Ontario has released a renewed Mineral Development Strategy that provides a 10-year vision to position Ontario as the global leader in sustainable mineral development, says a government news release.
The strategy consists of a 10-point action plan with four strategic priorities to ensure the mining sector is:
- Competitive and innovative
- Safe and environmentally responsible
- Efficiently and effectively regulated
- Positioned to ensure growth and prosperity for future generations.
The strategy is the result of engagement with prospectors, junior exploration and mining companies, environmental organizations and Aboriginal and northern communities. They shared their input through written submissions and participation at workshops hosted by the province.
The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is investing $5 million in a Junior Exploration Assistance Program in support of the renewed Mineral Development Strategy. This program is expected to provide much needed financial support for mineral exploration projects.
"Our government is committed to supporting a globally competitive mineral development and mining sector that provides significant social and economic contributions to Ontario’s economy and supports economic development for Aboriginal communities. The Mineral Development Strategy is a blueprint for how we will help the sector address the challenges of today and position it to grow and attract investment in the future," says Michael Gravelle,Minister of Northern Development and Mines."
" The introduction of a 10 year Mineral Development Strategy by the Ontario Government will provide a solid framework for mineral explorationists in Ontario. The components of the Strategy, when implemented, will provide greater certainty and preserve Ontario's position as the number one jurisdiction for mineral exploration in Canada," added Garry Clark, Executive Director, Ontario Prospectors Association
There are currently over 40 mines operating in Ontario, including 14 base metal mines, 16 gold mines and one diamond mine.
The value of mineral production in 2003 was $5.7 billion. In 2014, the value of mineral production was a record $11 billion.
Ontario accounts for approximately 25 per cent of mining jobs in Canada.
The mining industry supports more than 26,000 direct and 50,000 indirect jobs, and is the largest private employer of Aboriginal persons in Ontario.
