The NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines appears to be in total support of the GNWT's latest actions to help three diamond mines in the NWT.

The territorial government's mining support, limited to the fiscal year 2025鈥�2026, includes temporary tax relief, covering diamond valuation costs, and returning carbon tax offsets to some mines. It鈥檚 not meant to sustain operations or replace corporate duties. 

In a press release issued on Tuesday, the chamber said this support recognizes how essential the NWT's diamond sector is to the territory's economy.

"Helping our mines weather these compounding pressures will preserve more than just economic output 鈥� it safeguards local employment, Indigenous business capacity, and ensures that northern communities continue to thrive as they have over the past 25 years," stated Kenny Ruptash, the chamber's president.

The GNWT stated diamond mines employ more than 1,000 快盈v3ers and contribute about a fifth to the NWT鈥檚 gross domestic product. According to the chamber, during years of stronger commodity prices, the contribution of diamond mines to the territory has been as high as 40 per cent.

The chamber also noted that Indigenous development corporations have told the GNWT that support from diamond mines has helped grow their businesses, creating a little more than 350 Indigenous jobs, nearly $40 million in local employment income and $104 million in revenue in 2023.

Ruptash also stated that partnerships between mine operators and Indigenous development corporations play a vital role in building a stronger, more self-reliant territory and country.

鈥淲e鈥檙e encouraged by the leadership of the territorial and Indigenous governments in pursuing federal support for the mining sector.," he said. "This announcement is a step in the right direction, but it must be part of a broader strategy 鈥� one that includes modernizing our regulatory framework to attract investment in exploration and unlock the next generation of northern mines.鈥