Advancing critical minerals development in the Northwest Territories for the energy transition and emerging technologies
An update on the emerging zinc opportunity at Pine Point Gold Terra is gearing up for more drilling to target additional ounces south and under the past-producing 16 g/t Gold Con Mine
Message from the editor, Shayna Wiwierski – 3
Gold Terra is gearing up for more drilling to target additional ounces south and under the past-producing 16 g/t Gold Con Mine – 4
Mining for gold – 8
An update on the emerging zinc opportunity at Pine Point – 10
Independent technical review of Eagle Gold mine failure begins – 12 Canada’s critical resources versus reservess – 14
Unlocking the Northwest Territories’ critical minerals potential: A strategic path to global leaderships – 18
The talent crisis: A critical risk to critical minerals – 20
2024 exploration program yields up to 19.5 per cent Cu, 9.42 per cent Ni, and 107.3 g/t PGMs from surface sampling at SPC Nickel’s Muskox Project in Nunavut – 22
Memorable moments, events, and experiences from the world’s premier mineral exploration and mining convention in Toronto – 26
In a new report, the Canada Climate Law Initiative highlights areas where major mining companies of Canada could improve their oversight of climate-related risks – 29
the accuracy of the information contained in and the reliability of the source, the publisher in no way guarantees nor warrants the information and is not responsible for errors, omissions or statements made by advertisers. Opinions and recommendations made by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher, its directors, officers or employees.
message from the editor shAyNA WIWIerskI
Welcome to this exciting edition of Mining Your Business, where we delve deep into the vibrant mining landscape of Canada’s northern territories. As we turn the pages of this issue, we are reminded of the rich tapestry of opportunity that the north offers, especially in the realm of critical minerals and production.
In this issue we spotlight two remarkable stories that underscore the resilience and innovation of the mining sector up north. First, we explore Gold Terra’s ambitious plans for increased drilling activities targeting additional ounces beneath the historic 16 g/t Gold Con Mine. This site, a beacon of past success, holds promise for future discoveries that could reinvigorate the local economy and enhance Canada’s standing as a leader in gold production. The strategic focus on the south and underground extensions is a testament to Gold Terra’s commitment to unlocking the potential that lies beneath our feet, and we eagerly anticipate the results of their upcoming drilling programs.
In our second feature, we turn our attention to Sixty North Gold Mining Ltd., a company dedicated to revitalizing gold mining in Yellowknife—a city that has a storied history of gold extraction, with a remarkable 15 million ounces produced from three mines at impressive grades exceeding 16 g/t. Sixty North’s initiative to re-establish mining operations not only honours this legacy, but also signifies a reinvestment in the community and a renewed focus on sustainable practices. Their efforts are not just about extraction; they embody a vision for responsible resource management that respects both the environment and the Indigenous communities whose lands we are privileged to work upon.
As we navigate the complexities of modern mining, these stories remind us that our industry is not just
about the minerals in the ground. It’s about the people, the partnerships, and the promise of economic growth. The northern territories are a treasure trove of natural resources, but the true gold lies in the potential for job creation, technological advancements, and sustainable development. As companies like Gold Terra and Sixty North lead the charge, they inspire not only confidence in our sector, but also a commitment to ethical practices and community engagement.
Moreover, the exploration and mining activities occurring today set the stage for future generations. It’s imperative that we share best practices, learn from one another, and continue to innovate. As we gather insights from these companies, let us also reflect on how we can collectively shape a more sustainable and equitable future for all stakeholders involved.
In this issue, you will also find a variety of articles highlighting industry trends, regulatory updates, and news shaping the future of mining in the north. We also encourage you to keep an eye out for our annual print publication, North of 60, which will be released in early 2025. We are currently on the lookout for featured stories, so if you have news to share, I invite you to reach out to me via the email below. You can also visit our website, miningnorthof60.com, to learn more about us and to sign up for future issues delivered straight to your inbox.
Thank you for being part of Mining Your Business. Your support is vital as we navigate the evolving landscape of this dynamic industry. Here’s to continued exploration, innovation, and success in the months ahead!
Sincerely,
Shayna Wiwierski shayna@delcommunications.com
Gold Terra is gearing up for more drilling to target additional ounces south and under the pastproducing 16 g/t Gold Con Mine
Gold Terra has one of the largest 100 per cent owned strategic land positions in Canada with over 918 square kilometres covering an extensive mineralized system in the prolific Yellowknife Gold Belt in the Northwest Territories.
The district land holdings include the prolific Campbell Shear, a shear structure that produced more than 13 million ounces of gold from the former Con and Giant Mines. This strategic land package also includes an option agreement to purchase the former Con Mine, which produced 6.1 million ounces of gold with an average gold grade of 16 to 20g/t between 19382003. The former Con Mine property is where the current deep drilling program aims to confirm the company’s strategy that the gold-rich Campbell Shear continues even further than what was mined at the former Con Mine. The company signed an option agreement to purchase 100 per cent of the Con Mine Option Property from Newmont in November 2021, which is now extended to 2027.
The future exploration potential of Gold Terra’s district-scale land holdings is tremendous. The company has outlined and discovered approximately 1.8 million combined ounces of gold and Gold Terra’s exploration strategy is to continue finding more gold along the prolific Campbell Shear structure. That
Aerial view of Yellowknife, the Con Mine and projection of the Campbell Shear.
Below: District-scale land holdings.
Clockwise from above left: CFO Mark Brown and Chairman and CEO Gerald Panneton examining core at the drill site in June 2024.Drilling at Con Mine Option Property. Deep drilling Hole GTCM23-055 core showing the Campbell Shear from 2102 to 2118 metres including 12.73 g/t over 1.7 metres (quartz veining).
strategy includes additional drilling south of the Con Mine to expand their initial near surface 2022 Mineral Resource estimate (MRE) of 109,000 gold ounces in the indicated category and 432,000 gold ounces in the inferred category; the current deep drilling program under the Con Mine workings on the Con Mine Option Property; and the continued assessment of additional targets in the northern belt of their large land holdings, which has a 2021 MRE of 1.2 Moz in the inferred category on four deposits 20 kilometres north of Yellowknife.
In July 2024, Gold Terra announced its technical and geological success with the completion of a master hole drilled to a depth of 3,002 metres. This master hole will be used to branch off as many wedge drill holes as possible to evaluate the prolific Campbell Shear in the initial phase of wedge drilling, from 600 metres to 700 metres below the existing Robertson shaft, at a depth of 1,900 metres below surface. Branching-off wedge drilling from the same master hole will allow for a less costly and faster evaluation of the Campbell Shear.
Multi-million ounce potential in Yellowknife Gold Belt.
Drilling to delineate gold underway with objective to expand current mineral resource estimate on Con Mine Option Property.
