Ontario Mining Association – Page 15

Bright future for mining [Northern Ontario] – by Harold Carmichael (Sudbury Star – September 24, 2011)

October 11, 2011September 24, 2011

The Sudbury Star is the City of Greater Sudbury’s daily newspaper. hcarmichael@thesudburystar.com

For the web’s largest database of articles on the Ring of Fire mining camp, please go to: Ontario’s Ring of Fire Mineral Discovery

“Mining is on the agendas … But, that’s because the southern
Ontario manufacturing economy is in serious trouble. While our
major customer (the United States) will probably be going through
a most troubling economic time the next decade or so, the only part
of the Ontario economy that is doing well is the mining sector.”

Sudol said not having a low-enough electricity rate could be the
deal breaker for Cliffs Natural Resources locating its proposed
chromite processing plant in Ontario. “Right now, power rates in
Manitoba and Quebec are 40- 60% lower than Ontario … There’s no
way they are going to locate that refinery in Ontario.” (Mining
strategist Stan Sudol – RepublicOfMining.com)

AT ISSUE: What is the vision for mining in Greater Sudbury and Northern Ontario?

Chris Hodgson has good reason to believe things are looking up — way up — for Ontario’s mining sector. That’s primarily because the Ontario Mining Association’s recent vision paper and its 10 recommendations about what the mining sector wants addressed by the province is getting serious attention in the Ontario election.

“It’s a big difference,” he said. “In the late 1990s, it was a sunset industry. Now, it may be the key to getting us out of the hole financially.”

A former minister of Northern Development and Mines in the Mike Harris Progressive Conservative government from 1995-99, Hodgson has been president of the OMA for seven years. The association has 70 members who operate 40 mines and employ 20,000 people.

OMA member Osisko builds First Nation knowledge into environmental approval process

September 16, 2011

This article was provided by the Ontario Mining Association (OMA), an organization that was established in 1920 to represent the mining industry of the province

Ontario Mining Association member Osisko Mining Corporation is reaching out to incorporate Traditional Knowledge into the Environmental Assessment of its Hammond Reef gold property in Northwestern Ontario. The company recently held an Elders Forum on site. More than 65 Elders from neighbouring First Nations, company staff and government officials participated. Nine First Nations communities were represented at the Forum.

Chiefs and councils of these First Nations made hearing from the Elders about this project a main concern. Elders, while not always the most senior residents of First Nations communities, are generally respected for their wisdom, patience and understanding. They value traditional teachings and passing them along to younger generations.

“The Elders Forum provided us with a unique opportunity to approach the Environmental Assessment process from a Traditional Knowledge perspective,” said Peter Hinz, Mineral Development Consultant with the Ministry of Northern Development Mines and Forestry. “This was an excellent opportunity to facilitate an open exchange of information and perspectives between First Nations, industry and government.”

Executive Terry MacGibbon of OMA member Quadra FNX to lead major university fundraising drive

May 7, 2013September 15, 2011

This article was provided by the Ontario Mining Association (OMA), an organization that was established in 1920 to represent the mining industry of the province.

Terry MacGibbon, Chairman of Ontario Mining Association member Quadra FNX, has taken on the volunteer role as chairman of Laurentian University’s Next 50 campaign. This fundraising effort, to date, has reached $39 million of its goal of $50 million.

“I am honoured to accept this important position and to be a part of the development of a university that I believe is on the cusp of greatness,” said Mr. MacGibbon. “Laurentian’s bold plans for the future speak to its desire to set the pace for educational excellence in Canada and projects like the newly announced Laurentian School of Mines and the Laurentian School of Architecture will surely attract some of the country’s brightest, most ambitious young minds.”

Also a donation of $1 million made by Quadra FNX to Laurentian University is being designated to the Laurentian School of Mines. “Quadra FNX is excited to invest in an institution that is set in one of the world’s great mining camps and that will play a vital role in developing the qualified professionals needed to sustain and grow our industry,” said Paul Blythe, President and Chief Executive Officer of Quadra FNX. “Laurentian’s School of Mines will undoubtedly become one of Canada’s premier centres for mining education.”

Are Ontario political party pronouncements echoing OMA’s vision for the future of mining?

September 14, 2011

This article was provided by the Ontario Mining Association (OMA), an organization that was established in 1920 to represent the mining industry of the province.

As we move closer to October 6 election day in Ontario, it is encouraging to see mining being part of the platform of all major parties. Many of the topics and positions being presented by the Liberals, Progressive Conservatives and New Democrats seem to reflect the OMA’s plan for the future of mining in Ontario. Last week, the OMA presented each party’s’ views on mining, however, the issues continue to develop. The full text of the OMA’s vision for the future “Action Plan for Ontario: Taking Advantage of a Critical Window of Opportunity” can be found on the OMA website www.oma.on.ca.

