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Mining Association of Canada

NEWS RELEASE: MAC strikes an independent task force to review its tailings management program

BC independent panel report on Mount Polley will inform task force’s review

OTTAWA, March 17, 2015 /CNW/ – The Mining Association of Canada (MAC) has commissioned an independent, multi-stakeholder expert task force to review its tailings management requirements and guidance documents under its Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative, a mandatory program for all MAC members, to ensure they are as effective as they can be at preventing tailings dam failures and optimizing the design, construction and ongoing management of tailings storage facilities. MAC plans to publish the task force’s final report by the end of 2015.

The formation of the independent task force is part of MAC’s ongoing review of its tailings management program, which it proactively initiated immediately following the August 4th 2014 tailings breach at the Mount Polley mine, located in south-central British Columbia. The task force will review TSM’s tailings management requirements and MAC’s three tailings management guides, and will advise on how these can be enhanced and strengthened. The findings and recommendations of the BC independent expert engineering investigation and review panel’s report, released in late January, will be assessed by the task force as part of its review.

One of the BC panel’s key recommendations pertaining to corporate governance was that any mining operation proposing to operate a tailings storage facility in BC should either be required to be a member of MAC—ensuring adherence to TSM—or be obliged to commit to an equivalent program that would also include an audit function. Notwithstanding this endorsement, the MAC Board of Directors believes that a review to consider further enhancements to and strengthening of the tailings component of TSM is warranted.

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NEWS RELEASE: State of global economy among the Canadian mining industry’s top issues

New report details industry’s recent performance, challenges and opportunities

OTTAWA, Feb. 4, 2015 /CNW/ – Despite a positive long-term outlook for Canadian metals and minerals, the year ahead will be challenging for the Canadian mining industry based on findings from the Mining Association of Canada’s latest Facts & Figures 2014 report released today.

“The cyclical nature of our industry means that mining companies are no strangers to ups and downs in the global market. In the current economic environment, the industry is focused on reducing costs, improving productivity and preparing for the next upswing,” said Pierre Gratton, MAC’s President and CEO. “We are confident about the future demand for our products and the Canadian mining industry is focusing on getting in shape now to seize the growth opportunities ahead of it.”

The report, which draws on the most recent data available from the federal government (mostly 2013), reveals the mining industry contributes greatly to the Canadian economy in a number of important ways. Despite the volatility seen over the last couple of years, Canada’s mining sector contributed $54.0 billion to the national GDP in 2013 up from $52.6 billion in 2012. Mining industry exports accounted for 19.6% of the Canadian total in 2013, which is down slightly from the 20.4% seen the previous year.

A bright spot remains the industry’s strong employment figures. According to Natural Resources Canada definitions and data from Statistics Canada, the mining industry employed more than 380,000 people in 2013, accounting for one in every 47 jobs in Canada. As well, more than 3,400 companies in Canada supply goods and services to the industry, which further extends the economic and employment reach of the Canadian mining industry.

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NEWS RELEASE: Teck Trail Operations Recognized with TSM Leadership Award

TRAIL, BC, Dec. 8, 2014 /CNW/ – For its outstanding performance in the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative’s three focus areas—environmental stewardship, communities and people, and energy efficiency—Teck Trail Operations in British Columbia has been awarded with a special TSM Leadership Award.

The TSM Leadership Award is granted only when a facility meets or exceeds a level “A” ranking in their results across all of the six protocols of the TSM initiative – Aboriginal and community outreach, crisis management, safety and health, tailings management, biodiversity conservation management, and energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions management. (As Trail Operations do not have tailings facilities, they do not report on the tailings management protocol.) A facility’s TSM results must be externally verified to be eligible for this recognition.

“The TSM Leadership Award recognizes Trail Operations’ success in implementing best practices in the mining and smelting industry,” said Pierre Gratton, MAC’s President and CEO. “This is Teck’s third operation to have received this distinction in the past two years – a remarkable achievement unmatched in Canada’s mining industry.”

Teck Trail Operations was honoured with TSM Performance Awards for each of the five applicable performance areas, as well as the TSM Leadership Award for its 2013 results.

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NEWS RELEASE: More Canadians employed in mining than previously reported

 New report details Canadian mining’s economic contributions and top needs for 2014

OTTAWA, Jan. 29, 2014 /CNW/ – New data shows a dramatic increase in the number of Canadians employed in the mining and related industries with more than 418,000 people in full-time-equivalent jobs working in various facets of the sector, according to the Mining Association of Canada’s latest Facts & Figures 2013 report.

