2011 ACTION PLAN FOR ONTARIO MINING: TAKING ADVANTAGE OF A CRITICAL WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY – Ontario Mining Association (OMA) Policy Paper

This policy document was provided by the Ontario Mining Association (OMA), an organization that was established in 1920 to represent the mining industry of the province. 
 
2011 Ontario Mining Association (OMA) Policy Paper

“China needs to build three cities larger than Sydney (or Toronto)
every year until 2030 to accommodate rural to urban migration.”
(Rio Tinto Presentation)

Ontario has been blessed with an abundance of natural resources, including untold mineral potential. For more than a century, word-class mineral discoveries in this province have brought development and prosperity, along with scientific and technological advances, enabling Ontario’s economy to evolve through innovation. From the earliest times, mining spurred on infrastructure development, enabled more equitable regional development and sustained a variety of support industries. These industries include obvious ones like manufacturing, but also perhaps some unexpected ones like education and financial services.

Today, mining continues to be an economic pillar of Ontario.  It is well positioned to grow its contribution to our economy.  Though the number fluctuates with various commodity price changes, mining in Ontario had revenues of $6.3 billion in 2009 (down by about 30% due to the global economic downturn).  The industry provides a major boost to our financial sector, with the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) currently being the leading global mining exchange, listing 57% of the world’s public mining companies and raising more mining equity capital than any other exchange.

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OMA member profile: Kirkland Lake Gold-new mines for old sites

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 Kirkland Lake Gold is expanding its precious metals production not just at a former mine site but on the foundations of its name sake gold mining community.  Kirkland Lake Gold, which has more than 600 employees, is involved in a $56 million-plus capital expenditure program to increase its gold production from 50,000 ounces per year to 200,000 ounces per year by 2012.

Kirkland Lake Gold from its South Mine Complex is building on the legacy of the ground mined by five of the seven former gold operations that made Kirkland Lake famous and produced more than 24 million ounces of gold.  This is the first time properties in the Kirkland Lake area have been consolidated with a single owner.

The new gold miner controls the five westernmost mine sites in the Kirkland Lake mile of gold.  From west to east, the mines are Macassa, Kirkland Minerals, Tech-Hughes, Lake Shore and Wright-Hargreaves.  The distance from Macassa to Wright-Hargreaves is about seven kilometres.  The Sylvanite Mine, which operated from 1927 to 1961 and the Toburn Mine, which operated from 1913 to 1953, lay to the east of Kirkland Lake Gold’s consolidated property.  

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OMA’s So You Think You Know Mining (SYTYKM) high school video contest entries double in 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’s high school video competition So You Think You Know Mining has attracted more than 80 high-quality entries for the 2011 edition of the contest.  The deadline was March 31 and the bulk of the two to three minute films were received within the 24-hour window before midnight that day. 

This is more than double the number of entries received in each of the first two years of the competition 2009 and 2010.  The geographic range of the source of these videos showing the benefits of mining through the eyes and talents of high school students greatly expanded.  Teenagers in Mississauga, Markham, Sudbury, London, Timmins, Toronto, Collingwood, Woodstock, Pickering, Terrace Bay, Thunder Bay, Georgetown, Stratford, Clinton, Kingston, Ottawa and other centres have electronically submitted their mining stories.  Ontario’s mining industry is a presence in all areas of the province and all regions of the province are represented by SYTYKM productions.

While the quantity of entries has increased, from a cursory viewing of a portion of the entries, the quality of these productions has also been greatly enhanced.  The judges this year are going to have a difficult time indentifying the winners in each category – Best Overall, Best Directing, Best Writing of an Original Screenplay, Best Music, Best Comedy, Best Animation, Best video in a language other than English and the People’s Choice Award.  The competition is fierce and a lot of talent and creativity is on display in these productions.

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OMA member Goldcorp makes safety message personal for employees

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 Goldcorp has produced a set of four safety videos for all employees that bring the importance of safety on the job closer to home – and the heart.  These videos were filmed at Goldcorp operations in Canada, the United States and Mexico and they are trilingual – English, French and Spanish.

