NSMA wants to partner with city on copper recycling

Emily Blake· Cabin Radio

Wednesday December 3, 2025 at 5:50am MT

The North Slave Métis Alliance is hoping to collaborate with the City of Yellowknife on a copper wire recycling and diversion program.

Marc Whitford, president of the North Slave Métis Alliance, told city councillors on Monday the organization inherited the copper project as part of the Diavik diamond mine’s closure.

“The copper project creates an environmentally friendly way for Yellowknifers to get rid of their old and fraying copper wires, extension cords and power plugs that create a fire risk,” he said.

The North Slave Métis Alliance is seeking a memorandum of understanding with the city to work together on the project.

Under the agreement, NSMA will place collection bins for copper waste at locations provided by the city this coming May, said city economic development director Kerry Thistle.

Whitford said NSMA will then process the copper at a facility in Yellowknife for subsequent shipping and sale.

Thistle said the city will waive tipping fees for the covering and insulation that is stripped from copper wires and cables.

Asked whether NSMA plans to also buy copper from companies or salvagers, Whitford said the organization would “look at every opportunity to get copper.” He added the program could expand to include collection of copper waste from other communities in the future.

Thistle said benefits of the program for Yellowknife include that it will divert copper from the city’s landfill, reduce waste, and advance the municipality’s climate action goals.

“Solid waste is a large contributor to the city’s greenhouse gas emissions,” she said.

Thistle added the initiative will not require any city funding. The city and NSMA will work together to promote the program.

“This partnership really reflects our commitment to reconciliation and shared prosperity,” she said. “As the territorial economy transitions from diamond mining to new industries and remediation work, collaborating with Indigenous partners on forward-thinking economic initiatives is critical.”

Whitford said the project is a way for NSMA to replace funds it is losing from benefit agreements as the territory’s diamond mines reach the end of their lives.

While city councillors have not formally voted on the proposal, a few spoke in favour of the idea on Monday.

“I’m incredibly supportive of this,” said Garett Cochrane.

“I look forward to more opportunities for economic reconciliation and environmental stewardship with this great organization.”

Mayor Ben Hendriksen said he looked forward to signing an agreement with the North Slave Métis Alliance in the new year.