Twitter

Ontario Mining Association

NEWS RELEASE: Mining weeks — and days — help recognize and celebrate industry contributions

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.

Mining brings a lot to the society and economy of Ontario. The Ontario Mining Association’s website www.oma.on.ca contains a number of studies which illustrate the industry’s contribution to direct and indirect employment, transportation networks and other vital infrastructure, high tech investment in Research & Development, taxes provided, balance of trade support, communications and community development.

To help remind us all about the vital role of mining and its importance, several communities across the province hold Mining Week, or Mining Day, activities to focus on those contributions. By way of example, a strictly non-exhaustive sample of some of these events follow.

In Timmins, members of the local mining community have declared May 24 to 30, 2014 as Mining Week. During that period Northern Mines Expo is being held May 28 and 29 at the McIntyre Community Centre. Also, on Saturday, May 24, Timmins Square will be the focal point for a number of mineral related activities and displays.

Read more

NEWS RELEASE: One mine, a multitude of economic 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.

Any new employer and enterprise in Ontario should be celebrated for the job and business opportunities it provides. Every one boosts the province’s economy, produces tax revenue to support infrastructure and provides stability to society. Because of the large scale involved, the start-up of a new mine multiplies the positive economic impact of most new businesses.

Last month, Vale officially opened the Totten nickel-copper mine in the Sudbury Basin. It is located in Worthington, which is about 40 kilometres west of Sudbury. Senior company management, employees, the Premier, the Minister of Northern Development and Mines, local First Nations leaders and municipal officials were on hand to show support and participate in the mine’s opening ceremonies. For sure this was an event worth celebrating, so let’s look at some of the numbers behind this new mine to see what benefits it offers.

The capital expenditures to bring the new mine into production were $760 million – more than three-quarters of billion dollars. The development of the project took seven years to complete. In order to put this sum into perspective, the 2014 operating budget for the City of Greater Sudbury is projected at $502 million and the projected operating budget for Windsor in 2014 is $722 million.

Read more

NEWS RELEASE: What is your number one event in Ontario mining history?

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.

It may not match David Letterman’s late night television talk show top 10 lists on the humour scale but Stan Sudol’s top 10 list of events in Ontario mining history are thought provoking and worthy of discussion. The Sudbury-born/Toronto-based communications consultant and editor of the blog Republic of Mining has done the industry a service by creating his own top 10 list on the subject.

While the ranking of Mr. Sudol’s compendium is likely destined to be the subject of perpetual debate, we suspect fewer could argue with the specific events themselves. Narrowing the topics down to 10 was no easy task with more than 150 years of Ontario mining history to analyze. As Mr. Sudol himself noted “the list encompasses traditional discoveries as well as certain events or the creation of institutions that have had long-lasting provincial or global impact.”

“Parts of Ontario’s mining history are brutal and tragic but it is also filled with stories of hope, courage and sacrifice, of enormous wealth creation and technical and social innovation. Ontario’s modern 21st century mining sector is the culmination of this amazing past that has helped forge a distinct regional culture in the province’s north and contributed enormously to the wealth of the entire province and country.”

Read more

NEWS RELEASE: Metals in the modern world – silver

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 info-graphic “Mining Builds a Better World,” which is available on the website www.oma.on.ca, illustrates how various minerals mined in Ontario contribute to a better world in technology, agriculture, the environment and health. With a little help from the Washington D.C.-based Silver Institute, we would like to show how some recent advances in applications of this metal indeed make our lives better.

Checking in at number 47 on the periodic table of elements sandwiched between palladium and cadmium, silver has many unique characteristics, which do support the OMA info-graphic claim. “Mining’s value is not limited solely to the resources it extracts from the ground. Did you know that minerals and metals are essential, irreplaceable components of modern technology? Mining makes countless products we use everyday possible and it is integral to the next generation technologies that will make our world greener, safer, healthier and more connected.”

How about the glass on the touchscreens of your smartphones and tablet devices? One company is now adding silver ions to this type of glass. The silver ions inhibit the growth of mold, mildew, algae and bacteria. They provide a built-in antimicrobial property. Sounds like safety and health gains.

Read more

NEWS RELEASE: New ‘historic’ gold mine brings dual 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.

Goldcorp’s Porcupine Gold Mines plan to develop an open pit mine on the site of the historic underground Hollinger gold mine brings a series of environmental and economic benefits to Timmins. The company has recently received its final environmental approval for the project.

The plan has been under development since 2006. The aim is to recover gold through an open pit operation from the workings of a historic underground gold mine while simultaneously eliminating legacy environmental concerns and carrying out mine reclamation activities.

The projected workforce of 180 people will open 60 new jobs and the open pit gold operation is estimated to have an eight year mine life. Marc Lauzier, General Manager of Goldcorp’s PGM, which is an Ontario Mining Association member, says the company has three main goals with this development – reclaim the land, return as much land as possible to public use and recover the gold that is in place.