They all emphasize the Goldcorp safety motto – “Safe Enough for Our families” — and they deal with each component of Goldcorp’s program Care, Think, Act.  “We want to instill a cultural change toward safety,” said Melanie Martin, video producer, Senior Executive Assistant and Regional Communications Leader at Goldcorp.  “We want to create a culture where people know they are all part of the same family and that we need to take care of each other.”

The safety message and commitment from senior Goldcorp management comes through loud and clear in the video package.  Steve Reid, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer says “Safety is complex and our ability to grow it should not be underestimated. This is not a television show, it is real Goldcorp people telling real Goldcorp stories.”

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OMA Meet the Miners event helps Queen’s Park focus on mineral industry benefits

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.

 

A solid contingent of industry leaders, cabinet ministers, MPPs and public servants celebrated the role of the mineral sector at the Ontario Mining Association’s Meet the Miners event.  The event was rescheduled to March 28 at the Sutton Place Hotel after adjusting arrangements to make way for the provincial budget at the Legislature, which was delivered on March 29.

“Thank you for being here to help us celebrate the contributions Ontario’s mining industry makes to the society and economy of the province,” said Marc Boissonneault, Vice President Sudbury Operations for Xstrata Nickel and OMA Chairman.  “Mining remains a key sector to help us move to a greener and more productive society.”

Michael Gravelle Minister of Northern Development Mines and Forestry saluted the OMA for its role for more than 90 years in making a positive difference in the province.  “Ontario is a better place for the vision and innovation of the mining industry. The mining industry in Ontario not only has made it through challenging times recently but it has come out stronger than ever.”

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Where does mining fit into the Ontario provincial Budget?

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.

 

Political analysts will undoubtedly remind us that details of the Liberal government’s provincial Budget delivered on March 29 will be repeated many times over leading up to the Ontario election on October 6.  The Budget contains specifics about protecting health care and education, jobs and growth and promises to make the delivery of public services more efficient.

But where does mining fit into the government’s plans?  It might not be obvious from a cursory reading of Budget documents.  There are no references to mining in either Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan’s Budget speech itself, titled “Turning the corner to a better tomorrow,” or the press release and its supporting background papers.  However, if you delve into the 300-page book on “Budget Papers,” you will be able to piece together some clues.

In the chapter “Key Ontario Sectors,” two pages are dedicated to Mining and Opportunities in Ontario’s Ring of Fire.  “Mining, a traditionally strong part of the Ontario economy, is benefiting from growing world demand for commodities and from tax relief provided through Ontario’s tax plan for jobs and growth,” said the document.  “The government is supporting the development of new mineral deposits in the North and Far North, including helping promising mining opportunities in the Ring of Fire area of the Far North with potentially large deposits of minerals such as chromite, nickel, copper and platinum.”

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Remarks at 2011 “Meet the Miners Reception” – by the Honourable Michael Gravelle Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry (March 28, 2011)

Meet the Miners is an Ontario Mining Association (OMA) initiative at Queen’s Park involving member companies and their employees, which helps shine the spotlight on the industry in government circles.

Check Against Delivery

Meet the Miners is an OMA initiative at Queen’s Park involving member companies and their employees, which helps shine the spotlight on the industry in government circles.Thank you, Chris, for that kind introduction. Welcome, everyone. It is my pleasure to co-host the annual “Meet the Miners” reception once again. First of all, I want to thank you for being flexible and having “Meet the Miners” day today.

Although the provincial budget presentation scheduled for tomorrow necessitated a change in plans and venues for the OMA, I hope that your meetings today were both productive and enjoyable. I am certainly delighted to join you and my legislative colleagues here this evening.

One has to look no further then to the numbers to understand that Mining is  and will remain a major contributor to Ontario’s economy:

  • In 2010, our mineral production was valued at $7.7 billion. And during the same year, mining companies reinvested more than a billion dollars into ongoing operations and new mine development.
  • In 2010, Mining and exploration companies spent over $800 million on exploring and evaluating mineral deposits throughout the province. And this year, we are going for another record – $940 million!
  • As well, close to 30 per cent of all investment in mineral exploration in Canada is taking place in Ontario. With over 300 companies actively exploring more than 600 projects.

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Canada’s mining sector has pulled up its environmental SOx

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.
 

