Mining advisory board takes shape
Six-member industry group holds inaugural meeting
Karen K. Ho
Northern News Services
Monday, June 15, 2015
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
A new industry group had its inaugural meeting with Industry, Tourism and Investment minister David Ramsay this past week.
Industry, Tourism and Investment Minister David Ramsay touted the GNWT's policies as well as the new Inuvik economic development strategy on April 10. The department recently held the first meeting of its new Mining Industry Advisory Board on June 3 in Yellowknife. - NNSL file photo |
The six-member NWT Mining Industry Advisory Board (MIAB) held its inaugural meeting in Yellowknife on June 3. Ramsay told News/North the creation of the board was a key recommendation of the GNWT's mineral development strategy.
"They can give me frank advice on how we can encourage mining in the Northwest Territories," he said.
The board consists of a mix of appointed representatives from the North and south: Dominion Diamond Corporation acting chief executive officer Brendan Bell, who also serves as the board's chair; DEMCo Limited Partnership's Darrel Beaulieu; Discovery Mining Services special projects manager Rod Brown; Olivut Resources president, chief executive officer and director Leni Keough; Avalon Rare Metals president Don Bubar; and Canadian Zinc chairman, president and chief executive officer John Kearney.
In addition to providing an annual report, the board will also advise on topics such as regulatory matters and educational awareness.
Ramsay said at the first meeting they discussed infrastructure and the territory's lack of a mining act. "That may be one of the things we target right away," he said.
Public perception and attracting investment were also big topics.
"Exploration is something we're very keen on trying to get back," Ramsay said, noting the spike due to the territory's mining incentive program. "You're not going to find any new mines without exploration. It's important for us to get those dollars back."
When asked what the MIAB would do differently compared to the NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines, Ramsay pointed out that the advocacy group also served as ex-officio members of the board. "This is technical, frank advice from industry leaders that may or may not have had ties to the chamber," he said.
The Chamber also helped craft the board's terms of reference. Ramsay called the chamber an integral part of the success of the new board and said that members also serve as a resource to other ministers and the premier through Industry, Tourism and Investment.
"The board's going to have continuity through the election period into the next government," he added. "We may add a few members as time goes on."
One of the Northern voices on the board is Brown who has been in the territory for 50 years and passionate about the place.
"I wouldn't have gone on this board if I didn't value what I have in the North, and value the fact that I have a good job," said the born and raised Northerner.
"I think we have to work on a fine balance between economic development and good environmental stewardship."
"It's a beautiful place and I want to make sure it stays that way."
The next meeting of the advisory board is scheduled to take place in September before the final sitting of the 17th legislative assembly.
