City of Yellowknife Releases Report on Modern Gold Mining Workshops

The City of Yellowknife has released a report summarizing two public workshops held in November 2025 that explored modern gold mining practices and regulatory oversight. The workshops, held in collaboration with Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN), were designed to provide residents with clear, practical information about how gold mining works today and to support informed discussion about potential future mining activity in the region.
 
Participants heard from experts on modern mining technology, environmental safeguards, and the Northwest Territories’ co-management regulatory system. The workshops also addressed the economic context of the NWT as diamond mines approach closure and the potential for modern gold mining to support new jobs and revenue. Attendees gained a clearer understanding of the role Indigenous governments play in mining decisions, how environmental impacts are assessed, and what safeguards are in place to protect communities and the land.
 
The report shows that the workshops strengthened public understanding of modern mining. More than 75 percent of participants reported increased knowledge after attending, and many said they gained a clearer view of the risks, safeguards, and benefits associated with modern gold mining. The results suggest that collaborative, education-based engagement between governments can support more informed, constructive community conversations about mining and the future of the NWT.
 
“The City stepped forward to create a space where residents could learn directly from experts,” said Ben Hendriksen, Mayor of Yellowknife. “This report shows that when residents are given clear information, they can participate in a meaningful and informed way.”
 
Chief Betsina of the YKDFN said, “Our people have always carried the responsibility of caring for this land, and that responsibility remains as conversations about future development continue. These workshops gave residents clear, practical information about how modern mining operates today and the safeguards that are in place to protect the land and our communities. As the North faces real economic change, informed discussion and shared understanding are essential to making responsible decisions and building long-term resilience.”
 
The full report is available online here.
 
The City of Yellowknife will share the workshop approach and findings at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada conference in Toronto on March 3, 2026.