COMMENTARY — Supporting mining in Canada

Mining has a bright future in Canada, but only if the right steps are taken to support the industry at this crucial time, says Michael Hitch, a geologist with Vancouver-based Teck.

One major concern is the decline in exploration activities, says Hitch, who has been crisscrossing British Columbia on speaking engagements as part of the “Keep Mining in Canada” campaign.

“In talking to Canadians, I find that people are amazed when I describe how varied our geology is and how many jobs mineral mining can produce,” he says. “If we can devote the resources that are needed to take a mine from the first `grub stake’ through all the stages of exploration and development to the final mine facility, we can create skilled, long-term employment. That message goes down as well in government as it does in mining communities.” Hitch is quick to point out that government efforts to map and identify geological resources have already produced an extensive research base for critical exploration work. However, while at one time the work being done by governments in this area was “spectacular,” the level of activity seems to be dropping off, he concedes.

He would like to see that work return to its previous levels so that Canada can continue to boast a geologic record that is the envy of other nations. In order for Canada to build on this tradition, Hitch, along with others involved in the Keep Mining in Canada campaign, is calling for government action to support exploration activities. In particular, the campaign is calling for an appropriate incentive to stimulate grassroots mineral exploration.

Whether it is through a research and development tax credit or other carefully constructed incentives, Hitch says it is in Canada’s interest to help reduce the risks and boost exploration of Canada’s resources. “This is one step we need to take immediately so that we can begin to build confidence again in the future of mining in Canada,” he says. Keep Mining in Canada is a national grassroots campaign designed to increase public awareness of mining matters and to encourage governments to take action on key mining policy issues.