The Liberal document “Plan for Northern Ontario” has a lot of mining content. The OMA’s paper calls for “balancing conservation and development targets” and the establishment of a target for new mines in Ontario to demonstrate a commitment to the future success of the industry. The Liberal platform says “at least six mines are reopening and four new mines are expected to open by the end of 2012 and we’ll open at least eight new mines in the next 10 years.”

The OMA would like to see an engaged Ontario government working with the federal government, industry and First Nations to cut approval and permitting time lines in half. While the Progressive Conservatives and NDP have supported permitting improvements, the Liberals have said “we’ll also work to ensure the federal government is at the table for Northern communities and First Nations in planning for smart development of the Ring of Fire.

Ontario Teachers take mining lessons back to the classroom

September 5, 2016September 12, 2011

This article was provided by the Ontario Mining Association (OMA), an organization that was established in 1920 to represent the mining industry of the province.

The Ontario Mining Association has helped 27 Ontario teachers gain a better perspective on the mineral industry through its participation in the second annual Teachers’ Mining Tour. This educational professional development program was held at the Canadian Ecology Centre (CEC) near Mattawa from August 15 to 19, 2011.

The program exposed teachers to all phases of the mining cycle, industry professions, Earth science and mineral education specialists, Earth science presentations, educational resources and numerous field trips. George Flumerfelt, President of North Bay-based mine contractor Redpath and an OMA Director, provided a “Mining 101” presentation for the educators to kick off the intensive week.

Tours included visits to Vale’s smelter complex in Sudbury and Xstrata Nickel’s Nickel Rim South Mine. In North Bay, the teachers toured Boart Longyear’s drill manufacturing facilities including a highly automated operation featuring robotics. Also, a representative of consulting engineering firm Knight Piesold made a presentation on the role of environmental assessments in resource development to this group of teachers.

How Ontario provincial political parties seeking office on October 6th view mining

September 8, 2011

This article was provided by the Ontario Mining Association (OMA), an organization that was established in 1920 to represent the mining industry of the province.

The election campaign in Ontario is now officially underway. On October 6, 2011, Ontario voters will determine who forms the next government in this province. In advance of this election day, let’s take a look at what the major parties are saying about the mining industry in their official campaign documents.

The Liberal Party has packaged its election platform in the paper titled Forward Together. This document both presents what the government has done during its last two terms of office and outlines plans, if elected, for a third term. It contains a section on mining – Northern Opportunity: The Best Mining Industry in the World.

“One of the most promising opportunities Ontario has seen in generations is the Ring of Fire in Northern Ontario. This massive mineral deposit is one of the most significant and exciting natural resources Ontario has, already attracting more than 50 companies who want to be part of the development.”

“We need to work together to seize its benefits just as we always have when supporting Ontario’s mining sector. With our leadership, the entire province will be able to benefit economically from the Ring of Fire. That is why we have made sure that the mining industry and the Ring of Fire are an important piece of our economic plan for Ontario,” said Forward Together.

Miner Detour Gold is a major player in the foodservice and hotel business

September 6, 2011

This article was provided by the Ontario Mining Association (OMA), an organization that was established in 1920 to represent the mining industry of the province.

One of the largest hotel and food service operations in Ontario right now is not a resort, or hotel, or casino, it is the Detour Lake mine site located 185 kilometres north and east of Cochrane. Detour Gold is investing $1.3 billion to bring this open-pit gold project into production by early 2013. Once in operation, it will be Canada’s largest gold mine.

Access to the mine site from Cochrane is by a provincial two-lane highway and a private company road. The road trip from Cochrane takes about two and one half hours and crosses several major rivers flowing into the Arctic watershed. The mine is near the Quebec border and about 100 kilometres south of James Bay.

On any given day at the moment, there could be 1,000 people, or more, on site from Detour Gold and at least 15 contracting companies. It is a beehive of activity requiring military precision and logistics to feed and house the workers let alone bring in materials to build the mine infrastructure including the processing plant facilities and tailings areas.

Sudbury ready to cash in [on mining investments] – by Carol Mulligan

September 13, 2018August 26, 2011

The Sudbury Star, the City of Greater Sudbury’s daily newspaper. cmulligan@thesudburystar.com

“If we do the right things, mining can literally help
dig Ontario out of its debt.” (Chris Hodgson, President
and CEO Ontario Mining Association)

Sudbury is well-positioned to benefit from that mining
boom because it has the largest integrated mining complex
in the world and one of the largest nickel-copper
sulphide bodies. (Pierre Gratton, President and CEO,
Mining Association of Canada)

Sudbury stands to benefit from investments in mining operations to the tune of about $5.2 billion in the next five years. That’s a healthy percentage of the $136.4 billion in capital expected to be invested in mining projects throughout Canada from 2012 to 2017.

All of those billions will go into mining projects already in existence, says the president and chief executive officer of the Mining Association of Canada.

That doesn’t include private and public money that may be invested in projects to develop, mine, smelt and transport chromite from the Ring of Fire in northwestern Ontario.

