The Mining Association of Canada and the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada have issued a joint recommendation as the provincial and territorial mines ministers meet this week. The industry associations are urging government action to restore global competitiveness to the Canadian mining industry.
The call to action was released on behalf of the Canadian Mineral Industry Federation, a partnership of 20 national, provincial and territorial associations.
The CMIF is proposing a series of actions that reflect the six strategic directions identified in the Canadian Minerals Metals Plan published earlier this year by Natural Resources Canada. In short, these are the areas that must be supported:
- Economic development, regulatory certainty and investment attractiveness;
- Advancing the participation of indigenous peoples in all levels of the minerals industry;
- Environmental responsibility and solutions;
- Science, technology and innovation, including geographical mapping and studies;
- Strengthening ties with local communities to ensure people have the skills to engage in the mineral industry; and
- Global leadership in market access, business conduct, and development activities.
“Without the vital support of governments to achieve the recommendations by CMIF, Canada’s exploration and mining industry – one envied the world over for its mineral wealth and abundance of exploration and extraction expertise – will continue slipping from its position of dominance,” warned PDAC president Felix Lee.
This article first appeared in the Canadian Mining Journal