Mining Association of Canada – Page 2

Miners need better rail freight deal – by Pierre Gratton (National Post – August 15, 2012)

August 15, 2012

The National Post is Canada’s second largest national paper.

Pierre Gratton is President and CEO, Mining Association of Canada.

The rail and mining industries have a dependeant relationship. Without rail freight service, mining companies would be challenged to operate since Canada’s vast geography doesn’t exactly make delivering products to ports and smelters easy. And without the mining industry, the railways would lose their biggest client.

Our industries are a natural fit, but issues over market power have complicated our relationship. As a general rule, the more competition, the more likely customers will receive better service at lower prices. No competition breeds market power, which results in high prices and leaves customers with no alternate provider to turn to – repercussions of what’s known as a natural monopoly.

The Canadian railways are often considered a typical example of a natural monopoly. The high costs of laying track and servicing Canada’s vast geography have resulted in a lack of competition among the railways – Canadian Pacific (CP) and Canadian National (CN). To further aggravate the issue, the remote locations of mining operations often mean shippers are limited to just one of the two railways, and frequently stranded without alternative shipping methods.

NEWS RELEASE: Mining Association of Canada elects new Chairperson: Ian Pearce of Xstrata Nickel

June 20, 2012

Pearce brings 30 years of mining experience to his new role

OTTAWA, June 20, 2012 /CNW/ – The Mining Association of Canada (MAC) is pleased to announce that Ian Pearce, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Xstrata Nickel, has been elected Chairperson of MAC for a two-year term. Effective today, Mr. Pearce replaces Doug Horswill, Senior Vice President of Teck Resources Limited, who began his term in June 2010.

“We would like to thank Doug for his leadership over the past two years and we welcome Ian to his new role,” said Pierre Gratton, MAC’s President and CEO. “Ian brings three decades worth of mining expertise with him and has been actively involved in many of the Association’s activities. MAC and the Canadian industry at large will surely benefit under his direction.”

Mr. Pearce has been an active member of the MAC Board since 2007. He is also a member of the Executive Committee and the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) Governance Team. In these roles, he provides support and input on the Association’s operations and provides guidance to MAC’s TSM initiative, which works to improve member company performance in the areas of corporate social responsibility and the environment.

NEWS RELEASE: CP Rail Strike Adversely Affects Canadian Mining Operations

May 23, 2012

OTTAWA, May 23, 2012 /CNW/ – The Mining Association of Canada (MAC) expressed grave concern regarding the significant economic impact that the CP rail strike will have on mining communities and urged the Government of Canada to take immediate action to resolve the labour dispute.

The impact is felt strongly by mining companies dependent on rail to either transport fuel in, or transport products and by-products from operations. “A strike by CP workers will have a serious effect on the industry,” said Pierre Gratton, MAC’s President and CEO. “The shipment of fuel and other supplies to mine sites will be compromised as is the transport of mineral products.”

The CP rail strike will cause a shortfall of essential fuel and supply shipments to mines across Canada. It will also prevent mines from delivering their products to their end-point destinations, thus seriously and adversely affecting their ability to operate at any functional capacity. In this time of post-recession economic recovery, a threat to the stability of the natural resource sector is a threat to the stability of a stalwart of the Canadian economy.

NEWS RELEASE: B.C.’s responsible resource growth to help Canada maintain its reign as a global mining powerhouse

May 11, 2012

Kamloops region is particularly poised for growth from new projects and expansions

KAMLOOPS, BC, May 10, 2012 /CNW/ – British Columbia’s robust and responsible resource sector will help propel the $140 billion in new mining investment expected across Canada over the next five years, says the Mining Association of Canada (MAC). MAC estimates that B.C. has the potential to see more than $30 billion in investment from 30 projects over the next 10 years.

“As the third-largest mining jurisdiction in the country, B.C. will be a major contributor to the overall strength of the mining industry, which we expect to remain steady for years to come. That will bring numerous economic benefits and opportunities to British Columbians, while at the same time, help Canada maintain its status as a global mining superpower,” Pierre Gratton, MAC President and CEO, said during a speech in Kamloops on Thursday to celebrate Mining Week in the B.C.-interior city.

The City of Kamloops declared May 6-12 Mining Week alongside other celebrations taking place across the province in May to recognize the importance of the industry to the B.C. economy.

The mineral exploration, development and mining industry generated $8.9 billion in economic activity in B.C. in 2010, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). The industry generated more than 21,000 direct jobs, 8,200 of which were at operating mines across the province and paid average salaries of more than $100,000 annually.

NEWS RELEASE: Newfoundland and Labrador helps Canada maintain its global mining superpower status

April 26, 2012

Rich resources, skilled workforce and large investments poise province for billions in new mining growth

ST. JOHN’S, April 25, 2012 /CNW/ – Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy will benefit from billions in mining investment in the near term as more than $140 billion in new mining investment is expected across Canada over the next five years. This growth is largely attributed to a number of promising projects located in the province, according to the Mining Association of Canada (MAC).