The first wedge is planned to start at 2,000 to 2,100 metres downhole with a Campbell Shear target of 2,700 metres, or 800 metres below the Robertson shaft. Wedges holes are designed to target the Campbell Shear at depth initially, and then moving up-dip, the wedges will be placed higher up. The wedge drilling program will consist of five to seven wedge holes initially with an approximate estimate drilling length of 3,000 metres.
Having a large land holding close to Yellowknife has many advantages, such as readily available infrastructure and workforce. One major exploration advantage is the relatively low cost of drilling where everyone can go home at night. The drilling is close to the city of Yellowknife so that remote drill setup is not needed.
Looking towards the future, a major advantage of the Con Mine Option Property is the access to existing infrastructure, including underground openings and shafts, buildings, storage
facilities, and roads. The hard assets include the original C-1 shaft opening, and the concrete-steel Robertson shaft (1,900 metres) completed in 1978 with a 2,000 tpd (ton per day) capacity for future underground exploration and mining, valued for time and investment saving; surface infrastructure, including a large 10,000-square-foot warehouse and dry; surface vehicles; and a 2015 C$20 million water treatment plant. These assets provide substantial future cost savings for potential development.
With a continued large drilling program and positive drill results, Gold Terra is on track to re-establish Yellowknife as one of the premier gold mining districts in Canada. Gold Terra offers a rare opportunity to invest in a world-class high-grade discovery on the doorstep of Canada’s most prolific past gold production.
For more information and company news, please go to our website at www.goldterracorp.com/. 8 Proposed wedge drill
The wedge drilling program will consist of five to seven wedge holes initially with an approximate estimate drilling length of 3,000 metres.
Mining for GOLD
Sixty North Gold Mining Ltd. is bringing gold mining back to Yellowknife, where 15 million ounces of gold have been produced from three mines at grades greater than 16 gpt.
The company has the first gold mining and milling permits issued in over a quarter century. Yellowknife has a rich history going back to the discovery by government geologists in 1935. A staking rush ensued and amongst the dozens of companies, Cominco discovered outcropping gold and developed that into what would become the Con Mine. Production started in 1936 at 100 tpd, but didn’t report any reserves until 1938, eventually extracting 12 million tonnes at 16 gpt.
The Mon Property had been staked by Cominco in 1937 and held by them continuously for over 50 years. Historic production in the 1990s of 15,000 tonnes of gold yielded an estimated 15,000 ounces of gold from a single folded quartz vein. In 2024, Sixty North Gold has exposed the two limbs of the A-Zone vein underground beneath the two old stopes and serendipitously encountered another vein, called the DD-Zone in the main drift. Initial sampling of the three vein exposures averaged 5.5 gpt from the West Limb, and 17 gpt from the DD-Zone, while assays are pending from the East Limb of the A-Zone. An estimated 30,000 tonnes of vein are accessible in the
A and DD zones above the current development level. The company plans to bring a 100 tpd gravity-flotation mill (permitted) onto site this winter and commence milling in 2025 while continuing development to depth. They are currently developed to depths of 40 metres below surface, whereas the three historic mines in the gold belt have operated to depths up to 1,900 metres.
The high-grade and nuggety nature of the gold mineralization makes development of resources by diamond drilling very difficult, so Sixty North Gold opted to select a pastproducing high-grade mine and go straight to bulk sampling. This was a low-risk proposition because of
Overview of the Mon Mine looking south over Discovery Lake.
the historic production, but has not been without its struggles. First, NI 43-101 wasn’t designed to deal easily with a bulk sample to production scenario precluding discussion of cost forecasts. As well, a wildfire in 2023 destroyed their 20-man trailer camp but fortunately didn’t damage the mine or the support equipment. They own their complete fleet of mining equipment and ancillary services, and insurance provided some assistance in restarting in 2024.
Recently reported costs for underground mining in excellent rock conditions is generally less than $150 per tonne with milling costs potentially adding an additional $40 to $80 per tonne depending on the process and size of the operation (Poxleitner, 2022, Bradfield et al., 2023).
Their conceptual plan is to mine and mill the A and DD zone vein at 100 tpd and grades between 17 gpt (recent sampling) and 30 gpt (historic average grade). 8
Contact our team to ensure your next project is safe, successful, and on time.
majorcanada@majordrilling.com 1-204-885-7532
Above: After the second round in the 3m x 3m 970 XCE.
Right: Visible gold in the West Limb of the A-Zone in the 970 XCE.
An update on the emerging zinc opportunity at Pine Point
What does CP Rail, Expo ’67, and diamonds all have in common? The Pine Point zinc and lead development project in the Northwest Territories.
The decision to build the historic Pine Point Mine was made in the early 1960s in the Montreal boardroom of CP Rail. That boardroom, a heritage site, is now part of the suite of offices occupied by the Osisko group of companies, including Pine Point Mining Limited (PPML). PPML, a private joint-venture (JV) company between Osisko Metals Inc. and a subsidiary of Appian Natural Resources Fund III LP, is using funding from their JV agreement to redevelop the Pine Point Project into a key zinc producer.
Zinc is critical in the fight against global warming because it galvanizes metal, like rebar for concrete, whose production is responsible for nine per cent of global greenhouse emissions. Montreal’s Expo ‘67 road infrastructure lasted only 50 years compared to the 100 to 200 years it could have lasted had the rebar been galvanized with zinc. The Pine Point project is in the Northwest Territories, where the diamond mines are
maturing, and a new mine could provide local jobs to transition employees.
These were some of the things shared with visitors to Pine Point during site visit season, which kicked off in June. A diverse group of visitors were welcomed to site, including consultants, government leaders, environmental regulators, community members, and representatives from PPML’s financing partners, Appian Capital Advisory. A second round of visits was held in late July.
Each group toured the site by helicopter, reviewed drill core, and received an update presentation. Topics discussed included the late February sale of an additional five per cent ownership interest in Pine Point by its parent company, Osisko Metals, to their partners at Appian. This sale reflects Appian’s continued confidence in the successful reopening of the Pine Point Mine.
An updated Mineral Resource Estimate (2024 MRE) for the project was announced in late June. This estimate is critical in the planning process because it is an independent audit of the mineral resources. The results increased the confidence
One of many groups hosted for a site visit at Pine Point in the Northwest Territories this summer. Photo credit: Jean Derome/Refined Substance Inc.
in Pine Point’s economic viability because inferred mineral resources that were converted to indicated resources increased the tonnage of the indicated mineral resources by 214 per cent (with an associated decrease in the quantity of inferred mineral resources).
