Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As everyone knows, mines are funded by exploration activities, so exploration is essential if we are to find new and bigger mines in our territory. We need to remember that our four diamond mines in the Northwest Territories were all found by junior explorers. In the economic downturn of 2008, which we never recovered from, we had in the neighbourhood of $180 million a year spent on mineral exploration. This past year, we're probably down around 20 million, maybe $28 million, and it's largely a function of the low commodity prices. The Member knows mining is the largest part of our economy. It represents about 40 per cent of our economy. We have a Mineral Development Strategy, and we're working very closely with the Chamber of Mines and the mining industry to improve the environment, to deal with the regulatory process, while providing for balanced development by protecting the land and resources as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Bob McLeod on Question 9-18(2): Encouraging Mineral Exploration And Mining Developments
In the Legislative Assembly on February 18th, 2016. See this statement in context.
Question 9-18(2): Encouraging Mineral Exploration And Mining Developments
Oral Questions
February 17th, 2016
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