Drawing from a new data source, Natural Resources Canada released a more comprehensive estimate of mining sector employment. The source includes data for support activities of the mining sector that was not previously captured, including drilling and exploration. This grew the number of mining employees in Canada from 330,000 people in 2011 to 418,000 people in 2012, accounting for one in every 41 Canadian jobs. Year-over-year employment growth shows an increase of more than 11,000 jobs, or 2.8%, from 2011 to 2012.

“This remarkable employment figure is a much more accurate view of the Canadian mining industry’s role as both a major employer and economic driver in Canada,” said MAC’s President and CEO, Pierre Gratton. “It also adds to our already impressive employment figures. Not only is the mining industry the top paying industrial sector in the country, but it is also the largest private sector employer of Aboriginal people on a proportional basis and supports thousands of indirect jobs.”

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NEWS RELEASE: Mining Association of Canada supports Canada-European Union Free Trade Agreement – Canada advances historic comprehensive economic trade agreement

OTTAWA, Oct. 18, 2013 /CNW/ – The Mining Association of Canada (MAC) is pleased with the federal government’s progress toward finalizing the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The announcement was made jointly today in Brussels by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and European Commission President, Jose Manuel Barroso.

“Given the global nature of our sector, the Canadian mining industry is highly supportive of the formation of new trade agreements with key markets,” said MAC’s President and CEO, Pierre Gratton. “Today’s agreement in principle on the comprehensive economic and trade agreement is a significant step forward that, once finalized, will eliminate existing European tariffs on Canadian mineral products, help facilitate labour mobility, and encourage European investment in the Canadian mining sector.”

The European Union (EU) is Canada’s second largest export market for Canadian metals, the third largest market for non-metals, and the fourth largest market for mineral fuels. On an annual average between 2010 and 2012, Canada exported $20.4 billion worth of metal and mineral products to the EU, led by precious gems and metals. Key exports included gold, nickel, diamonds, aluminum and iron ore. Upon implementation, the new agreement will eliminate 98 percent of Canadian and EU tariffs, while phasing out remaining tariffs over time. Of specific interest to the Canadian mining industry is the elimination of the following tariffs:

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Mining group head sees tough times now, but better prospects ahead – by Josh Kerr (Globe and Mail – July 2, 2013)

The Globe and Mail is Canada’s national newspaper with the second largest broadsheet circulation in the country. It has enormous influence on Canada’s political and business elite.

TORONTO — Trying to get a read on the mining industry may be like peeking in a crystal ball at this point, but Zoë Yujnovich believes the long-term outlook is still a good one. “Right now it’s a little bit like reading tea leaves to try to figure out exactly what’s happening,” says the new chair of the Mining Association of Canada.

“Certainly in the longer term the industry is still poised to be very successful, and when we look at it in a Canadian context I think we’re going to continue to see the extractive industry being a major contributor to Canadian GDP,” she said.

Ms. Yujnovich’s comments come as she takes the helm of the 78-year-old association, building on an impressive résumé. The first woman to hold the post, she first made waves when put in charge of the Brazilian operations for British-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto Inc. at the age of 34.

Ms. Yujnovich, the chief executive officer of Iron Ore Co. of Canada, which is majority owned by Rio Tinto, will chair the association for two years. Pierre Gratton the current president and CEO of the mining association said he is excited to have her heading up the board and isn’t surprised that Ms. Yujnovich, who he describes as a natural leader, has risen so far so fast in an industry long dominated by men.

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NEWS RELEASE: First woman to take the helm of the Mining Association of Canada

Zoë Yujnovich of the Iron Ore Company of Canada elected as Chair of MAC

OTTAWA, June 19, 2013 – The Mining Association of Canada (MAC) is pleased to announce that Zoë Yujnovich, President and CEOof Canada’s largest iron ore producer,the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC), has been elected as Chair of MAC for a two-year term. She isthe association’s firstfemale Chair in its 78-year history.

Effective today, Ms. Yujnovich replaces Ian Pearce, former CEO of Xstrata Nickel, who served as Chair from June 2012 until his resignation fromXstrata Nickel in May 2013.

“Our association has had increasing female representation on the MAC Board of Directorsfor many years, but Zoë’s appointment to Chair is an important milestone and signifiesthe growing leadership role of women in mining,” said Pierre Gratton, MAC’s President and CEO. “We would like to thank Ian for his leadership over the years as both Chair and a long-time Board member, and we welcome Zoë to her new role.”

Ms. Yujnovich has been an active member of the MAC Board of Directors and Executive Committee since 2010 as First Vice-Chair. In this capacity, she helped guide the association’s activities and supported the industry’s progress in many areas.

“It is a privilege to be elected by my industry peers as Chair of the Mining Association of Canada,” said Ms. Yujnovich.

