community exchanged ideas and sought new opportunities during the Nunavut Mining Symposium last week.
Paul Budkewitsch, left, the district geologist for Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, looks at a drill core sample with Adrian Fleming of Prosperity Goldfields at the Nunavut Mining Symposium in Iqaluit on April 10. - Jeanne Gagnon/NNSL photo |
Iqaluit hosted the event, from April 8 to 11, which attracted about 500 delegates and 57 exhibitors with this year's theme of Making Connections.
The symposium featured a trade show as well as conferences, including a number providing updates on various mining projects in the North. Education and training opportunities were also discussed.
Keith Morrison, a member of the symposium steering committee said the number of delegates and exhibitors is roughly the same as last year.
"I would say it's a very good success," he said. "The industry still has some issues due to the global economy. The fact there are people still interested in seeing Nunavut as a worthwhile place to work and to invest is very encouraging."
Digital Globe and Water and Earth Science Associates (WESA) were two of the nine new exhibitors at the trade show.
Digital Globe provides high-resolution satellite images, something mining companies use to monitor environmental sites, or for exploration, without having to physically go there, said John Roos, regional sales manager for Canada in Nepean, Ont.
"The imagery is remote. It's passive so you can monitor things from space without going there," he said.
WESA, which has worked in Nunavut for the past 10 years, attended the trade show for the first time this year, although it has participated in the conference in the past, said Tim Beckenham, northern projects manager with the company.
He said he was very busy, with many people showing interest in the company, which provides environmental engineering services.
"It's a good opportunity to network, even just visiting the other delegates that are here," he said.
The symposium did not only attract industry. Government was also present.
The territory's Department of Education unveiled "Mining Matters," a curricular resource for use in schools across the territory. Premier Eva Aariak, also the education minister, made the announcement at the legislature building along with Agnico-Eagle's president and chief executive officer, Sean Boyd.
The new resource aims to encourage youth to pursue skilled trades and professional careers in the mining industry, stated Aariak.
The territorial government and Agnico-Eagle signed an agreement a year ago to help both enhance hands-on trades-related learning opportunities for Kivalliq students.
