Each of nine metallic minerals included in an estimate of 1987 mineral output in Canada by the federal department of Energy, Mines and Resources showed an increase in volume of output during the year.
The emr figures show production increases for gold, copper, zinc, nickel, iron ore, uranium, lead, silver and molybdenum in 1987 over 1986. Increases in value were reported by all but iron ore the value of which declined by 6.6%.
Total value of output from the four sectors of the mineral industry — metallic minerals, nonmetallic minerals, structural materials and fuels — reached $36 billion, an increase of more than 11% compared with 1986.
Total metallic minerals output increased in value from $8.8 billion in 1986 to nearly $11 billion in 1987. The greatest contributors to that increase were gold, up 32.8%; copper, up 29.3%; zinc, up 41.1%; and nickel, up 31.6%. The value of output for nonmetallics, which include asbestos, potash and sulphur, declined slightly but remained at about $2.5 billion.
The value of structural materials such as sand and gravel, stone, cement and lime, were up by nearly 13% to $2.6 billion, reflecting the continuing increase in residential housing construction in 1987.
Coal, traditionally classified as a fuel, contributed $1.6 billion to the total value of output. The value of all fuel minerals, including coal, petroleum, natural gas and natural gas byproducts, improved about 6% from 1986 to $20 billion. Changes in the Volume and Value of Output of Leading Minerals in 1987 over 1986
1987 Change Change
Value of in Volume in Value
Production from 1986 from 1986
($ million) (%) (%) Metals
Gold 2242.9 +14.5 +32.8
Copper 1844.6 + 9.8 +29.3
Zinc 1693.7 +34.5 +41.1
Nickel 1288.5 +14.8 +31.6
Iron Ore 1254.2 + 3.8 — 6.6
Uranium 1121.1 +14.8 + 7.6
Lead 412.8 +16.8 +81.3
Silver 373.7 +14.9 +35.9
Molybdenum 92.6 + 2.9 + 2.8
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