Canada ’ s Resurgence
Ontario is one of the top mining jurisdictions in the world . In recent years , the jurisdiction has been in a downturn .
The province , which is home to more than 40 operating mines , is the largest producer of gold , nickel , copper and platinum metals in Canada . Ontario ’ s mineral production is valued at $ 9.2 billion with more than $ 4 billion annually invested in research and development ( R & D ), exploration , construction and equipment .
In a recent article by NorthernLife . ca , industry stakeholders agreed that Ontario is falling behind as a mining jurisdiction . The article spotlights that while the province has shifted its focus to the Ring of Fire , which many believe is moving slower than anticipated , key figures see the government neglecting other parts of the province .
“ All we hear about is the Ring of Fire . Let me explain something about the Ring of Fire . It ’ s not the only thing going on in this province . I ’ m sick to death of it ,” said Gino Chitaroni , president of the Northern Prospectors Association .
“ We have a lot of projects out there that could be economic very shortly , but we have to encourage them ,” Chitaroni said . “ I don ’ t see it happening .”
To learn how Ontario is challenging the situation , we interviewed Michael Gravelle , Ontario Minister of Northern Development and Mines to discuss how Ontario is working to improve its current situation and reestablish itself as the powerhouse mining jurisdiction we all know .
Fall from grace According to the Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Mining Companies : 2014 , Ontario ranked # 23 internationally for investment attractiveness , falling nine spots from last year . The province ranked # 9 among the top 10 attractive mining jurisdictions in Canada despite being one of Canada ’ s geographically larger jurisdictions .
The survey , which was comprised of 122 jurisdictions worldwide , included comments such as :
“ Revision of the Mining Act to include near-veto powers against exploration of First Nation traditional land use areas contrary to treaty assurances .”
“ Provincial regulations different from federal regulations . Government
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