In a speech to members of the St. John’s Board of Trade, MAC President and CEO Pierre Gratton said strong commodity prices, driven by growing demand in rapidly developing nations such as China and India, are creating more opportunities for new mine development and major mine expansions not seen in many years.

“The overall strength of the mining industry is evident in virtually all regions of Canada and will result in numerous economic benefits. This includes the mineral-rich province of Newfoundland and Labrador, which is currently the fifth-largest mining jurisdiction in the country,” said Gratton.

MAC estimates that about $140 billion in mining-related projects are currently proposed in Canada. In Newfoundland and Labrador, that includes billions worth of investments in the iron ore sector from many of the world’s leading mining companies.

[Canadian] Mining sector expects hiring boom – by Paul Brent (Globe and Mail – March 22, 2012)

March 22, 2012

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.

These are high times for the mining business. It has shrugged off the effects of the 2008 recession on the strength of robust commodity prices. Canada is well-positioned to supply the resource-hungry economies of China and India, our markets are the preferred destination for companies seeking financing, and the industry has $137-billion worth of investment earmarked for the next five years.

What could go wrong? Simply put, running out of people to run the nation’s $36-billion-a-year mining machine.

“There is a huge shift in demographics in the country, in the mining industry, and we are certainly experiencing it in our company,” said Marcia Smith, senior vice-president of sustainability and external affairs at Teck Resources Ltd.

The Vancouver-based coal and copper producer, which employs more than 8,000 people across the country, plans to hire 4,600 people over the next few years.

NEWS RELEASE: Mining Contributed $36 Billion to Gdp, 300,000 Jobs, New Report Finds $139 billion in new projects planned in the next decade

February 4, 2012

OTTAWA, Feb. 2, 2012 /CNW/ – Mining in Canada is back and growing according to the latest report by Mining Association of Canada (MAC). MAC’s annual Facts & Figures 2011 finds that mining in Canada has not only recovered from the 2008 economic crisis, but is now entering a period of significant and sustained growth.

Canada’s mining sector contributed $36 billion to the national GDP in 2010, and employed 308,000 workers in mineral extraction, smelting, fabrication and manufacturing. An additional 3,215 companies supplied engineering, geotechnical, environmental, financial and other services to mining operations.

In 2010, the value of Canadian mineral production rose by 31% and mineral exploration increased by 35%. The industry exported $84.5 billion worth of metals, non-metals and coal in 2010, which accounts for 21.2% of Canada’s total exports.

Capital spending and the proposed mining-related investment that lies ahead – by Paul Stothart (CIM Magazine – December, 2011)

January 16, 2012

Founded in 1898, the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) is a technical society of professionals in the Canadian minerals, metals, materials and energy industries.

Paul Stothart is vice-president, economic affairs, at the Mining Association of Canada. He is responsible for advancing the industry’s interests regarding federal tax, trade, investment, transport and energy issues.

The single most important contribution that companies can make to Canada is in the form of capital expenditure. In the mining sphere, capital spending pays for new mine construction and increases to existing mine capacity. It generates process and technology improvements and the modernization and expansion of mills, smelters and refineries.

It leads to the implementation of new product lines and improved energy efficiency and environmental performance. When companies commit to a particular capital spending program, the direct result is new jobs, contracts and production, as well as more modern and productive facilities.

Capital spending plans are driven by an array of variables, including: projected future global market demand and mineral price trends; degree of confidence in existing plant capacity; level of comfort with host government rules and regulations; and the state of a company’s existing financing capabilities.

The Honourable Joe Oliver, P.C., M.P. – Minister of Natural Resources Mining Day Speech (Ottawa, Canada – November 22, 2011)

November 23, 2011

This speech was given by the Honourable Joe Oliver, P.C., M.P. – Minister of Natural Resources to the Mining Day on the Hill Luncheon, Economic Council of Canada and Mining Association of Canada

Check against delivery

“For example, the Ring of Fire in northern Ontario is an
emerging mining region, where 26 exploration companies
have mineral claims covering almost 500,000 hectares.
Analysts estimate that there are $50 billion in qualified
resources for chromite and $10 billion for base-metal
and platinum group metal deposits.” (Honourable Joe Oliver –
Canadian Minister of Natural Resources)

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Let me start by thanking the Mining Association of Canada and the Economic Council of Canada for the invitation to speak with you today.

I also want to congratulate the Mining Association and its members for organizing this event. It’s a great occasion to recognize just how much this industry contributes to our prosperity — and why it’s important we all work together to make sure this sector continues to succeed.

As you know, I recently returned from a week-long trip to Japan and China. My main objective was to help broaden and deepen Canada’s trade and investment relationship in two of the world’s largest economies.

In meetings with senior political and business leaders, I promoted Canada’s potential for investment, exploration and development, and the opportunities for Canadian mining companies to do business in the Asia-Pacific.

NEWS RELEASE: The Mining Association of Canada (MAC) contributes once again to the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF)

November 23, 2011

OTTAWA, Nov. 23, 2011 /CNW/ – During its annual Mining Day on the Hill event, the Mining Association of Canada made a $2500 contribution to the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF). This builds upon the $25,000 contribution made earlier this year, for a total contribution of $27,500.