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NEWS RELEASE: Canadian mining industry asks Quebec government to heed their warning New royalty regime would stall province’s economic growth and industry’s competitiveness

OTTAWA, March 25, 2013 – As the Quebec government prepares to table a new mining tax regime this week that would significantly heighten mining taxes and royalties, the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) is warning that a new royalty regime would worsen the province’s investment appeal with detrimental economic effects to Quebec and Canada’s economy as a whole.

It is expected that this new proposed tax regime would put in place two new levies – a five per cent tax on the gross value of annual production, as well as a 30 per cent royalty on “super-profits”. Quebec is already a high tax jurisdiction in many respects, and as recently as 2010, saw the former government raise the taxes on profits to 16 per cent from 12 per cent.

“The new regime would tarnish Quebec’s reputation as a mining-friendly jurisdiction for investment,” said Pierre Gratton, MAC’s President and CEO. “Moreover, from a global mining company standpoint looking to build its next project, I am concerned that there will be little distinction between Quebec and the rest of Canada, thus harming the country’s reputation as a whole.”

Competition for mining investment is fierce on a global scale. Canada competes against other global mining countries that are equally touted for having rich mineral deposits, such as countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. With so many other countries at play, a mining company will simply overlook Canada for another mining jurisdiction considered more competitive from an investment standpoint.

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Canada playing a growing role in global mining industry – by Gordon Hamilton (Vancouver Sun – January 21,2013)

http://www.vancouversun.com/index.html

Country now attracting 18 per cent of world’s mineral exploration

Canada’s mining industry broke records in 2011 for exploration spending, production and exports, according to a report released Monday by the Mining Association of Canada.

The report states Canada has emerged as the world’s top destination for mineral exploration, attracting 18 per cent of global investment, well ahead of second-place Australia, which attracted 13 per cent.

Further, Canada has developed world-leading hubs at Vancouver and Toronto for exploration and investment, respectively, said Pierre Gratton, president of the Mining Association of Canada

Vancouver is the top destination for mining exploration, with the world’s leading cluster of exploration companies, while Toronto is the global hub for mining financing, with the TSX and TSX Venture exchanges accounting for $12.5 billion, or 40 per cent of global mining equity capital, according to the report.

The report states there are 1,200 exploration companies in the Greater Vancouver area, while the Toronto Stock Exchange lists 58 per cent of the world’s public mining companies. London is still the global finance centre for mining in terms of large transactions, but Toronto leads in terms of total value, Gratton said.

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Mining veteran [Pierre Gratton] insists record demand for commodities not over – just paused – by Pav Jordan (Globe and Mail – November 19, 2012)

Globe and Mail is Canada’s national newspaper with the second largest broadsheet circulation in the country. It has enormous influence on Canada’s political and business elite.

Pierre Gratton gets irritated when hear others tell him the global commodities supercycle has ended. That’s not especially surprising: After all, as president of the Mining Association of Canada (MAC), it’s part of Mr. Gratton’s job to be bullish about metals.

But the industry veteran also believes the doomsayers lack historical perspective. Yes, he admits, commodities are facing a downturn – but it’s a lot less black-and-white than simple supply and demand.

“Having been in this business now for 13 years, there is a very significant difference between the mood in this downturn and the kind of attitude and the kind of mood that I used to see in 2000 and 2001,” Mr. Gratton said in an interview.

“It’s just a whole different kind of feeling. Back then, times were tough and there was no sense it was going to get better, whereas now, times are tough, but we know it’s going to get better, so it’s a different mentality.”

Global commodity prices staggered in recent months, battered by fears that a strong global economic recovery could be more elusive than initially thought.

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NEWS RELEASE: Mining Association of Canada launches new scholarship for mining finance students

Shortage of young professionals needed in fields of mining and mineral economics

OTTAWA, Oct. 23, 2012 /CNW/ – The Mining Association of Canada (MAC) has announced the launch of a new scholarship available to Canadian university students interested in pursuing a career in mineral economics.

MAC and its members established the Paul Stothart Memorial Scholarship following the passing of its valued colleague, Paul Stothart. A graduate of Queen’s University (MBA Finance, Bachelor in Civil Engineering), Paul was an accomplished professional who was passionate about advancing the Canadian mining industry in his role as MAC’s Vice President of Economic Affairs, which he held from 2006 to 2012. The scholarship is valued at $3,500 and will be awarded annually to one student studying either a Bachelor or Master of Economics, or Master of Business Administration. Candidates must also demonstrate an interest in mineral economics through current or future course work.

