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The mining industry in Canada: Resources and issues
For two decades now, the mining industry has experienced a certain excitement in Canada. The growth supported by China and the development of advanced technologies is driving demand to increase. Quebec itself has a large number of mineral resources. We find gold, zinc, nickel there… So what is the importance of this sector in Quebec and what about its position on Canadian territory?
General information on the mining industry in Canada
Canada is one of the largest mining countries. There are more than 60 metals and minerals essential for daily life. It ranks among the Top 5 mining countries in the world. Companies exploit magnesium, lithium and even rare earths.
Canada has one of the largest mining supply sectors. There are up to 4,000 companies offering financial, geotechnical and mining services.
This country has the mines which produce the minerals essential for the design of batteries dedicated to electric cars.
In addition, the Quebec government is investing up to $4 billion in a strategy for critical minerals. Regarding the latter, they are niobium, graphite, titanium, nickel and even lithium. These strategic minerals support the technological transition in Quebec.
The place of the mining sector in the Canadian economy
The mining industry is experiencing great excitement on the international level, because it has been anchored in the history of organized societies for decades. The development of advanced technologies, such as electric cars and smartphones, leads to the massive use of different kinds of common metals, such as iron and cobalt. Growth in Asian countries like China keeps demand rising. The need for base metals (gold and silver) continues to be felt. Thus, we wonder about the situation of mines in Quebec and the socio-economic issues that this has on the north of the country.
Quebec has a territory with an area of more than 1.5 million km². Natural resources cover most of the province. Numerous mineral resources are found in Canadian soil or subsoil and especially in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue regions.
Furthermore, the deposits of gold, nickel, asbestos, diamond and iron are even among the most exploited. The asbestos region occupies the Appalachian sector while the metals are found in other areas including pits which are far from the population. These sectors are the Ungava Trough, the Labrador Trough and the Cadillac-Pontiac Trough.
The different mining products in Canada
In Canada, as everywhere else, minerals are used in the design of various consumer goods essential to everyday life. These are, for example, cells and batteries (lithium, cadmium, cobalt and nickel), musical instruments (silver, copper, steel, brass, etc.). The sports equipment itself is made of aluminum, graphite, carbon or even titanium. For their part, computer and television screens contain indium, phosphorus, boron, lead, etc.
Cosmetic products and jewelry are made of gold, silver, zinc and even titanium dioxide. Toothpaste contains fluoride while fertilizers consist of potash, nitrogen and sulfur.
Mining and the economics of Canadian society
Profiting from mining can quickly improve the economic growth of large countries like Canada. In this country, mining is a source of very well-paid jobs. Employees gain skills and benefit from various training courses.
Mining activities improve the economy of Canadian regions where they are located. This results in the purchase of the aforementioned goods and services. Infrastructure such as railways and roads serve the mines and constitute other privileges for the regions concerned.
Furthermore, mining is of great importance to rural communities. Certainly, it contributes to the economy of the latter. It contributes to the development of refineries and manufacturing plants of all kinds from Vancouver to Toronto.
The Canadian mining sector: ethical and sustainable
Canadians expect activities in the minerals value chain to be sustainable and responsible. The Mining Association of Canada takes initiatives that lead Canada toward sustainable mining development. The mining sector therefore maintains its position and contributes greatly to the economic development of Canada. He is responsible and protects the environment.
Additionally, the mining industry must follow laws that ensure ethical trading and financial transparency.
Before approving a mining project, the Canadian government must ensure three things:
- The said project protects the environment;
- The project contributes to the well-being of the population;
- The project preserves the economic and social well-being of the people of Canada.
In short, the project must benefit current and future generations.
Canada's Mineral Exploration and Exploration Framework
Regulations and laws impose different requirements on mining and exploration projects in Canada. You must therefore obtain authorization from various entities including:
- The federal government;
- The government of the territory or province in which the exploitation takes place;
- The municipal government where mineral exploration takes place.
Companies are required to be aware of the different requirements in the regions where they operate. They must respect the laws applicable to their sector of activity.
Development, exploitation and exploration in mines in Canada
To find an ore body in a mine, you have to go through a fairly complex and expensive process. Plus, it takes a few years. During development and exploration, companies go to great lengths to detect deposits. They are also required to assess the possibility of mining beforehand.
When the mine is in production, it faces various operating expenses. Furthermore, the mine closes when the metal runs out or production becomes unprofitable. Likewise even when demand is declining. Once at this point, the mine is dismantled and miners are required to restore the environment.
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