FOCUSING ON PEOPLE
Gahcho Kué Mine is committed to supporting local communities and in particular, Indigenous Peoples by advancing employment, local procurement, and business development in alignment with the company’s Indigenous Peoples Strategy. In 2025, more than one-third of the mine’s workforce were residents of the Northwest Territories, with approximately 20 per cent identifying as Indigenous Northerners. These outcomes reflect the mine’s focus on creating sustainable employment opportunities that contribute to improved economic well-being and long-term livelihoods in the North.
Local procurement plays a central role in this commitment. Approximately 68 per cent of Gahcho Kué Mine’s operational spending was directed to Northwest Territories companies and Indigenous-owned businesses. This strong local procurement performance supports regional economic resilience by sustaining local businesses, strengthening supply chains, and creating stable employment opportunities across northern and Indigenous communities.
Gahcho Kué Mine also supports community initiatives that reinforce cultural connection and inclusion. The mine regularly welcomes community artisans to lead cross-cultural workshops for employees and, in December 2025, hosted a Christmas craft fair featuring Indigenous artisans from nearby communities. The on-site Cultural Centre, opened in 2017, is stocked with craft supplies and tools and provides employees with a dedicated space to engage in arts and crafts and cultural activities.
SUPPORTING BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITIES
As part of the mine’s plan to create a positive and lasting legacy, the majority of Gahcho Kué Mine’s spending is directed to Northwest Territories companies, with a strong emphasis on Indigenous participation. This approach translates procurement success into tangible economic outcomes, including increased local employment, business growth, and improved livelihoods, particularly within Indigenous communities.
Contracting opportunities are available across key operational and infrastructure areas, including catering and housekeeping services, electrical services, infrastructure construction and maintenance, and protective equipment supply. A critical area of opportunity is winter road construction and maintenance, which supports the mine’s primary supply chain and plays an essential role in sustaining safe and reliable access for fuel, materials, and goods. By prioritizing local and Indigenous contractors in these areas, Gahcho Kué Mine supports capacity building, local expertise, and long-term economic participation in core aspects of the mine operations.