As of today, students are able to submit their applications until April 15, 2013. The inaugural scholarship will be awarded to the selected candidate for the 2013-2014 school year.

A 2011 report from the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) estimates that the mining industry in Canada must hire 100,000 new workers over the next decade to replace retiring workers and to fill new positions.

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Mining Association of Canada (MAC) focuses on transparency, free trade (Canadian Mining Journal – September 19, 2012)

The Canadian Mining Journal is Canada’s first mining publication providing information on Canadian mining and exploration trends, technologies, operations, and industry events.

VANCOUVER — For Mining Association of Canada (MAC) president and CEO Pierre Gratton, the future of the nation’s mining industry lies in clear cut regulatory reform and the cultivation of global free trade arrangements geared towards expediting the flow of goods and capital across international borders. In a speech at a Vancouver Board of Trade luncheon on Sept. 7, Gratton outlined his vision of a unified Canadian resource sector operating under clearly defined regulatory legislation.

One of the perceived problems with the current Canadian regulatory model lies in layers of reviews that criss-cross over provincial and federal jurisdictions. Gratton is quick to point out that when Canada first initiated its Environmental Review Act in 1993 the majority of provinces did not have comparable pieces of legislation,

“If you clear away the rhetoric with what is going on, and focus on the dual [provincial-federal] review regulations, I think it will make things better. As proponents of the industry we hear from communities expressing frustration they experience by being consulted twice on the same project,” Gratton explained during a question period. “What we’re doing 20 years later is taking a step back and saying ‘Do we really need these two systems doing this in parallel?

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Canada’s Mining Sector: A Global Powerhouse Contributing to the Country’s Prosperous Future – by Pierre Gratton

Pierre Gratton is President and CEO of the Mining Association of Canada (MAC). This speech was given to the Vancouver Board of Trade on September 7, 2012.

Thank you.  It’s a pleasure to be back and to reconnect with so many friends and colleagues, past and present.

Thanks everyone for coming to spend some time today to hear about the powerhouse that is Canada’s mining industry and why I firmly believe there’s a prosperous future for our industry – despite current volatility and price declines.

I want to impress upon you three key points: 

1) the super cycle is not over, it is taking a pause;

2) Canada is a free trader, thrives on trade and has to avoid the trap of protectionism and

3) we need to continue the steps we have begun to optimize Canada’s future as a mining powerhouse.

Before we talk about the future, let’s rewind a bit. It’s with hindsight that one can look back at a period and observe that it represented a major turning point in human history.  The Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, the first World War and the end of European colonialism, World War II and the rise of US domination. 

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NEWS RELEASE: Mining industry payments to Canadian governments reached $9 billion in 2011: Report

Amount nears peak period of 2007-2008 backed by higher prices and rise in production
 
OTTAWA, Sept. 10, 2012 /CNW/ – The Mining Association of Canada (MAC) today released its annual report on mining industry payments to Canadian provincial and federal governments. The report, prepared by ENTRANS Policy Research Group, found payments reached an estimated $9 billion last year in aggregate mining taxes and royalties, corporate income taxes and personal income taxes.
 
“The increase in payments made to federal and provincial governments last year is directly related to the mining industry’s economic strength during this period,” said Pierre Gratton, MAC’s President and CEO. “Despite fiscal policy changes, notably the reduction in the federal corporate tax rate in 2011, payment levels were buoyed by generally higher metal prices and increased production.”
 
In fact, according to Natural Resources Canada, the mineral sector experienced a 21% increase in the value of Canadian mineral production in 2011 to a record $50 billion stemming from a combination of higher prices and expanding output.

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NEWS RELEASE: Mining Association of Canada Remains Bullish on Metal Outlook

British Columbia in strategic position to benefit from mining’s largest customer, China
 
VANCOUVER, B.C, Sept. 7, 2012 /CNW/ – Canada’s mining industry is on the right path to continued prosperity despite current market volatility, says the Mining Association of Canada (MAC).
 
In a speech to members of the Vancouver Board of Trade, MAC President and CEO Pierre Gratton said regulatory reform, investment in infrastructure and promotion of strong trade relations with countries such as China, the world’s biggest consumer of metals, will keep Canada globally competitive.
 
Despite a slowdown in Chinese growth to 7.6 per cent in the second quarter, from decades of 10 per cent average annual growth, Gratton noted that most prices remain at relatively high levels, despite a fall off in recent months, and emphasized that the long-term fundamentals that have supported rising commodity prices over the past decade remain.
 
“The mining super cycle is not over, it is taking a pause. This is the nature of the mining business, which is cyclical,” said Gratton.  “The industry is generally better prepared for the current slowdown compared to last time, which was much more dramatic.”

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