Mining in Nunavut: 15 Facts & Statistics

15 Nunavut Mining Facts

#1. In 2023, mining accounted for 46.7 % of Nunavut’s GDP, making it the territory’s single largest private-sector pillar ^[1]

#2. That same year, the mining industry spent C$2.35 billion on exploration, development and operations within Nunavut ^[1]

#3. From 1999 through 2024, the cumulative value of mineral production in Nunavut has approached CAD $20 billion ^[1]

#4. Since 2007, Nunavut’s mining sector has generated 50,930 person-years of employment, including 6,685 person-years in 2023 alone ^[1]

#5. Inuit workers represent 12% of the total workforce at Nunavut’s mines, underscoring its role in Indigenous employment ^[1]

#6. Today, Nunavut is home to four operating mines—Meadowbank and Meliadine (gold), Mary River (iron ore) and Hope Bay (gold)—which collectively underpin its private-sector economy ^[2]

#7. Nunavut remains as Canada’s last frontier for mineral exploration; covering an area the size of Western Europe, the region is incredibly rich in untapped minerals and metals, including iron ore, gold, diamonds, oil and gas, and several critical minerals including copper and rare earths ^[3]

#8. In 2019, Nunavut produced 14,473 kg of gold (C$850.7 million), 5.205 million tonnes of iron ore (C$463.2 million) and 3 tonnes of silver (C$2.0 million) ^[2]

#9. That year’s mineral output—valued at C$1.316 billion—accounted for 7% of Canada’s total mineral production in 2019 ^[2]

#10. Between 2007 and 2018, business spending on mining activities in-territory reached C$4.0 billion, compared to C$4.6 billion spent by southern-based contractors supporting Nunavut projects ^[2]

#11. In 2018 alone, companies operating in Nunavut invested C$765.9 million locally, while southern suppliers logged C$795.7 million in support services ^[2]

#12. Nunavut’s direct mining employment numbered 689 in-territory jobs (16 % of the total), with the remaining 3,648 positions (84 %) based in the south in 2019 ^[2]

#13. The value of Nunavut’s mineral production grew from zero in 2009 to over C$1.3 billion by 2019, reflecting rapid industry expansion ^[2]

#14. Nunavut and other remote regions of Canada continue to remain relatively untapped for mining resources because of the lack of infrastructure and high costs; it costs as much as 2.5 times more to explore and build new mines in Northern Canada, including the territories and remote and northern regions of the provinces ^[4]

#15. In 2025, a proposed “North-of-60” Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (up to 25 %) aims to attract more grassroots exploration investment, to boost future GDP contributions and job creation ^[1]

Challenges Facing Nunavut’s Mining Sector

Nunavut’s mining sector faces formidable challenges that make resource development more complex and expensive than in most other regions of Canada. One of the biggest obstacles is the sheer remoteness of mineral reserves, with few permanent roads connecting communities or facilitating year-round transport of materials and equipment. The lack of infrastructure means companies must rely on costly air and seasonal sea transport, significantly increasing operational expenses.

High energy costs are another challenge, as mines often depend on diesel generators due to the absence of a territorial power grid. Attracting investment is another, partly due to the high up-front costs required for exploration and construction, as well as regulatory hurdles and the cyclical fluctuations in global commodity prices that can make or break projects.

Harsh climate conditions—including long winters and permafrost—complicate both construction and year-round operation at mine sites. Nunavut’s mining industry must also work closely with Inuit organizations to ensure development respects land claims and traditional practices, which can lengthen project timelines. While these partnerships are invaluable, they require careful negotiation and ongoing community engagement. As a result, Nunavut’s rich mineral potential remains underdeveloped compared to many other regions in Canada.

The World Needs More Nunavut Mining!

Nunavut’s vast reserves of minerals and metals offer a significant opportunity for both the territory and Canada as a whole, especially as global demand for resources like gold, iron ore, and critical minerals continues to grow.

Strategic investments in infrastructure, such as roads, ports, and energy systems, could reduce costs and make mining more viable in the territory. Government support through tax incentives, streamlined permitting processes, and funding initiatives would potentially further attract investors and unlock Nunavut’s full potential. Expanding the mining sector would create jobs, generate revenue, and bring immense benefits to local communities, particularly Inuit workers.

By realizing this potential, Nunavut could become a foundational pillar of Canada’s resource economy, driving prolonged growth and prosperity for generations to come!

We can deliver the minerals, food, forestry, uranium, oil and natural gas the world needs.

The G7 Summit in Kananaskis is a moment for Canada to work with our partners to meet challenges with unity, purpose, and force.

Canada is ready to lead.https://t.co/WFsJpYR5LB

— Canada Action (@CanadaAction) June 13, 2025

SOURCES:

_{1 - https://www.nnsl.com/opinion/nunavut-mining-unlocking-nunavuts-full-potential-a-call-to-action-7904451}

_{2 - https://miningnorthworks.com/operating-mines/nunavut-mining/}

_{3 - https://investingnews.com/gold-mining-in-nunavut/}

_{4 - https://canada.constructconnect.com/dcn/news/infrastructure/2015/05/critical-infrastructure-needed-for-untapped-canadian-north-1007651w}