30 November 2018
(Yellowknife, NT – November 30, 2018) Participation remained strong at the 2018 Yellowknife Geoscience Forum, the 46th trade show & conference built around the largest private sector contributor to the northern economies. The annual networking event, held November 20-23, brought together members of the North’s exploration, mining and petroleum sectors, with public and Indigenous government representatives and vendors – all under a variety of venues.
Registration was up slightly from last year at 732, as were trade show exhibitors at 86.
The Opening Ceremony saw NWT Premier Bob McLeod speak to attendees about the economic challenges the NWT is facing, and the importance of having a sustainable economy fueled by responsible resource development and by much needed infrastructure. Yellowknives Dene Chief Edward Sangris echoed with the message that now, more than ever, we all need to work together to develop mineral rich lands, in a balanced manner, to ensure a sustainable future for the north.
One hundred twenty presenters delivered information across several key areas including geoscience and exploration, NWT and Nunavut exploration updates, diamond geology, community engagement, mining, energy, and the environment.
In addition to the tradeshow, there were ‘soap box’ talks, workshops, and the public events, including the NAPEG-sponsored Camsell Talk. A new event this year was ‘Coffee with Cabinet’ where participants were able to meet Northwest Territories Cabinet members in an informal setting around the trade show’s ‘gathering place’ teepee.
According to NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines President Gary Vivian, “As the Premier stated so well, ‘It’s not the time to throw our hands up in the air and give up. The rich resources of the NWT are still largely untapped and the next major mine will begin with geoscience.’ Events like this Geoscience Forum remind us of the important role we all play in keeping our number one industry strong. What we saw at the conference was a distinct signal that there are supporters ready to step up and try to turn this around,” he added. “On behalf of the organizers, we want to thank all of our volunteers, our delegates, and our trade show participants for their strong efforts again this year.”
The Forum is a joint initiative of the NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines and the Government of the Northwest Territories Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment. The next Geoscience Forum will be held November 19-21, 2019 in Yellowknife.