Mining News: Northern Neighbors: Rickford: Mining matters to Canadians

Canada Minister of Natural Resources Greg Rickford May 11 commemorated the 19th National Mining Week, which ran from May 11 to 17. “National Mining Week is an opportunity to recognize Canada’s international leadership and innovation in the mining sector and to underscore the importance of mining to communities across the country,” he said. One of the largest mining nations in the world, Canada produces more than 60 minerals and metals. “Quite simply, mining matters to Canadians. It is a cornerstone of our economy and provides benefits from coast to coast to coast. The mining and mineral processing industry generates close to $60 billion for Canada’s GDP, employs more than 380,000 Canadians, including 10,000 Aboriginal Peoples, and accounts for one-fifth of Canada’s merchandise exports,” said Minister Rickford. In Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government of Canada committed $100 million over seven years to renew the Geo-mapping for Energy and Minerals program to significantly advance and modernize geological knowledge in the North. Economic Action Plan 2015 proposes spending C$22 million over five years on a geoscience initiative focused on deeper deposits; and C$23 million on another five-year program looking into the technological innovation needed to separate and develop rare earth elements and chromite. “Our government’s plan for responsible resource development is enhancing Canada’s position as a global mining and exploration giant, creating jobs and opportunity for Canadians,” said Rickford.

- Shane Lasley