TORONTO – MINING – Minister Michael Gravelle states, “Ontario is seeking input to renew the province’s Mineral Development Strategy to attract further investment to maintain Ontario’s place as a world leader in mining”.
Minister Gravelle says that the future in Ontario for mining is bright. “I believe the sector is poised for growth,” said the Minister.
“The time is right for us to refresh our mineral development strategy. Our renewed strategy will help keep Ontario at the forefront of the global mining community, bring in new investments and create more jobs in the North and across Ontario,” shared Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines
“I am pleased to see Ontario taking this collaborative approach to strengthen the mining sector. We look forward to working together to ensure Ontario remains competitive and a global leader in mining,” stated Chris Hodgson, President, Ontario Mining Association.
“The release of the discussion paper on the renewal of the mineral development strategy is timely, as the industry is recovering from a difficult financing period and the government with industry help are completing major changes to the Mining Act and Regulations. Our Association members look forward to assisting the Ministry with this effort,” said Garry Clark, Executive Director, Ontario Prospectors Association
Ontario is seeking input from stakeholders on how to renew the Mineral Development Strategy by releasing a discussion paper as well as a progress report highlighting significant provincial work and achievements in the sector since 2006.
Over the next three months, the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines will host workshops across Ontario to provide industry, Aboriginal communities and other community partners with an opportunity to respond to the province’s proposed themes for a renewed Mineral Development Strategy.
The renewed strategy will address a number of key drivers in the mining sector such as:
- Raising capital for prospecting, exploration and mineral development
- Building Aboriginal partnerships and opportunities
- Competitive production and transportation costs
- Technologies to improve discovery rates and identify new ore reserves
- Future labour market opportunities
The renewed Mineral Development Strategy will shape the course of mining in the province by setting out priorities to strengthen the sector and cement Ontario’s position as a leading mining jurisdiction.
Growing the mineral development sector is part of the government’s economic plan for Ontario. The four part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people’s talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.
