North West Territories

The Northwest Territories (NWT) is emerging as a critical hub for Canada’s mineral future, with projects targeting resources essential to clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital technologies.

Critical Minerals in the NWT

The Government of Canada has identified 34 critical minerals, including lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, and copper, as vital to the transition toward a low-carbon economy. The NWT is uniquely positioned, with over two-thirds of these minerals present in its geology and nearly half recognized by the United States as strategically important

Government Priorities and Investments

• In November 2024, Natural Resources Canada announced new funding to unlock critical mineral development in the NWT. This investment supports infrastructure, exploration, and community engagement, aiming to create jobs and strengthen Canada’s role in global supply chains.

• The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has outlined four priority areas: raising public awareness, advancing exploration projects, building partnerships with Indigenous governments, and ensuring environmental responsibility

Strategic Importance

Critical minerals from the NWT are essential for:

• Clean energy technologies such as batteries, wind turbines, and solar panels.

• Advanced manufacturing including aerospace and defense applications.

• Digital technologies, from smartphones to semiconductors.

Current Projects and Exploration

• The NWT Geological Survey has mapped mineral showings across regions like the South Slave, North Slave, and Sahtú, highlighting opportunities for rare earths, lithium, and base metals.

• Several advanced projects are underway, with companies exploring deposits of cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements to meet growing global demand.

Looking Ahead

Unlocking the NWT’s mineral potential is not just about resource extraction—it’s about positioning Canada as a global leader in sustainable critical mineral supply chains. With strong government support, Indigenous partnerships, and world-class geology, the NWT is set to play a pivotal role in powering the clean economy of tomorrow.

In short: The Northwest Territories is becoming a cornerstone of Canada’s critical mineral strategy, with projects and policies designed to fuel clean energy, create jobs, and secure global leadership in sustainable resource development.