The mining industry is a strong supporter of Aboriginal education programs across Canada and particularly in rural and northern communities. Mining is a prominent partner in the federal government’s Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership programs, with initiatives active in many Canadian jurisdictions. MAC member companies are also active supporters of Aboriginal education, supporting numerous scholarship programs and other initiatives. MAC’s support for NAAF builds on this work.

“Mining is the largest private sector employer of Aboriginal Canadians and our future depends on their growing participation in our sector,” says Pierre Gratton, President and CEO of MAC. “Canada’s mining sector is poised for significant growth and potential new investment of almost $140 billion in the next 5-10 years.

NEWS RELEASE: The Mining Association of Canada Recognizes Industry Leadership in Corporate Social Responsibility

November 22, 2011

OTTAWA, Nov. 22, 2011 /CNW/ – During its annual Mining Day on the Hill, The Mining Association of Canada (MAC) is presenting its 2010 Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) Awards, recognizing Canadian mining facilities that have demonstrated excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

2010 TSM Award recipients include Barrick Gold Corporation, De Beers Canada Inc., Diavik Diamond Mines Inc., Iron Ore Company of Canada, Syncrude Canada Ltd., Teck Resources Limited, and Xstrata. Facilities owned by these companies demonstrated performance excellence in a number of categories:

•Tailings Management.
•Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
•External Outreach.
•Crisis Management Planning.

TSM performance categories for 2011 onwards will also include:

NEWS RELEASE: Mining industry projected to invest $67.7 billion in Alberta over the next five years

November 16, 2011

Canada NewsWire

EDMONTON, AB, Nov. 15, 2011 /CNW/ – Canada’s mining industry has the potential to make almost $140 billion of capital investment in Canada over the next five years and almost 50 per cent of this investment is anticipated in Alberta. The province is set to lead the way in growth, driven by a strong mix of commodities and a potential $67.7 billion investment in 12 mining projects proposed for development by 2016.

That’s one of the messages Pierre Gratton, President and CEO of The Mining Association of Canada, is sharing in an address to the Edmonton business community at the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation’s 2012 Economic Outlook Luncheon today. “There is tremendous opportunity facing the Canadian mining industry – an opportunity not seen in several generations,” Gratton says. “Multi-billion dollar investments are planned in both new and existing projects in virtually every province and territory of Canada, bringing significant economic benefits, and Alberta is set to be a major player.”

Benefits include the generation of provincial taxes and royalties, employment and economic spin-off service and supplier benefits. The statistics speak for themselves: Alberta royalties and mining tax revenues from oil sands and coal alone (not including corporate and personal income taxes) grew by roughly 16 percent between 2009 and 2010.

Hudak, Horwath scold McGuinty for missing [Northern Ontario] debate – by Rob Ferguson (Toronto Star – September 24, 2011)

September 24, 2011

The Toronto Star, has the largest circulation in Canada. The paper has an enormous impact on federal and Ontario politics as well as shaping public opinion.

THUNDER BAY—He skipped the debate on northern Ontario issues, but Liberal Leader Dalton McGuinty was far from forgotten as his main rivals for the premier’s job took him — and each other — to task.

So did local farmer Peter Lang, who showed up with a hen named Henrietta and a sign reading, “Dalton’s chicken!” as NDP Leader Andrea Horwath arrived at the event hosted by the Northern Ontario Municipal Association.

To the chagrin of New Democrats and Progressive Conservatives, there was not an empty podium on stage in an airport hotel to symbolize the absent McGuinty, who was campaigning in the GTA while his challengers were quizzed on boosting the northern economy if they win the Oct. 6 vote. “We’d love to have an empty chair,” said one Tory strategist, adding the municipal association wanted to avoid controversy.

With the Liberals holding all but three ridings in northern Ontario, McGuinty’s decision to stay away showed northerners they should feel his government is “taking them for granted,” said Horwath.

Mining Association of Canada NEWS RELEASE: The Canadian mining opportunity: $130 Billion over the next five years

August 29, 2011

SUDBURY, ON, Aug. 25, 2011 /CNW/ – New figures from the Mining Association of Canada today estimate that approximately $130 billion worth of investment is projected over the next five years for the Canadian mining industry; including both new project and expansions to existing operations. That message was part of an address to the Sudbury Chamber of Commerce made by Pierre Gratton, President and CEO of the Mining Association of Canada.

“Multi-billion dollar investments are planned in virtually every province and territory of Canada. Global demand for commodities is creating opportunities not seen since the post-war boom of the 1950’s,” says Gratton. “As a global mining superpower, Canada is well positioned to capitalize on this opportunity. Canada is fortunate to have a rich endowment of commodities and over the past several decades we’ve developed best-in-class expertise in extracting materials in an environmentally responsible manner.”

Joining Pierre Gratton in addressing the Sudbury audience was Chris Hodgson, President of the Ontario Mining Association. “The world needs the products of mining. Mines will be built and operated. What better place to mine than Ontario, with its responsible environmental protection, world class safety record and desire to participate in new and emerging technologies,” added Mr. Hodgson.