Other highlights included:
• Indicated mineral resources of 49.5Mt grading 4.22 per cent zinc and 1.49 per cent lead (5.52 per cent zinc equivalent (ZnEq)) containing approximately 4.6 billion pounds of zinc and 1.6 billion pounds of lead in situ (undiluted).
• Inferred mineral resources of 8.3Mt grading 4.18 per cent zinc and 1.69 per cent lead (5.64 per cent ZnEq) containing approximately 0.7 billion pounds of zinc and 0.3 billion pounds of lead in situ (undiluted).
• Mineral resources reported for the 2024 MRE used variable cut-off grades between 1.41 per cent and 1.51 per cent ZnEq for open pit resources and between 4.10 per cent and 4.40 per cent ZnEq for underground resources.
• The project’s East Mill, Central, and North Zones now contain approximately 36.2Mt of indicated mineral resources grading 5.22 per cent ZnEq, or 3.2 billion pounds of zinc and 1.1 billion pounds of lead in situ.
• New metallurgical test work is in progress. Previous metallurgical test work described in the 2022 PEA (see press release August 29, 2022) highlighted Pine Point as a potential producer of among the cleanest, high-grade zinc and lead concentrates globally.
With zinc classified as a critical mineral, clean zinc concentrates will be popular once again, so most smelter clients would likely want some Pine Point concentrate for blending purposes.
The 2024 exploration program was also completed in the spring, and additional exploration targets are now being prioritized. Environmental baseline and engineering work is also ongoing to officially launch the feasibility study after 15 months of planning and tradeoff studies comparing alternative engineering concepts. The results of this work, along with community engagement, will inform the decision on the best way to develop the mine. Additional exploration, environmental baseline, and occasional engineering site investigations are continuing until fall.
Actively contributing to local business and community initiatives has remained a priority for PPML. The company’s CEO, Jeff Hussey, participated in the NWT Indigenous Leaders’ Economic Forum in May. Speaking on a panel, he shared PPML’s plans to:
• Create opportunities for all communities affected by the operation;
• Collaborate with Indigenous communities by evaluating business opportunities associated with the project; and,
• Explore creative ways to build or enhance capacity in Indigenous communities on the south side of Great Slave Lake.
The company has participated in other community activities like First Nations job fairs and sponsored several events including the DKFN dog sled races, Indigenous community youth sports, and Fort Smith Indigenous Days. Contributions were also made to the golf fundraiser held by Hockey Northwest Territories, and Women in Mining NWT’s golf fundraising tournament.
With a commitment to community and a dedication to technical excellence, Pine Point has the potential to once again take its place as a pre-eminent Canadian zinc mine, producing a much-needed critical mineral in a highly sought-after clean concentrate, create jobs, and generate economic opportunities for northern communities. 8
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Independent technical review of eagle Gold mine failure begins
In keeping with its promise to investigate causes and factors contributing to the June 24, 2024 heap-leach failure at Victoria Gold’s Eagle Gold mine, the Government of Yukon has launched an independent review board. The independent review board process is consistent with the Yukon’s Mine Waste Facilities Management Guidelines.
The independent review is a part of the Government of Yukon’s response, as a responsible regulator, to the catastrophic failure and its impact on the environment and human health and safety.
On June 24, 2024, the mine experienced a heap leach failure, which in turn, caused a stockpile of ore to landslide.
The slide, which was around 1.5 kilometres in length, caused ore to spill over an embankment at the facility’s base. Victoria Gold Corp., the owners, estimated that the slide forced twomillion tonnes of material to leave the containment area. It was announced on July 4 that sampling results showed 8.58 milligrams per litre of cyanide had been found at the bottom of the slide.
“Our government recognizes the seriousness of the heap leach failure that
occurred at the Eagle Gold mine and its environmental impacts,” said Minister of Energy, Mines, and Resources John Streicker. “As a responsible regulator, the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources must determine the causes of the failure to inform future decisions about the Eagle Gold project, as well as other future projects in the territory. The independent review board is the most expedient process for determining the causes of the heap leach facility failure and will lead to changes that will help to prevent another event like this one from occurring in the future.”
The purpose of the independent review is to identify the causes of the heap leach failure. This will include a review of the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and monitoring of the heap leach facility. Conducting an independent technical review of a major mine infrastructure failure is common practice across the world.
The following three highly qualified technical experts have been selected to be on the Independent Review Board:
• Jean-Marie Konrad, M.Sc.,
Ph.D.,
FCAE, FEIC
• Les Sawatsky, P.Eng., M.Sc.
• Mark E. Smith, P.E., P.Eng.
The First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun has reviewed draft Terms of Reference and has an open invitation to join the independent review board process at any time.
The Government of Yukon is committed to a rigorous and thorough review and to maintaining the independence of the board’s process and outcomes. The independent review should take six to eight months to complete and results will be made public. Based upon the outcome of the review, the Yukon government will seek to identify changes aimed at reducing or eliminating the potential for a similar failure occurring in the future. This could include changes to practices, processes and compliance, monitoring, and enforcement activity.
Understanding the causes of the failure will help inform remediation of the failure, possible options for a future restart of mine operations at Eagle Gold, as well as other future operations in the Yukon. The independent review will be funded through the receivership. 8
This will include a review of the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and monitoring of the heap leach facility. On June 24, 2024, the mine experienced a heap leach failure, which in turn, caused a stockpile of ore to landslide.
Canada’s critical resources versus reserves
Where we are and where are we going?
From early-stage exploration to environmental reclamation, the mineral industry generates economic activity across the country.
Canada’s history includes over a century of evolution within our mineral exploration, development, and mining industry.
We have honed on-the-ground reconnaissance and remote-sensing skills used to identify prospective areas and new deposit discoveries, and Canadian companies are at the forefront in research and development of new extraction, processing, and reclamation techniques. With this, Canada has built up a continuum of skills and businesses making us a global industry leader.
This evolution started here at home – in a country fortunate to have such a wide range of geological environments that host the mineral and metal deposits we rely upon as a modern society. From early-stage exploration to environmental reclamation, the mineral industry generates economic activity across the country, and Canadians should take
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pride in how the sector continues to evolve responsible and sustainable best practices.
Looking back, Canada has ranked as high as second in the world for nickel production, and today we remain a top 10 producer of nickel, gold, iron ore, and zinc, with Canadian companies representing some of the lowest carbon-intensity producers of minerals and metals across the globe. These achievements come in part from extensive reliance on hydroelectric and nuclear energy in mineral extraction and processing.
Looking ahead, Canada will have to continue to expand our energy generation capacity and our electrical grids will need to integrate new technology to support a growing population and industrial base into the future. This is true even before we consider decarbonizing our energy and transportation infrastructure, implementing a critical minerals strategy, or aiming to become a responsible supplier of critical minerals for other nations. This challenge will require a multitude of industries to establish (in most cases) completely new supply chains that rely on sourcing new mineral deposits, as much as recycling and improved efficiencies.
