Publisher’s note: The Northern Miner’s commitment to independent reporting

For over a century, The Northern Miner has stood as a pillar of journalism within the mining and metals industry. We recognize the vital role that mining plays in the progress of civilization, and we believe in its importance. However, mining’s future, and indeed its integrity, depend on transparent, fact-based reporting — even when the truth includes mine failures. 

Our recent comprehensive coverage of the Victoria Gold mine failure sparked a negative reaction from a few in our industry. And while I appreciate the time that some took to express their opinion, I found a common thread in this critique troubling. The basis for the criticism was our inclusion of quotes from people who work at the mine itself — not from NGOs nor anti-mining activists, but from those on the ground. It was my hope that such feedback would serve as a reminder that the mining industry extends far beyond the boardroom. The workers onsite — the very individuals whose livelihoods are at stake in moments like these — are, after all, the lifeblood of the industry.  

As the president of The Northern Miner, it is my responsibility to ensure that the relevant and reasonable voices that make up this great industry are heard. I will not waver in that commitment. I am proud of our editors and reporters for seeking out these voices. In this particular case, the rare decision was made to use unnamed sources. We believed that the fear those sources (in most cases workers at the mine) expressed that speaking on the record would jeopardize their future employment was very real. 

We tested the claims of our sources, and ensured they were backed up by another source or by some form of documentation. One quote we used didn’t comply with our standards because it was from a third party we didn’t interview, so we retracted it with an explanation. We also edited some early stories to paraphrase some quotes, recognizing that more conservative use of quotes was warranted. However, we believe our reporting was fair and factual and to this date, I have not been presented with any evidence to the contrary. 

I believe in this industry, and I want to see it reach its full potential. In a sector where many other publications self-censor or allow companies to kill unfavourable stories, I believe   that strong journalism makes the industry stronger. True accountability — the kind that comes from top-level reporting — builds resilience. When we care about something, we don’t cover up its flaws. Just as good parenting requires discipline alongside praise, a thriving industry requires honest critique alongside celebration. 

Anthony Vaccaro,

president of The Northern Miner Group