Canada Considers National Interest Status to Support Zinc, Copper and Silver Development

The Canadian federal government is considering granting national interest status to the Mackenzie Valley Highway and the Grays Bay Road and Port Project (GBRP), two major infrastructure developments aimed at improving access to mineral-rich regions in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.

The Mackenzie Valley Highway would extend approximately 800 km north from Wrigley to Inuvik, while the GBRP includes a deepwater port, airstrip and a 230-km all-season road connecting Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. Canadian officials said the projects could significantly improve transportation infrastructure, reduce logistics costs, and facilitate the development of zinc, copper, silver and other base metal deposits in the Far North. Companies that could benefit include Glencore, MMG and West Kitikmeot Resources. If approved, the projects would become among the first to receive consideration under Canada’s Building Canada Act, potentially accelerating permitting and regulatory approvals through the Major Projects Office.