Canada’s mining industry has made significant improvement in its environmental performance on many fronts from 1998 to 2008, according to a federal government publication.  The “Mining Sector Performance Report” was produced by Natural Resources Canada in consultation with an external advisory committee.  It included representation from industry, academia, provincial governments, Aboriginal groups and non-governmental organizations.

“One cannot report on the industry’s performance without noting the significant progress in environmental protection,” said the report.  “The mining sector, through multi-stakeholder initiatives, regulatory and financial instruments and science and technology has demonstrated its environmental commitment through reductions in energy intensity, air emissions and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as increases in environmental expenditures, including remediation and decommissioning.”

“This change in performance has taken place against a backdrop of rising public expectations, which has challenged the industry to extend its practices beyond regulatory compliance to environmental stewardship.”

There has been a tremendous growth in investments in the environment.  Between 1997 and 2006, environmental expenditures on operating costs rose from $796.1 million to $960.9 million and environmental capital expenditure increased from $420.9 million to $453.6 million over the same time period.

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Early bird incentive attracts So You Think You Know Mining (SYTYKM) video competition entries in advance of March 31 deadline

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 Early Bird incentive has helped to attract 13 excellent entries into the Ontario Mining Association’s third annual So You Think You Know Mining (SYTYKM) high school video competition before the March 31 deadline.  These videos from all areas of the province, which were received electronically at the OMA before midnight March 10, are eligible for all video award categories and for the draw to win the $500 Early Bird prize. 

This year’s SYTYKM competition is bigger and better than ever with $25,500 available in cash and prizes. To learn more about submitting a two to three minute video on the benefits of mining click on the SYTYKM box at the OMA website www.oma.on.ca.  Judging from some of the Early Bird entries, OMA e-news items are being used as a source for ideas and information by student film makers.

In order to help spread awareness of SYTYKM, the OMA ventured into the realm of social media and used Facebook as a venue to promote the competition from the start.  This year, the OMA is also using Twitter.  As of today, there are 168 followers on Twitter and the number is growing as the SYTYKM deadline approaches.  Many of the tweets address the philosophical question “can rising global demand for greener cutting-edge products and services be met without mining?”   Check it out @OntMiningAssoc on Twitter.

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OMA member profile: North American Palladium — helping us all breathe easier

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.
 

We should all be able to breathe a little easier with Ontario Mining Association member North American Palladium’s plans for expanding production.  Palladium is resistant to oxidation and high temperature corrosion and is useful in eliminating harmful emissions from internal combustion engines.  Autocatalysts are the major end use product of palladium, converting more than 90% of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen into carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water vapour.

The company’s Lac des Iles mine, which is located approximately 85 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, has been in production since 1993.  It has about 200 employees and it is one of only two primary palladium mines in the world. 

At this time, North American Palladium’s Lac des Iles mine is involved in a multi-faceted $270 million mine expansion program.  The goal is to increase production from 95,000 ounces of palladium in 2010, to 165,000 ounces in 2011 and then gradually building up to 250,000 ounces in 2015 at significantly reduced cash costs, which are expected to be less that $150 (US) per ounce.  The current palladium price is in the $800 (US) per ounce range. 

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OMA member profile: CAMIRO – research for mining’s future

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 the Canadian Mining Industry Research Organization (CAMIRO) has been leading a scientific approach to improving sector workplaces for decades.  Sudbury-based CAMIRO, which officially started in 1996, has actually been operating since 1975 under various banners as an industry collaborative research broker. 

The industry-based, not-for-profit organization with a membership of mining companies and those with an interest in the mining sector has three divisions – exploration, mining and metallurgical processing.  CAMIRO strives to have multiple members sponsor specific research initiatives with the results broadly shared.  Many OMA members are involved in CAMIRO.  The collaborative nature of how CAMIRO operates facilitates government funding assistance without appearing to favour any specific company.

“We reach into the industry’s needs and figure out what we should be working on to benefit everyone,” said Charles Graham, Managing Director of CAMIRO’s Mining Division.  “CAMIRO carries out the administrative functions of research – we act as brokers to get funding before we spend it on research projects and we farm out specific aspects of the project to the most likely to succeed whether universities, independent researchers, mining companies or government.”

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Vale supports francophone sporting and cultural event in Sudbury

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 Vale has donated $75,000 to support the fifth Canadian Francophone Games, which are being held in Sudbury July 20 to 24, 2011.  Vale is the official presenting sponsor of the event, which will involve about 1,200 francophone youth from across the country.

