With over a hundred years of experience in mining, the increasing global interest in Manitoba’s worldclass minerals is evident with $197.8 million in industry exploration spending in 2023. Our thriving mineral industry, dynamic communities, mining expertise, and critical mineral commodities are the key ingredients for what the world needs to advance the green economy. Not only does it benefit our economy, but the mining industry employs a vast array of skilled trades, providing good jobs for people across our province. PARTNERSHIPS ACROSS MANITOBA As we continue to expand opportunities in all areas of Manitoba, one significant area of focus for our government is developing meaningful relationships with First Nations and Métis peoples to ensure their involvement and close collaboration on any development projects. Our government believes that responsible mineral development must include Indigenous participation and economic reconciliation as key components, early in the process. Many nations have developed relationships with exploration companies, and our government is pleased to facilitate engagement for these opportunities. Consultation and reconciliation is a central component of natural resource management and planning. My department works to facilitate the co-development of consultation protocols, shared management and revenue sharing for Manitoba’s natural resources.The department continues to sign consultation protocols with various nations across Manitoba that outline how they would like to be included and engaged with on natural resource projects. One example of from this past February at the National Prospectors and Developers Conference in Toronto involved the Northlands Dënesųłiné First Nation who signed an agreement that renews the consultation protocol surrounding mineral exploration in the Indigenous nation’s traditional territory.This protocol is indicative of the cooperation and respect our government strives to have with all Indigenous nations and communities. Throughout different projects, staff engage with all 63 First Nations and the Manitoba Métis Federation 133 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 09 MANITOBA MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, INVESTMENT, TRADE AND N
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