Some estimates suggest that meeting ambitious global decarbonization targets will demand more copper by 2035 than has ever been mined to date, and that we will need to see six new large mines brought into production each year through 2050, and beyond. How are we doing against these measures? How much copper do we really have in the ground and how much do we extract each year? Are we discovering more than we mine? And do we have enough to build out future Canadian industries?
We will attempt to answer some of these questions.
To understand Canada’s copper potential, the difference between a mineral resource and mineral reserve must be noted. The Canadian Institute of Mining (CIM) defines a mineral resource as “a concentration or occurrence of solid material of economic interest in or on the earth’s crust in such form, grade or quality and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction.” Only after more detailed scoping work that includes economic, geotechnical, engineering, and other factors is complete can a mineral resource be ‘upgraded’ to a mineral reserve – the next step to becoming a source of new production.
There is a contrast in trends as copper resources climbed roughly 35 per cent over the last eight years, while reserves have fallen over 20 per cent in the same time period. This means that we have found more copper, yet the amount that could reach production in the next decade has fallen substantially.
Like reserves, copper production in Canada is down over 20 per cent since 2014, despite the fact the metal’s price has risen nearly 100 per cent over its low point in 2015. We show copper here as an example, but the trends are similar when looking at nickel or zinc, while production of lithium in Canada remains limited to a single mine in 2024. Although the largest industrial mobilization in history may be imminent, we are very quickly losing our capacity to produce the raw inputs needed to drive this transition.
Fortunately, we have seen Canada’s copper resources climbing in recent years, coinciding with a notable rise in metal pricing, a growing global awareness of critical minerals, and the launch of Canada’s Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (CMETC). These drivers have sparked domestic exploration spending, and are an affirmation that incentives can have a real impact on the ground.
How do we see more resources upgraded to reserves and then build more mines to reverse the trend of falling production in Canada?
A few of the efforts PDAC has been asking our federal government to take on include:
• Expand eligibility so companies can use flow-through funds towards scoping and assessment work, and see more mineral resources converted into reserves.
• Boost the level of public geoscience funding, increase accessibility of geoscience modelling and research, and integrate across government decisionmaking.
• Ensure tax credits and incentives like the Clean Technology Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit are applicable to
Canadian polymetallic mineral deposits and essential mining activities.
• Commit to major infrastructure builds in rail, roads, hydroelectric, and alternative energy sources to bring minerals closer to markets.
• Help ‘close the loop’ on minerals mined, processed, and refined in Canada by supporting new domestic processing, recycling capabilities, and capacities.
We have seen our capacity to produce minerals like copper, nickel, and zinc slowly decline in Canada, and we are not finding new mineable deposits – or building mines fast enough – to offset this. We need support from all Canadians across the country to reverse these trends – we must build more mines to reduce our reliance on foreign mineral inputs,
increase our transmission capacity, and deliver responsibly-sourced minerals from Canada to global markets. Without this broad support, the mineral industry will continue to flounder, despite the development of targeted strategies and incentives.
PDAC will continue to champion this message, and we call on governments across the country to ensure it resonates with Canadians, so we can work towards a common goal.
Unlocking the northwest territories’ critical minerals potential: A strategic path to global leadership
Canada defines critical minerals (CM) using four essential criteria: their importance to the digital economy, the risk of supply shortages, their role in combating climate change, and their strategic value to the nation. In response to these factors, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), in collaboration with provincial, territorial, and industry experts, has identified 34 critical minerals. To guide the country’s efforts in mining and mineral development, NRCan developed the Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan (CMMP), a strategic framework designed to secure Canada’s position in this essential sector.
Among the Canadian territories, the Northwest Territories (NWT) stands out as one of the few regions that can claim to be a producer of critical minerals. At least 24 of the 34 minerals deemed critical by NRCan have been discovered within the NWT. Six major projects are already in the early stages of mining and advanced exploration, but this represents just a fraction of the region’s true potential. The NWT’s
vast untapped reserves, combined with its strategic advantages, make it a key player in Canada’s critical minerals industry.
The NWT’s compe TiTive edge
Several factors give the NWT a competitive edge in the global race for critical minerals. These factors include a stable political and fiscal environment, a well-established legal system, and sound banking frameworks. Unlike other regions that may face instability or fluctuating regulations, the NWT offers consistency, which is crucial for investors and mining companies.
Furthermore, the NWT has a long history of mining, which has fostered a highly skilled and experienced workforce, both Indigenous and nonIndigenous. The local population is generally accepting of mining as a vital part of the economy, contributing to a positive business climate. This experience and support create a solid foundation for further development in the critical minerals sector.
The g NWT’s visio N
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has a clear vision
This vision is centered on promoting these opportunities in ways that benefit NWT residents and their communities, while also supporting Canada’s broader goals.
for the future of critical minerals exploration and development. This vision is centered on promoting these opportunities in ways that benefit NWT residents and their communities, while also supporting Canada’s broader goals. These include advancing Indigenous reconciliation, implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and addressing climate change.
To achieve this vision, the GNWT is taking a multi-faceted approach. First, it aims to raise awareness and deepen understanding of critical minerals among both the public and government bodies within the NWT. By doing so, the GNWT seeks to increase local support and engagement with the sector.
Second, the government is actively marketing and promoting the NWT’s potential for critical minerals on a national and global stage. This effort includes highlighting the territory’s wealth of mineral resources, skilled labour force, and investment-friendly environment.
Third, the GNWT is working to expand its own knowledge of critical minerals. By investing in research and gathering more data about the NWT’s resources, the government aims to position the territory as a leader in this field. Finally, the GNWT is focusing on building and strengthening partnerships
with Indigenous governments, the federal government, and industry stakeholders. By collaborating closely with these groups, the GNWT can ensure that development is not only economically successful, but also socially and environmentally responsible.
pillars of opporTu N iT y
The development of these strategic pillars holds tremendous promise for the future of the NWT. Critical minerals exploration and production are on the rise, and the territory has several key advantages that make it an attractive destination for investors. These include a well-trained workforce, modern legislation that supports sustainable development, and ongoing infrastructure projects that will improve access to remote mining sites.
In addition, the NWT has a proven track record of responsible environmental and socio-economic management. This history of balancing development with environmental stewardship makes the region particularly appealing to companies and investors with a strong focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
Indigenous partnerships are another cornerstone of the NWT’s approach to critical minerals development. By working closely with Indigenous communities, the GNWT is ensuring that economic benefits are shared and that development respects local rights and traditions. This collaborative approach strengthens Canada’s commitment to Indigenous reconciliation while promoting sustainable growth.
a pivoTal mome NT
The NWT’s rich reserves of critical
minerals, combined with its strategic advantages, place it in a pivotal position to become a leading supplier of these vital resources to the world. With rising global demand for critical minerals to power the green economy and technological innovations, the NWT has the potential to play a crucial role in Canada’s efforts to secure a reliable, sustainable supply of these materials.
