The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to supporting mineral exploration, and with the grand opening of the new NWT Geological Materials Storage Facility, access to geoscience data is now easier than ever before.

The facility houses the largest publically available collection of kimberlites in the world. It will allow analysis of historical core samples to test new mineral exploration ideas at a fraction of the cost of drilling new ones.

Managed by the NWT Geological Survey, the facility consists of a 900 m2 unheated warehouse and an adjacent heated area where clients can examine samples year-round.

Enhancing the amount of publically available geoscience information is part of ITI’s work to implement the NWT Mineral Development Strategy, a commitment under the Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Quotes:

“The NWT Geological Materials Storage Facility is a great accomplishment for the Territory. This information will save time and expense for mineral exploration companies and prospectors, and has the potential to lead to multimillion dollar exploration programs. We are already seeing the economic benefits of making this material available.”
-Wally Schumann, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment

Quick Facts:

• Approximately 50 km of drill core makes up the collection.
• The facility houses a growing collection of rock, glacial till, and stream sediment samples, petrographic thin sections, and donated mineral exploration drill core from across the NWT.

Related Links:

• NWT Mineral Development Strategy
• NWT Geological Survey Five-Year Strategic Plan
• Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories

Drew Williams
Manager, Public Affairs
Department of Industry, Tourism and
Investment
T: 867-767-9202 ext 63037
E: drew_williams@gov.nt.ca