EDITORIAL & OPINION — COMMENTARY — The many benefits of mining

During the past few months, I spent many enjoyable evenings watching some of the most talented hockey players in the world battle for the Stanley Cup. Although few fans think about it, the game would not be possible without the Canadian mining industry. Our hockey heroes not only rely on skate blades made of complex alloys; they handle the puck with sticks made from graphite.

Hockey is just one example of the impact the Canadian mining industry has on our lives. Without our mining industry, we would not only lose the roof over our heads, we would lose our entire home — bricks, tiles, pipes, drywall, paint, carpets and windows. All of these materials contain vital components that are produced by the mining and mineral-processing industry.

A trip to the beach would not be the same without the Canadian mining industry: zinc is an essential component of sunscreen. And photographs could not be taken, developed or printed without silver. In fact, mineral products are responsible for many of our leisure activities. Television sets contain more than 30 minerals and metals; compact discs require aluminum; many musical instruments are cast from brass or metal alloys; and speakers wouldn’t work without vibrating magnets.

Mining not only gives us the tools to make our lives enjoyable; it also helps make our world a cleaner, healthier place to live. The lime that is mined from the ground is used to treat industrial waste water and control air pollution; and platinum helps reduce the harmful emissions from automobiles.

As a policymaker, I often think about the economic impact our mining industry has on my life and the lives of my constituents. We must not forget the fundamental role mineral and metal products play. We must continue to inform people, especially those who live far from mining towns, how important mining is to them. For without their support, this vital industry might one day disappear.

— The author is member of Parliament for the Ontario riding of Whitby-Ajax. She wrote this column at the request of Mining Works for Canada, an organization designed to increase awareness of the importance of mining in this country.