The GNWT’s focus on responsible development, Indigenous partnerships, and environmental sustainability aligns with global trends toward ESGconscious investing. This makes the territory an attractive destination for project developers and investors seeking long-term value.
As the world moves toward a low-carbon future, critical minerals will be essential
for everything from renewable energy technologies to electric vehicles. The NWT, with its vast mineral resources and commitment to sustainable development, is well-positioned to meet this demand and contribute to Canada’s leadership in the global critical minerals market.
In conclusion, the NWT’s critical minerals strategy offers a unique opportunity for economic growth, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous reconciliation. By leveraging its competitive advantages, building strong partnerships, and focusing on sustainable development, the NWT can secure its place as a key player in the critical minerals industry, benefiting the territory, Canada, and its allies and trade partners. 8
If you are a Geoscientist or Engineer working North of 60°, don’t forget to register as a Professional.
If you are already registered with a Canadian Professional Association, it is easy to transfer in and add a northern registration to your qualifications.
To apply or learn more, call us today 867 920 4055 or email napeg@napeg.nt.ca
The talent crisis: A critical risk to critical minerals
Canada possesses significant amounts of the critical minerals needed for the transition to a green economy. The nation can be a world leader in supplying these critical minerals, but the opportunity cannot be seized without attracting more workers into the sector.
Workforce skills shortages are one of the biggest risks when it comes to supplying the world with critical minerals and metals. A robust supply of skilled exploration and mining workers is needed to support expansion, avoid ongoing labour shortages, and ensure the minerals and metals sector’s sustainability and competitiveness.
Yet, Canada’s mining talent pipeline is shrinking. Long-term forces undermine the labour supply’s ability to respond to periods of growth – such as rising retirements, a widening worker age gap, and continued underperformance in attracting underrepresented groups.
Post-secondary enrolment in geoscience- and mining-related programs is also dwindling. While undergraduate enrolment across all engineering programs is increasing, mining engineering enrolment decreased by 50 per cent from 2012 to 2023 – the largest decline of any engineering discipline. Geological engineering enrolment was down nearly 40 per cent, and other miningrelated programs are experiencing similar declines – highlighting a bottleneck for attracting new talent. Mining has also historically struggled to diversify its workforce. For instance,
Widening age gap: share of Workforce by age category, mining, quarrying & oil and gas extraction
Source: Mining Industry Human Resources Council; Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey, 2023.
undergraduate enrolments and degrees awarded in mining or mineral engineering (2012 to 2023)
*Forecast from 2021 onwards assumes present trends continue. Source: MiHR; Engineers Canada, Canadian Engineers for Tomorrow: Trends in Engineering Enrolment and Degrees Awarded Report; Canadian Mining Schools Committee (CMSC), Survey of Canadian Mining Engineering Schools, 2023.
post-secondary enrolment (Bachelor’s and Below) and graduates by institution, geosciences (2009 to 2023)
the latest trends on representation in the workforce show that, relative to other industries, mining continues to underperform with women and newcomers. Women make up just under half of the Canadian labour force but only represent 14 per cent of the mining industry – and while 30 per cent of the overall workforce is made up of immigrants, they only represent eight per cent in mining.
These stagnant and shrinking supplies of talent come at a time when demand for critical minerals is increasing along with the industry’s demand for skilled personnel. The industry has grown significantly since 2020, with employment having gone up by about 40 per cent, and approximately 50 per cent of the sector’s workforce required some form of post-secondary education in 2020. That number is now closer to 75 per cent.
Higher job vacancy rates are also being experienced and labour market pressures may get more intense. Solutions require an all-hands-on-deck mentality. No organization or company can do this alone. Companies of all sizes and academia are needed to collaborate to grow and sustain a healthier talent supply.
A sustained, unified voice is needed to reach the next generation of minerals and metals workers. Addressing the challenge starts with communicating the sector’s importance and the breadth of careers it offers to Canadian youth, immigrants, and other underrepresented groups who are unaware of, or look negatively on mining careers. They need to be inspired to create the change required to increase post-secondary educational enrolment and diverse sources of labour.
As the national organization that provides labour market information
and leads collaboration across Canada’s mining sector to identify opportunities and develop solutions, the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) is working towards operationalizing a pan-Canadian coalition of industry stakeholders to coordinate efforts through its Mining Needs You (www.miningneedsyou.ca) brand to address the sector’s talent crisis. Mining Needs You was launched in 2021 to showcase to youth and other key audiences what modern mining looks like, its use of innovative technologies, and industry’s commitment to environmental sustainability and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
By prioritizing EDI initiatives, Canada’s mining industry has also been taking important steps to create inclusive workplaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. To help drive systemic change, members of the Mining Association of Canada (MAC), who account for most of Canada’s base and precious metals production, adopted a Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) Protocol on Equitable, Diverse and Inclusive Workplaces. Globally recognized, TSM drives mining companies’ performance in managing key environmental and social risks, including biodiversity conservation, water stewardship, Indigenous and community relations, and more.
The TSM EDI Protocol requires MAC member companies to develop and implement corporate EDI strategies, processes to foster welcoming workplace cultures, and approaches to EDI objective setting at mine sites. To assess performance and measure progress, the Protocol outlines criteria associated with three indicators: 1) corporate level leadership and strategy, 2) facility level advancement of EDI, and 3) facility level monitoring, performance and reporting.
Mining companies can leverage three key tools to establish workplaces in line with the protocol and its criteria: MiHR’s EDI Toolkit for Mining Companies, its diversity eLearning, and ENSEMBLE: The Mining Diversity Network.
MiHR’s EDI Toolkit helps companies develop and implement corporate EDI strategies. Organized by TSM performance indicators, it helps mining organizations streamline their efforts and move from ideation to implementation, evaluation, and reporting. Visit mihr.ca/inclusiondiversity/mining-edi-supports to learn more.
MiHR’s diversity eLearning modules provide professional development and micro credentials for Canada’s mining industry. Taken by thousands of learners by registering at mihr.ca/cmsds/ elearning, they focus on intercultural awareness; Indigenous awareness; gender equity in mining; and bias, systemic discrimination, and anti-racism.
ENSEMBLE: The Mining Diversity Network enables its members to network and collaborate in identifying and addressing barriers to full and equitable participation in the workplace. ENSEMBLE also includes resources to assist individuals and organizations along their journey towards inclusion in mining. Individuals can sign up at mihrensemble.com.