Pierre Gratton was one of two guests who spoke to the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce on Thursday about how the city can benefit from the current up cycle in the metals industry.

China will continue to be a mineral price driver as its econo my continues to grow at double-digit rates. That demand is long-term, with expectations its growth will still be in the 6% to 9% range from 2020-2025.

OMA President points out a greater potential for mining in Ontario

September 13, 2018August 26, 2011

This article was provided by the Ontario Mining Association (OMA), an organization that was established in 1920 to represent the mining industry of the province.

Ontario Mining Association President Chris Hodgson presented a positive vision for the future of mining in Ontario at a Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce President’s Series Luncheon event today. Sharing the podium with Mr. Hodgson was Pierre Gratton, President of the Mining Association of Canada.

A sell-out crowd of about 200 attended the gathering, which was held at Bryston’s On The Park in Copper Cliff. Mr. Hodgson’s remarks were based on the OMA document “Action Plan for Ontario: Taking Advantage of a Critical Window of Opportunity,” which is available on the OMA website www.oma.on.ca.

This vision sees mining helping all Ontarians achieve greater prosperity and a greener economy with more concerted government support and a deliberate strategy. Increasingly rapid globalization and urbanization have analysts around the world anticipating unprecedented commodity demand in the next two decades. For a jurisdiction like Ontario with an enviable geological endowment, this is a call to action.

OMA member Agnico-Eagle puts some teeth into health and education initiatives in Mexico

May 16, 2012August 23, 2011

This article was provided by the Ontario Mining Association (OMA), an organization that was established in 1920 to represent the mining industry of the province.

Ontario Mining Association member Agnico-Eagle Mines is engaged in a number of ongoing health and education programs in communities near its Mexican operation. The company’s Pinos Altos mine is located 220 kilometres west of Chihuahua in northern Mexico. At an elevation of more than 2,000 metres, the mine, which has 972 employees and another 127 contractor employees on site, is near the town of Cahuisori and the smaller more isolated communities of Jesus del Monte and La Bateria.

“Our community relations team has developed a proactive community relations program that strives to support the local communities in the areas of greatest need,” said Dale Coffin, Corporate Director Communications for Agnico-Eagle. “We believe that initiatives should come from the community because they stand a better chance of being carried forward in the future.”

One program involves the organization of local dental clinics through the assistance of dentists from the University of Chihuahua. This initiative, which brings dental service to people’s doorsteps, provides local residents with free check-ups, x-rays, extractions and treatment. In 2010, four clinics provided service for about 360 patients in their own communities.

Mining builds communities across Ontario — Timmins

August 22, 2011

This article was provided by the Ontario Mining Association (OMA), an organization that was established in 1920 to represent the mining industry of the province.

There is little doubt that today Noah and Jules Timmins would not recognize the little community they helped to found – and provide its name – in 1912. However, one thing which has remained constant in the development of Timmins as the town has grown from 974 people when it started to a population of more than 46,000 today has been — and is — mining.

In 1912, the Dome, McIntyre and Hollinger gold mine headframes could be seen on the horizon. Today, Xstrata Copper, Goldcorp, Lake Shore Gold, St. Andrew Goldfields, Brigus Gold and Luzenac talc all have mineral producing operations in the area. In addition, De Beers Canada uses Timmins as its base for the Victor diamond mine near Attawapiskat and Detour Gold is relying on the community to support its new gold mine in the Cochrane area.

Christy Marinig, Chief Executive Officer at the Timmins Economic Development Corporation (TEDC), points out there is a great deal of mineral exploration being carried out at this time and that the region of Timmins service area covers about 118,000 people. “We are born out of mining and mining is still the leading economic driver,” she said.

“The Death of Mining” in 1984 – perhaps Mark Twain said it best

August 12, 2011

This article was provided by the Ontario Mining Association (OMA), an organization that was established in 1920 to represent the mining industry of the province.

Please link here for: Business Week – Death of Mining: December 17, 1984

The cover story on Business Week magazine on December 17, 1984 bore the ominous headline “The Death of Mining.” Twenty seven years later, at the 68th Canadian Mines Ministers Conference held in Alberta, the Canadian Mineral Industry Federation (CMIF) presented evidence of a diametrically opposite point of view.

“Canada’s mining industry is a major contributor to Canadian prosperity – providing $35 billion to GDP in 2010 and based on Natural Resources Canada definitions, employing 308,000 workers in mineral extraction, processing and manufacturing,” said the CMIF submission to mines ministers. “There are more than 3,200 companies, which provide inputs to the industry ranging from engineering services to drilling equipment.”

“The industry pays around $10 billion annually in taxes and royalties to federal, provincial and territorial governments,” it said. “Alberta, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Manitoba and British Columbia all typically derive a significant portion of government revenues from the mining industry.”

Back in 1984, Business Week told us “a series of factors accounts for mining’s malaise.