14 February 2025
Chamber of Mines Applauds Premiers’ Advocacy in Washington on Northern Infrastructure and Resource Development
(Yellowknife, NT – February 14, 2025) The NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines commends Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok, Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson, and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith for their leadership in advancing Northern economic priorities during their recent visit to Washington, D.C. In meetings with U.S. officials, a panel discussion at the Wilson Center, and media engagements, the Premiers underscored the urgent need for increased investment in Northern infrastructure, resource development, and Canada’s critical minerals sector. Their advocacy reinforced the importance of strengthening North American supply chains and advancing strategic projects that promote economic growth and Arctic security.
A key project at the center of these discussions was the Grays Bay Road and Port Project (GBRP) - a transformative infrastructure initiative that would establish the first overland connection from Canada’s Arctic to a deep-water port on the Northwest Passage. By linking the northern terminus of the Tibbitt-Contwoyto Winter Road with Grays Bay, this corridor (the “Arctic Security Corridor”) would unlock access to critical mineral resources in the Slave Geological Province, supporting North America’s push for resource independence and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.
“The Grays Bay corridor is more than just a transportation route—it’s a strategic economic and security asset,” said Kenny Ruptash, President of the NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines. “This project aligns directly with Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy and the U.S. National Strategy to Secure Critical Minerals Supply Chains. Investing in this corridor would strengthen North America’s access to the essential materials needed for defense, energy, and technology.”
A Strategic Corridor for Critical Minerals and Economic Growth
The region contains significant deposits of minerals designated as critical by both Canada and the United States, including copper, cobalt, lithium, rare earth elements, nickel, and graphite—resources essential for clean energy technologies, advanced manufacturing, and national security. Without the necessary infrastructure, these high-value materials remain inaccessible, leaving North America dependent on imports from less secure jurisdictions.
The Chamber of Mines emphasizes that investing in the Arctic Security Corridor is vital for unlocking this mineral potential, ensuring resilient supply chains, and fostering a sustainable mining future for both Canada and the U.S.
Strengthening Canada-U.S. Collaboration on Northern Development
The Grays Bay Road and Port Project presents a unique opportunity for Canada and the United States to work together in advancing shared priorities in economic security, infrastructure, and critical mineral development.
“There is no greater security than economic self-sufficiency and supply chain resilience,” Ruptash added. “By supporting this corridor, the U.S. has an opportunity to strengthen Arctic security, secure access to critical minerals, and reinforce its longstanding partnership with Canada in ensuring a stable and sustainable resource future. We fully support Premiers Akeeagok, Simpson, and Smith in delivering this message to Washington.”
Yesterday’s panel discussion with Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai, Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson, and Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok Northern Opportunities: A Conversation With Canada’s Territorial Premiers can be viewed in full online.
For additional media coverage explore the links below:
For more information on the NWT and Nunavut minerals industry, please visit the website at www.miningnorth.com or contact Karen Costello, Executive Director at Tel: 867-222-5281 or email karen.costello@miningnorth.com.