Despite the challenges, long-term efforts will yield material progress. To help Canada transition to a green economy, the minerals and metals sector needs to come together to communicate its importance and inspire key audiences to consider exploration and mining education and careers. 8
2024 exploration program yields up to 19.5 per cent Cu, 9.42 per cent Ni and 107.3 g/t PGMs
from surface sampling at sPC Nickel’s Muskox Project, Nunavut
SPC Nickel Corp. (TSXV: SPC) is pleased to report assay results from its 2024 exploration program at the company’s 100 per cent-owned 650-square-kilometre Muskox Ni-Cu-PGM Project, located approximately 75-kilometres south of the coastal Hamlet of Kugluktukwithin the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut. Results confirm widespread high-grade base and precious metal mineralization associated with multiple geological environments within the Muskox Intrusion.
The Muskox Intrusion is one of the last undeveloped district-scale Ni-Cu-PGM prospects in the world. The project shares a similar geological environment to many of the world’s largest nickelcopper mining camps, such as Norilsk, Voisey’s Bay, and Sudbury, and represents an excellent opportunity to make a world-class discovery.
• 33 rock grab samples assayed >2% Ni+Cu with 14 assaying >5% Ni+Cu
• Significant PGM-enrichment is indicated by seven samples assaying >10.0 g/t PGM
Note that grab samples are selective by nature and values reported may not be representative of mineralized zones. More detailed results are presented in Tables 1,2,3 on pages 24 and 25, while a comprehensive compilation of grab samples may be found on SPC Nickel’s website.
“Having spent more than 25 years exploring for magmatic NiCu-PGM sulphides, I can say without a doubt that the Muskox Project represents one of the best undeveloped district-scale opportunities that I have ever seen,” said Grant Mourre, president and CEO of SPC Nickel. “The presence of high-grade copperPGM footwall veins with values up to 19.5 per cent Cu and multiple ounces of PGM’s is truly spectacular and uncommon outside of the known Ni-Cu-PGM districts. Our field work at Muskox, including this most recent program, has significantly advanced our understanding of the opportunity and leads us to conclude that previous exploration has only scratched the surface of the true potential of the Muskox Intrusion. Muskox’s scale and mineral prospectivity demonstrate the kind of project profile that is normally associated with major mine developers. It is truly a potentially transformative project in the heart of an emerging Tier 1 jurisdiction.”
2024 program summary
SPC Nickel completed a seven-day prospecting program on the approximate 65,000 ha Muskox Project in early July. SPC Nickel’s field crews accessed the project via daily helicopter flights based out of the coastal Hamlet of Kugluktuklocated, approximately 75 kilometres to the north of the project. A total of 112 grab samples were collected across multiple target areas, including the Equinox, Pyrrhotite Lake, and Speers Lake targets, as well as additional target areas across the project. The breakdown of samples included 97 samples for assay analysis and 15 samples for complete geochemical analysis.
2024 highlighTs:
• Four distinct types of sulphide mineralization were encountered along the margins of the Muskox Intrusion.
• Massive to semi-massive Ni-Cu-PGM mineralization hosted within the hornfels zone along/near the contact of the intrusion. The massive sulphide zones appear to have formed during the early stages of the intrusion and are localized on contact embayments or fault grabens.
• Stockwork Cu-Ni-PGM massive sulphide breccias hosted within the hornfels zone near the contact of the intrusion. During a late cooling stage of the intrusion, brecciated country rock and fault
structures allowed the migration of sulphides into the footwall.
• Sharp-walled massive Cu-PGM veins up 20-centimetres thick, associated in fractures within the strongly metamorphosed footwall to the Muskox Intrusion. These veins are interpreted to represent either a fractionated sulphide melting emplaced into the footwall or potentially hydrothermally remobilized sulphides.
• High-grade Ag-Zn veins hosted with fractures in the thermally metamorphosed metasedimentary gneisses proximal to the marginal rocks of the Muskox Intrusion. Pyrrhotite Lake Target area sample M017847 assayed 2,940 g/t Ag and 9.45 per cent Zn.
• Both the stockwork breccia mineralization and the footwall massive sulphide veins show enrichment in precious metals, especially Pd at a 10:1 ratio relative to Pt.
• Footwall-hosted Cu-PGM massive sulphide veins show enrichment in Au relative to the massive and stockwork-hosted mineralization with values as high as 7.57 g/t Au reported (Sample M017823).
• Striking similarities were recognized between the Cu-PGM massive sulphide veins with the footwall of the Muskox Intrusion and the footwall deposits of the world-class Sudbury Mining Camp in terms of style and grade.
aBouT The muskox iNTrusioN
The Muskox Intrusion is one of the last undeveloped districtscale Ni-Cu-PGM prospects in the world. Originally discovered by Inco in the late 1950s during an aerial survey that discovered visible surface mineralization (gossans) extending over tens of kilometres across the tundra. Inco drilled and sampled 117 shallow holes to test the gossans between 1957 and 1959, making numerous discoveries. Over the next 60 years, companies including Equinox Resources Ltd. (1980s), Muskox Minerals Corp. (1995), Anglo American Exploration (2003), and Silvermet Inc. (2007) completed limited exploration programs on the Muskox Intrusion.
The Muskox Intrusion is one of the largest and least deformed layered mafic to ultramafic bodies in the world. It was emplaced during a large magmatic event (Mackenzie Magmatic Event) in the Proterozoic by mantle plume volcanism related to the widespread Coppermine River Group flood basalts. The intrusion is broadly composed of two distinct, but related, components called the Main Intrusive Body and the Feeder Dyke, which combined are exposed over a length of 125 kilometres, and range in width from 200 to 600 metres in the Feeder Dyke to 11 kilometres in the main body of the intrusion.
The Main Intrusive is a 60-kilometres-long by up to 11-kilometres-wide elongate-shaped body that is well
differentiated and consists of gently inwardly dipping layers of dunite, peridotites, pyroxenites, and gabbroic rocks. The total thickness of the exposed portion of the Main Intrusion is up to 1,895 metres based on drilling completed by the Geological Survey of Canada in 1963. Within the Main Intrusion, highgrade massive Ni-Cu-PGM sulphide mineralization occurs along the basal contact of the intrusion or in the adjacent footwall, similar to the Sudbury and Norilsk camps.
The Feeder Dyke is exposed as a 60-kilometre-long, 200-to600-metre-wide dyke composed of picrite and bronzitebearing gabbro in zones parallel to the dipping walls. Zones of disseminated to massive sulphide mineralization have been identified intermittently over the length of the dyke and are commonly associated with breccia zones or flexures within the dyke similar to what is observed at Voisey’s Bay and the Sudbury Basin.
