Officials say the funding will fill data gaps, guide exploration and attract investment
The federal and territorial governments of Nunavut have announced $2.45 million in joint funding to expand basic geoscience and assessment of significant mineral potential across south and central Baffin Island. Natural Resources Canada will channel part of the support through the Canada Office of Geosciences in Nunavut to lead field work, analyze geochemical samples using existing artificial intelligence tools, and publish the results.
“This investment will help fill important geological data gaps in south-central Baffin Island and strengthen the foundation for informed and responsible resource development in Nunavut,” said Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs. “Improving geoscience helps guide future exploration, attract investment, and create the conditions for long-term economic opportunities. Our government is working with partners to ensure that future development is evidence-based and provides lasting benefits to Inuit and Northern communities.”
Minister Chartrand, Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and Craig Simalak, Nunavut’s Minister of Community Services, made the announcement in Iqaluit, Nunavut on April 22. Officials said the project will generate new data on Cumberland granite and related targets, guide further exploration, and help attract private investment that supports jobs and economic development in Nunavut while developing Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy.
Officials say the new geoscience package will improve exploration targeting, support investment attraction and help Nunavut communities shape development on their terms. Nunavut hosts known locations for 23 of 34 minerals in Canada’s Critical Minerals, including high-purity Mary River iron and known deposits of nickel, copper, platinum and uranium group elements.
“The development of mineral exploration is a direct investment in a strong Northern value chain – one that creates jobs, supports Indigenous, Northern and rural communities, and strengthens our economic and national security. “The current funding for the Baffin Region is an important part of our plan to leverage the Arctic’s mineral wealth, unlock economic opportunities, and ensure our sovereignty and prosperity in a rapidly changing global environment,” Minister Hodgson added.
Local benefits and program details
Nunavut MP Lori Idlott said the work will support community-led development and strengthen Inuit engagement and territorial capacity, while Nunavut Minister Craig Simalak positioned the investment as a step towards sustainable, locally managed development ahead of the territory’s devolution date in 2027.
CanNor will invest up to $850,000 over four years through the IDEANorth program. Natural Resources Canada, through CNGO, will contribute $760,000 over four years. The Government of Nunavut will add $840,000 to cover field work and analysis. IDEANorth targets economic infrastructure, sector development and capacity building for northern communities, while CNGO provides accessible geoscience data to support exploration, infrastructure and land use plans.
More information is available at www.Cannor.gc.ca
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