Our country’s profound connection with the mining industry was once again highlighted earlier this month with the release of a new report by National Resources Canada.
Last year, the minerals sector contributed a whopping $72 billion to Canada’s GDP, the report said, with gold leading the way ($8.7B) as the most valuable mineral. Copper, Potash, Iron Ore, Nickel and other resources also ranked highly on the list.
You can read the report here.
Mining remains one of Canada’s most important economic drivers and a key source of employment, especially among the Aboriginal population.
In fact, this sector employs thousands of Aboriginals each year, making up more than 10% of its overall workforce.
The mineral sector has an important international benefit, as well. In 2017, roughly $1.1 billion, or about 14% of all global exploration spending, found its way to Canada. That positions Canada as the world leader in attracting this form of investment. Meanwhile, Canada exports 60 different mineral commodities to over 100 countries in the world.
According to a recent World Bank Report – “The Growing Role of Minerals and Metals for a Low-Carbon Future.”- a dramatic rise in mineral exploration is needed to achieve a greener future with alternative energy methods.