QualiT y assuraNce, QualiT y coNTrol aNd Qualified persoNs
SPC Nickel follows rigorous sampling and analytical protocols that meet or exceed industry standards. All rock samples
collected were placed in plastic sample bags and were transported back to the field camp and later to the ALS facility in Yellowknife, NWT, Canada. Sample batches include certified reference materials that are then processed under the control of ALS. All assay samples were analyzed in Vancouver by ALS. Platinum, palladium, and gold values were determined together using standard lead oxide collection fire assay and ICP-AES finish. Base metal values were determined using sodium peroxide fusion and ICP-AES finish. Silver values were determined using an aqua regia digestion and an AAS finish. All geochemistry samples were analyzed in Vancouver by ALS. Platinum, palladium, and gold values were determined together using standard lead oxide collection fire assay and ICP-AES finish. Trace elements were determined by a lithium borate fusion prior to acid dissolution and an ICP-MS analysis. Major elements and base metals were determined by a four-acid digestion and an ICP-AES finish.
The technical elements of this news release have been approved by Mr. Grant Mourre, P.Geo. (PGO), CEO and president of SPC Nickel Corp. and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101.
aBouT spc Nickel corp.
SPC Nickel Corp. is a Canadian public corporation focused on exploring for Ni-Cu-PGMs within the world-class Sudbury Mining Camp and in Nunavut. SPC Nickel is currently exploring its key 100 per cent-owned exploration project Lockerby East located in the heart of the historic Sudbury Mining Camp that includes the West Graham Resource and the LKE Resource.
SPC Nickel also holds three additional projects across Canada, including the large camp-scale Muskox Project (located in Nunavut), the past-producing Aer-Kidd Project (located in the Sudbury Mining Camp) and the Janes Project (located 50 kilometres northwest of Sudbury). The corporate focus is on Sudbury and SPC Nickel continues to look for new opportunities to add shareholder value. 8
� Grab
samples
are
preferentially
selected
and
are
not
representative
of
the
entire
property.
Table
2:
2024
Pyrrhotite
Lake
selected
Grab
Sample
Assay
Results.
� Grab
samples
are
preferentially
selected
and
are
not
representative
of
the
entire
property.
� Grab
samples
are
preferentially
selected
and
are
not
representative
of
the
entire
property.
Table
3:
2024
Speers
Lake
selected
Grab
Sample
Assay
Results.
Table
3:
2024
Speers
Lake
selected
Grab
Sample
Assay
Results.
� Grab
samples
are
preferentially
selected
and
are
not
representative
of
the
entire
property.
� Grab
samples
are
preferentially
selected
and
are
not
representative
of
the
entire
property.
About
the
Muskox
Intrusion
About
the
Muskox
Intrusion
The
Muskox
Intrusion
is
one
of
the
last
undeveloped
district scale
Ni Cu PGM
prospects
in
the
world.
Originally
discovered
by
Inco
in
the
late
1950s
during
an
aerial
survey
that
discovered
visible
surface
mineralization
(gossans)
extending
over
tens
of
kilometres
across
the
tundra.
Inco
drilled
and
sampled
117
shallow
holes
to
test
the
gossans
between
1957
and
1959, making
numerous
discoveries.
Over
the
next
60
years,
companies
including
Equinox
Resources
Ltd (1980s),
Muskox
Minerals
Corp.
(1995),
Anglo
American
Exploration
(2003), and
Silvermet
Inc.
(2007)
completed
limited
exploration
programs
on
the
Muskox
Intrusion.
The
Muskox
Intrusion
is
one
of
the
last
undeveloped
district scale
Ni Cu PGM
prospects
in
the
world.
Originally
discovered
by
Inco
in
the
late
1950s
during
an
aerial
survey
that
discovered
visible
surface
mineralization
(gossans)
extending
over
tens
of
kilometres
across
the
tundra.
Inco
drilled
and
sampled
117
shallow
holes
to
test
the
gossans
between
1957
and
1959, making
numerous
discoveries.
Over
the
next
60
years,
companies
including
Equinox
Resources
Ltd. (1980s),
Muskox
Minerals
Corp.
(1995),
Anglo
American
Exploration
(2003), and
Silvermet
Inc.
(2007)
completed
limited
exploration
programs
on
the
Muskox
Intrusion. � Grab
samples
are
preferentially
selected
and
are
not
representative
of
the
entire
property.
Memorable moments, events, and experiences from the world’s premier mineral exploration and mining convention in Toronto
From March 3-6, 2024, attendees from across the globe came to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) for best-in-class professional programming, exhibits, networking, events, and more at PDAC’s annual award-winning show.
Spread across both the North and South Buildings of the MTCC, as well as special events held in the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, PDAC 2024 featured an exceptional lineup of exhibitors, presenters, governments, executives, and leading experts from around the world.
Arriving from 138 countries, the 2024 convention welcomed a wide range of attendees from the industry including investors, miners, geoscientists, community leaders, and students.
“It’s undeniable – this is the largest convention and gathering of mining and exploration companies in the world,” said Valerie Pascale, founder of Modern Core, a consultancy.
Raymond Goldie, PDAC president, added that the PDAC 2024 carried forward the convention’s 92-year legacy, serving as the premier venue for unveiling new trends, technological innovations, and industry discussions.
highlighTs:
• Hosting more than 1,100 exhibitors, the convention continued to serve as the premier venue for unveiling new trends, technological innovations, and industry discussions.
• Extensive programming featuring topics that focused on capital markets, Indigenous relations, sustainability, industry trends and technical
PDAC 2024, held March 3-6, 2024 in Toronto, featured an exceptional lineup of exhibitors, presenters, governments, executives, and leading experts from around the world. Photos courtesy of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada.
The PDAC serves as the premier venue for unveiling new trends, technological innovations, and industry discussions.
research, plus student and early career development.
• A new Investment Hub on the Investors Exchange floor was created to host the popular Corporate Presentation Forum for Investors and Investment Leaders Forum programs, giving attendees enhanced investment opportunities.
• Keynote presenters included Rio Tinto’s Jakob Stausholm, The World Bank’s Michael Stanley, Caterpillar Inc.’s Denise Johnson, and Wojtek Wodzicki from the Lundin Group Vicuña Exploration Team.
• The convention provided a venue for dialogue between industry and government. PDAC’s leadership seized the opportunity to underscore the important role public policy has in supporting the competitiveness of Canada’s mineral sector.
• Five of the industry’s top performers were honoured at the prestigious PDAC 2024 Awards Gala & Nite Cap, held at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York Hotel.
key sTaTs:
• 26,926 attendees
• 138 countries represented
• 33.3 per cent international attendees
• Outside of Canada, the largest number of attendees came from the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Mongolia, Germany, Turkey, and Kazakhstan.