Read more

NEWS RELEASE: Start-up of new First Nations mining company announced

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.

SNC-Lavalin and Cementation Canada in conjunction with the Morris Group and four First Nations have announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding to create the First Nations Mining Corporation (FNMC). The First Nations participating in FNMC included Flying Post, Lac Seul, Mattagami and Wahgoshig.

The goal of FNMC according to the press release is to form partnerships with Aboriginal communities to promote and develop engineering, construction and environmental services for mining companies in Ontario. It aims to strengthen mining and First Nations links and facilitate the training of Aboriginals and the growth of Aboriginal capabilities in the mine supply and service sector.

“We are very pleased with this new partnership, which is a solid model for sustainable development in First Nations communities,” said Stephen Lindley, Vice President Aboriginal and Northern Affairs for SNC-Lavalin. “Our partners have worked diligently with Aboriginal leadership, companies and organizations across Canada to create business opportunities, which contribute to sustainable social and economic development throughout Ontario’s Aboriginal communities.”

Read more

NEWS RELEASE: Mine safety review launch draws media attention

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 inaugural meeting of the Ministry of Labour’s mine safety review panel attracted pretty well the full slate of Sudbury’s media representatives – print, radio and television; English and French; local and outlets with national affiliations. The Sudbury media had an opportunity to interview Ontario Chief Prevention Officer George Gritziotis, who is leading the review, along with Fergus Kerr, industry co-chair, and John Perquin, labour co-chair.

“It is about outcomes, responsiveness and comprehensiveness,” said Mr. Gritziotis, who was kept very busy by the high level of media interest. “It is about having a positive impact on the workplace as soon as possible, whether through regulation, mandatory training or best practices.”

The comprehensive mining safety review was announced by Ontario Labour Minister Yasir Naqvi just before the end of 2013. It is the next logical step in the ongoing process to improve the health and well-being of mineral industry employees and reach the goal of zero harm. The evidence-based review is to complete its work in 12 months.

Read more

OMA NEWS RELEASE: Legislative Interns take to mining issues

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.

This year’s group of Ontario Legislative Interns appears to have taken on a keen interest in mining and mineral industry issues. Recently, two Ontario Mining Association staff members met with the 10 participants in the 2013-2014 Ontario Legislative Intern Program (OLIP) at Queen’s Park to discuss mining in Ontario and politics.

This program was established in 1975 and it welcomed the first group of interns at Queen’s Park in September 1976. OLIP is administered by the Canadian Political Science Association and it is supported financially by a grant from the Legislative Assembly and donations from private sponsors including several OMA member companies. It is open to candidates who are recent graduates of Canadian universities with an interest in and knowledge of the legislative process.

The program is designed to provide backbench Members of Provincial Parliament with highly qualified assistants. In turn, the interns gain practical experience in the day-to-day workings of the Legislature and supplement their academic training.

Read more

NEWS RELEASE: Future demand for mineral and metal products

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.

Okay, it looks like all the votes have been counted. It appears that experts, pundits, industry insiders and outsiders alike are almost unanimous in concluding that 2013 was not a great year for the mining industry around the world. Canada’s mining industry did not escape from the grips of downward trends.

Impacting Ontario’s mining industry particularly hard was the 20% decrease in nickel prices through 2013 and the 30% drop in gold prices. By value in recent years, gold accounts for about 42% of Ontario’s total metal production and 28% of the province’s total mineral production (metals and non-metals). Also, in recent years by value, nickel in an average year accounts for 22% of Ontario’s metal production and 13% of total mineral production.

On a global basis, the general consensus was that the slowdown in China’s economy in 2013 cast a broad shadow over global mineral production. Lessening demand lead to lower prices and companies found themselves struggling with controlling costs and boosting productivity.

Read more

NEWS RELEASE: Employees and OMA member Vale join forces for fundraising success

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 and United Steelworkers Local 6500 worked together to reach the fundraising goal of three-quarters of a million dollars for United Way/Centraide Sudbury and Nipissing Districts. The company and the union jointly announced this $750,000 charity-supporting success earlier this week.

“Achieving this fundraising goal speaks to the incredible generosity of our employees and their ongoing commitment to our community,” said Kelly Strong, Vice President of Vale’s Ontario and U.K. Operations. “It is an accomplishment we can all be proud of.” Mr. Strong is also serving as the 78th chairman of the Ontario Mining Association, which will be celebrating its 94 anniversary later this year.

Mr. Strong kept his promise to employees when the fundraising target was reached to acknowledge the achievement with a ceremonial head shaving. Patricia Mills, Publisher of Northern Ontario Business and Sudbury Mining Solutions Journal, who is United Way chair, performed the tonsorial manoeuvre at a public event.

Read more

NEWS RELEASE: OMA’s SYTYKM video competition adapted in South Australia

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.