“Vale is proud to be associated with the Canadian Francophone Games, the largest national gathering of francophone youth in Canada,” said Angie Robson, Manager of Corporate Affairs for Vale’s Ontario Operations.  “This is a great opportunity to help showcase Greater Sudbury on a national stage, while bringing significant economic benefits to the community.”

“Vale’s sponsorship will allow us to invest in our programming and eco-responsible planning,” said Paul Lefebvre, Chairman of the Board for the games.  “This will help make the Games an event that will be recognized on a national level.  Vale’s contribution also reiterates its commitment to the community.”

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2011 ACTION PLAN FOR ONTARIO MINING: TAKING ADVANTAGE OF A CRITICAL WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY – Ontario Mining Association (OMA) Policy Paper

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

 

2011 Ontario Mining Association (OMA) Policy Paper

 

“China needs to build three cities larger than Sydney (or Toronto)
every year until 2030 to accommodate rural to urban migration.”
(Rio Tinto Presentation)

Ontario has been blessed with an abundance of natural resources, including untold mineral potential. For more than a century, word-class mineral discoveries in this province have brought development and prosperity, along with scientific and technological advances, enabling Ontario’s economy to evolve through innovation. From the earliest times, mining spurred on infrastructure development, enabled more equitable regional development and sustained a variety of support industries. These industries include obvious ones like manufacturing, but also perhaps some unexpected ones like education and financial services.

Today, mining continues to be an economic pillar of Ontario.  It is well positioned to grow its contribution to our economy.  Though the number fluctuates with various commodity price changes, mining in Ontario had revenues of $6.3 billion in 2009 (down by about 30% due to the global economic downturn).  The industry provides a major boost to our financial sector, with the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) currently being the leading global mining exchange, listing 57% of the world’s public mining companies and raising more mining equity capital than any other exchange.

Historically, Ontario has taken advantage of spikes that occurred as a result of US industrialization, the post-Second World War rebuilding of Europe and the industrialization of Japan.   We find ourselves in another of these defining moments of immense opportunity.  Large nations such as China, India and Brazil are experiencing mass urbanization and rapid development.  These nations are determined to narrow the gap between Western and developing nation lifestyles.  To do that mineral products are essential.

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Ontario Mining Association gives Ontario budget an A+ – by Adelle Larmour (June 2010)

Sudbury Mining Solutions Journal, a magazine that showcases the mining expertise of North Bay, Timmins and Sudbury. This article is from the June/2010 issue.

Ontario Mining Association president Chris Hodgson gave the Ontario Liberal government an A+ for its latest budget.

“We found it really encouraging that mining has been viewed as part of the solution for Ontario’s future,” Hodgson said. “We’re very pleased not just with the specifics, but also with the general tone that the government has taken toward mining.”

The province’s March 25 budget recognized that Northern Ontario’s mining sector plays an integral role in the economic development of the province. Mining in Ontario is a $10 billion business, provides the province with a $3.3 billion trade surplus and more than $600 million in corporate taxes annually.

“I think they realize we are a major benefit to the province, both in terms of the economy and society in general,” Hodgson said. “The spin-offs from developing mines are huge.”

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Toronto Stock Exchange is an international leader in the mining world

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.
 

While discussions on the proposed merger of the Toronto Stock Exchange with the London Stock Exchange continue, perhaps it is time to simply note the accomplishments of the TSX and its role as the leader in global mining sector capital markets. Economic and political merits and demerits of the planned transaction will be discussed in many quarters. Without weighing in on either side of the issue, let’s take a closer look at the TSX.

Today, the TSX and its venture exchange combine forces to be world leaders in mine financing. In the period from 1999 to 2009, the TSX and venture exchange (TSX-V) handled 80% of mine financings in the world and 36% of total equity capital raised globally in the mining sector. In 2009 alone, they accounted for 84% of world mine financings and 34% of total equity raised.

According to materials from the TSX website, as of December 31, 2010, 1,531 mining companies are listed in Toronto – more than any other stock exchange. In 2010, there were more new mining listings – 208 – in Toronto that on any other exchange. More than 200 industry market analysts cover TSX mining companies.

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