• 693 presenters
• 10 short courses
• 167 sessions
• 1,105 total exhibitors
• 73 government exhibitors
• 366 accredited media
• 35 sponsors
• 1,115 student attendees
• 492 investors exchange booths
The award-winning PDAC Convention is widely considered the “Super Bowl” of the mineral exploration and mining community and is the leading event for people, companies, and organizations connected to mineral exploration.
• 1,054 trade show booths
• 40 core shack exhibitors
• 20 prospector’s tent exhibitors
The leishmaN experieNce 2: The second-annual dr. donald m. leishman convention experience
With the success of the inaugural experience in 2023, the Leishman family and PDAC were honoured to provide another five students all-expense paid trips to Toronto to attend the world’s premier mineral exploration and mining convention.
The five students selected for this rare opportunity at PDAC 2024 were Christina Matchett, University of Victoria; Hayley Newell, Acadia University; Tatiana Pillajo, Laurentian University; Kaylee Tymo, University of Regina, and Sepideh Vafaei, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS).
All coming from geology, environmental geoscience, and earth sciences programs, the selected students had their flights, meals, and accommodations covered at a nearby downtown hotel. With just a short walk to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, this lucky quintet received complimentary All-Access passes to
PDAC 2024, as well as exclusive access to programs and invitation-only events during the four-day convention.
“Attending the PDAC Convention 2024 was a unique and rewarding experience for me,” said Tatiana Pillajo, student from Laurentian University. “I gained important feedback about projects and how the mining industry is working to be innovative and sustainable.”
Their passes included events such as the President’s Reception, S-IMEW Alumni Reception, and the Awards Gala & Nite Cap, where they made new connections with industry leaders, government representatives, fellow students, and mentors.
“The convention was so much larger than I could have imagined, but this community is so incredible and I’m so glad to be a part of it,” said Hayley Newell, student at Acadian University. “The experience and connections I made at my first PDAC Convention are invaluable, and would not have been possible without the Leishman family.”
Echoing this sentiment, Christina Matchett said she was “thankful for the Leishman family’s generosity in providing
me the opportunity to attend the 2024 PDAC Convention. Attending the technical sessions and seminars increased my awareness of recent developments and trends in the mineral exploration industry.”
The Leishman Experience also provided the students with access to PDAC’s board of directors, association professionals, and even government representatives, who offered advice and guidance for their future careers.
“The most beneficial part of this experience for me was attending the Awards Gala, where I met top company executives and learned about industry achievements and innovations,” Matchett added. “I will encourage other students to apply for next year’s Leishman’s Experience to expand their network and benefit from the Student and Early Career Program.”
Dr. Leishman was a family physician with
a passion for geology and mining. As an enthusiastic participant at many PDAC Conventions, he made countless friends within the mineral exploration and development industry, and left a legacy of generosity as a mentor for students. In his honour, the Leishman family created this unique opportunity for students to experience the convention held each year in Toronto in order to make connections, expand their networks, and access other mentorship opportunities to help advance their careers in the industry.
To learn more about the experience and the application process for PDAC 2025, visit pdac.ca/dr-donald-m-leishmanconvention-experience.
Thank you to everyone who participated in PDAC 2024, including our volunteers, presenters, sponsors, exhibitors and attendees.
The annual PDAC 2025 Convention — The World’s Premier Mineral Exploration
& Mining Convention will take place from March 2-5, 2025 in Toronto, Canada. The award-winning PDAC Convention is widely considered the “Super Bowl” of the mineral exploration and mining community and is the leading event for people, companies, and organizations connected to mineral exploration.
The convention brings together up to 30,000 attendees from over 135+ countries for its educational programming, networking events, business opportunities, and fun.
Since it began in 1932, the convention has grown in size, stature, and influence. Today, it is the event of choice for the world’s mineral industry, hosting more than 1,100 exhibitors and 700 presenters.
For more information, please visit www.pdac.ca/convention.
Portions of this story originally ran in the summer 2024 issue of CORE magazine. 8
In a new report, the Canada Climate Law Initiative highlights areas where major mining companies of Canada could improve their oversight of climate-related risks
The Canadian mining industry has gone to great lengths in recent years to improve its governance of climate-related risks and overall sustainability. Still, there are a number of areas where major mining companies in Canada have room for improvement.
Canadian mining companies are behind on performance targets for greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) emissions under the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) standards, with only 60 per cent of companies reaching target levels.
Credible targets and metrics, dependable board oversight, integrated climate strategies, adequate risk management, and consistent and comparable disclosures should now be a standard part of business for mining companies in Canada. But major mining companies are well placed to accomplish more.
A new guide from the Canada Climate Law Initiative outlines current and proposed future Canadian securities law disclosure requirements, accounting standards, and obligations that may impact mining companies.
Under increased regulatory scrutiny, and mounting pressure from investors and consumers, there is a need for Canadian mining companies to improve their climate-related disclosures and governance. Firms which are proactive stand to benefit.
“Improving the quality and transparency of disclosures can increase investor confidence and help avoid accusations of greenwashing. This can go a long way in boosting the Canadian mining sector’s reputation and help build better relationships with communities of interest,” according to legal scholar, Helen Alexandra Joan Tooze, in the 44-page guide.
Furthermore, mining companies must be able to provide details on how the board of directors and management are overseeing climate-related risks and opportunities.
“While mining is essential for the transition to net-zero emissions, Canadian mining companies and their boards must also play an important role by adopting effective climate governance practices. This guide helpfully outlines climaterelated risks mining companies currently face, and will likely experience in the future as regulators, and the public, demand more from the industry,” said Sara Ghebremusse, Cassels Brock Chair in Mining Law and Finance at Western University, Faculty of Law.
In the new guide, the Canada Climate Law Initiative expands on five areas that large, established mining companies in Canada should strive for, including greater consideration for local community impacts, improving circular operations to reduce waste, and setting more detailed targets and clear plans to achieve them.
Download the guide here: https://ccli.ubc.ca/resource/ unearthing-a-greener-future-digging-deeper-into-effectiveclimate-governance-in-the-canadian-mining-sector/ aBouT The caNada climaTe l aW iNiTiaTive
The Canada Climate Law Initiative (CCLI) provides businesses and regulators with climate governance guidance so they can make informed decisions toward a net-zero economy. Powered by the nation’s top expertise, we engage with boards of directors and trustees to ensure businesses understand their legal duties with respect to climate change. Our legal research allows us to stay one step ahead in a rapidly transforming policy landscape.
CCLI is supported financially by family foundations, and is led by professors of law at the University of British Columbia Peter A. Allard School of Law and Osgoode Hall Law School, York University. 8