If indeed “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” then the Ontario Mining Association has a big fan in an antipodean counterpart. The South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME) has recently launched “Dirt TV – what mining means to me.” This student video competition for seven to 12 year olds is modeled along the lines of the OMA’s So You Think You Know Mining high school video competition.

Jason Kuchel, Chief Executive of SACOMBE says he was so impressed by the SYTYKM competition when he was in Toronto at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada convention in 2012, that he was motivated to use the initiative as a model for a similar competition in South Australia.

“South Australia also has a strong mining and oil and gas industry,” said Mr. Kuchel. “The competition works on so many levels, including building community awareness of the benefits of the sector, increasing understanding of career opportunities among high school children and addressing the science and arts curriculums with a practical, real-world example that is also a lot of fun.”

Read more

OMA NEWS RELEASE: Let’s get going with Ontario safety review

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 Minister of Labour Yasir Naqvi has announced the launch of a comprehensive mining safety review to further improve the health and well-being of mineral industry employees. Starting in 2014, Chief Prevention Officer George Gritziotis will lead an advisory panel of industry, labour and health and safety representatives to engage in a collaborative evidence-based review.

“This collaborative safety review follows up on recommendations from the Dean expert panel,” said Ontario Mining Association President Chris Hodgson. “Mining is one of the safest industries in the province and it has demonstrated steady and significant improvement in its safety performance for decades. This review can help sustain that improvement and move the industry closer to its goal of zero harm while helping to prepare for future growth and innovations.”

“Improving mine safety and making sure our miners go home to their families at the end of their shift is what this mining review is all about,” said Mr. Naqvi. “I know that all of our partners share this goal and recognize that it is time for a thorough, evidence-based review of mining safety across the province that will get meaningful results for miners and their families.”

Read more

OMA NEWS RELEASE: Let’s look at Canadian mining’s all-star female team

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 achievements and leadership qualities of 15 women working in the Canadian mining sector have been acknowledged through the Women in Mining U.K. launch of the 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining Project. Its goal is to recognize and promote the significant impact of females in the mineral industry.

“WIM (UK) has collaborated with WIM groups all over the world in order to reflect a broad cross-section of global industry talent in the 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining Project,” said Amanda Van Dyke, Chair of WIM (UK). “From engineers and geologists, to finance professionals and investors, each woman has been selected because of the lasting impact she makes on those around her as a positive role model and her contribution to the industry.”

“WIM (UK) congratulates each of these women and is pleased to celebrate their efforts to make the mining industry a more inviting and viable option for working women of different backgrounds,” she added. “Each woman contributes to the mining industry in her own meaningful way as endorsed by their nomination.”

Read more

NEWS RELEASE: Noront Santa gets set for special deliveries

Noront 2012 Ring of Fire Christmas Fund

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.

To donate to the Noront Ring of Fire Christmas fund, visit https://www.canadahelps.org/CharityProfilePage.aspx?charityID=s101217

Click “Donate Now” and then use the “Fund/Designation” drop down menu to pick “5. Noront Ring of Fire Christmas Fund”

or you can contact Kaitlyn Ferris at Noront Resouces (416 367 1444 ext 130) kaitlyn.ferris@norontresources.com

Thanks to the employees of Ontario Mining Association member company Noront Resources and its employees Fifth Annual Ring of Fire Christmas Fund, Santa will make a special early visit to some communities in the region. Over the past four years, Noront has raised more than$75,000 in donations to ensure that every child under 13 in Webequie and Marten Falls receives a wrapped Christmas gift.

This year, Noront has purchased and wrapped more than 350 Christmas gifts, which will be delivered to children living on and off reserve. If the weather cooperates, Santa and a team of Noront elves will be delivering gifts and festive pizzas in Webequie and Marten Falls First Nations on December 17 and 18, 2013. Along with these visits, the Christmas Fund takes Santa to Thunder Bay for celebration s and gift giving to people from the Webequie and Marten Falls First Nations living off reserve in that larger community.

Read more

OMA NEWS RELEASE: Mining builds government coffers

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.

Personal income tax payments by mining industry employees across Canada increased 15% to $2.3 billion in 2012 from about $2 billion in 2011. The growth is related to the industry’s role as a major, high-paying employer and the rise in mineral sector employment by about 6,700 jobs, according to the recently released Mining Association of Canada (MAC) study, “Payments to Governments by the Canadian Mineral Sector 2003 – 2012,” prepared by the ENTRANS Policy Research Group.

The study examines royalties paid by mineral producers, corporate income taxes paid by mining companies and personal income taxes paid by direct industry employees. ENTRANS estimates that during the past 10 years, the mining sector made payments of more than $71 billion to Ottawa and provincial governments.

“This impressive amount of more than $70 billion over the past decade also underscores the importance of mining in Canada as both a major employer across the country and significant contributor to the Canadian economy,” said MAC President Pierre Gratton. “The royalties, taxes and other payments made to governments by the industry ultimately go towards supporting critical government services like health care, education and the building of infrastructure.”

Read more