Ontario Showcasing Mining Industry at Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Convention

March 7, 2016

Province Opens Ontario Pavilion at Annual International Convention

Ontario is welcoming thousands of delegates attending the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada annual convention and promoting its position as Canada’s leading mining jurisdiction.

Today Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle officially opened the Ontario Pavilion. With 3,000 square-feet of space, Ontario is one of the largest exhibitors at the convention.

Ontario’s mining industry is an economic driver and the province continues to be a mineral development leader in Canada. Recent accomplishments for the industry include:

• Leading Canada in exploration spending with over $390 million in expenditures in 2015, nearly one-quarter of Canada’s total,
• $10.8 billion in mineral production last year, almost double the 2003 level, and
• Operating 42 mines, making Ontario Canada’s largest producer of non fuel minerals.

The government has taken action to ensure Ontario’s mining sector remains strong and able to compete in a highly competitive global market, including:

• Releasing a renewed Mineral Development Strategy in December 2015, outlining how Ontario will become the global leader in sustainable mineral development, and
• Investing $5 million in a new Junior Exploration Assistance Program to help junior companies proceed with exploration projects in Ontario.

Supporting the province’s mines and minerals sector is part of the government’s economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history and investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

QUICK FACTS

• More than 20,000 attendees from over 100 countries are expected to attend the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada annual convention which runs March 6-9, 2016 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
• Ontario has about 25 per cent of mining sector jobs in Canada. In 2014, the total number of direct jobs in mineral production in Ontario was 26,000, and 50,000 jobs in related manufacturing and processing industries.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Ontario’s Mineral Development Strategy
• PDAC