Barry Streib (left), President of NOACC, poses with
Chris Hodgson, President of OMA, in front of the conference poster.

Chris Hodgson gave the keynote address at the dinner on Thursday evening. Hodgson, President of the Ontario Mining Association, addressed approximately 160 people under the rubric "A Partner in Prosperity Building". He stated that the OMA's 58 members including operating mines, contractors, suppliers. and others associated with the industry.

The value of mineral production in Ontario in 2007 reached $10.7 billion, producing 31% of Canada's metallic minerals and 22% of the nonmetallic. The year 2007 also saw a record $502 million in exploration and related expenditures.

The Toronto Stock Exchange, he said, is the mine financing capital of the world, having raised 35% of the total world equity capital in 2007. It is also home to 57% of the world's listed mining companies.

Hodgson pointed out that the average operating mine purchases 43% of its goods and services "within a mile of the headframe", or at worst within an hour's drive of the mine.
The reality today, he said, includes the uncertain state of the current commodity markets, and fact that so many mining companies operate on a global scale, and invest only where they are welcome.

However, he continued, "Strong demand from growing nations will keep metal prices healthy for years
to come."

Hodgson described mining as "an energy-intensive industry" Energy prices continue to rise even though the industry has made great strides in achieving energy efficiency. Co-generation is one solution. Therefore, he said, "A megawatt saved should be as valuable as a megawatt generated." Hodgson alluded to the Ontario government's initiative to modernize the Mining Act, stating that it was imperative to strike a balance between social aspirations and a healthy industry. As for Premier McGinty's initiative to develop a land use strategy for the Far North, he said, "If we get this right, it would be a marvelous achievement."

Hodgson referred to the problem of growing the industry's workforce. "If employers have difficulty now in recruiting, we'll have a disaster in five years." He suggested some directions in which to look: youth, immigrants, and women. "The group that will solve our problem," he said, "is women." Women represent 13% of the industry's workforce, but the industry needs at least 25% representation. "People think of workers at the face of the rock [in a mine]. It's an image problem." He suggested that there are many other opportunities in mining.

In conclusion, Hodgson emphasized that mining has a bright future, not the least because industry, governments, NGO's (specifically environmental groups), and First Nations appear to be pulling in the same direction. The writer conducted interviews with some key people. A Co-Chair of the Conference stated, "We wanted to create a learning opportunity for NOACC members as well as people in the mining and business community." Ian McCormack added, "We felt that First Nation communities and individuals should have and can have opportunities in that industry." NOACC's goal was to present "strategic perspectives" rather than to debate issues.

Co-Chair Barry Streib envisaged a series of annual conferences. Streib, President of NOACC, said, "In our next phase, I'd like to see a more global perspective." This phase would involve invitations to the mining sector all across Canada as well as beyond our country's borders. He stated that this conference, having 150 registered delegates, had met its attendance target.

One of the presenters, Terry Waboose, Deputy Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), spoke to the writer by phone. "Part of our mandate and job," he said, "is to educate . . . the broader community, including industry and governments and municipalities." His goal as presenter was to give the perspective of First Nations on their relationships to government and the mining sector. He remarked that he had received positive feedback: "My message was well received." Outside the conference proper, the Province of Ontario and Matawa First Nations held a press conference late Friday morning in order to sign a letter of intent. Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines, represented the government. The letter documented the common goal of developing a protocol on traditional Matawa lands. Speaking to the writer, Waboose (NAN) commented, "It is a milestone because it opens up that dialogue with government for those First Nations that did sign."

 

On October 24, the representatives of Matawa First Nations sign a letter of intent with
Michael Gravelle (right), Minister for MNDM.
Third from right is Chief Scott Jacob of Webequie First Nation, also a conference presenter.

 

On October 24, the representatives of Matawa First Nations sign a letter of intent with Michael Gravelle (right), Minister for MNDM. Third from right is Chief Scott Jacob
of Webequie First Nation, also a conference presenter.

Speaking to the writer, Streib (NOACC) had previously remarked, "We're all partners in this thing whether we think we are or not."

 

The Prospect North conference, an intiative of NOACC and MNDM, was also supported by the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce and OMA.

 

The above story was published in the Times Star, a community weekly based in Geraldton, Ontario, on November 12, 2008.
by Edgar J. Lavoie