Mineral production continues to be strong at over $2 billion in the Northwest Territories, and with production growth has surpassed $1 billion for two consecutive years in Nunavut according to recently released statistics posted by Natural Resources Canada.

Preliminary estimates for 2018 show that the total value of NWT mining production is $2.111 billion, up slightly by $6 million (0.3%) from $2.105 billion in 2017. Of this:

• Diamond production accounts for nearly the entire value (99.4%) at $2.097 billion, up slightly by $6 million (0.3%) from $2.091 billion; and

• With no other minerals produced in the NWT, sand, gravel, and stone production value accounts for the remaining $13 million.

In Nunavut, the total value of mining production for 2018 is estimated at $1.164 billion, up $125 million (12%) from $1.039 billion in 2017. Of this:

• Gold production value is $595 million, up $16 million (3%) from $579 million in 2017;

• Silver production value is $5.1 million, down $0.9 million (15%) from 6.1 million last year; and

• Iron ore is projected at $564 million, up $110 million (24%) from $454 million last year.

In Canada, preliminary estimates for 2018 production are $47.007 billion, an increase of $1.937 billion (4%) from $45.070 billion in 2017.

The NWT has three mines producing diamonds: Ekati, Diavik and Gahcho Kué. Nunavut currently has three mines – one in each of the territory’s regions – producing gold and iron: Meadowbank, Mary River and Hope Bay, and a fourth is preparing to begin commercial production. For more information on the NWT and Nunavut mining industries, please visit the website at www.miningnorth.com or contact Tom Hoefer, Executive Director at Tel: 867-873-5281 or email: executivedirector@miningnorth.com.