Letters to the Editor Another vote for a Hall of Fame

As a son of a well-known prospector, I’m very concerned that we are losing a vital part of our mining heritage; our prospector. The prospector’s role in the industry today has changed dramatically since the late 1950s. Up to 86% of the mines found in Canada prior to 1950, were the result of prospector discoveries. However, for different reasons, the number of active prospectors today is dwindling, with our oldtimers not being replaced.

The modern-day prospector still has a vital role to play in the discovery of new deposits. Using a more sophisticated approach, new discoveries will have to be made under our ever-present cover of overburden. Prospecting will be vastly different. Gone are the grub hoe, the gold pan, the mortar and pestle, the bannock, the hand steel and all the old stories that go with each discovery. Our oldtimers for the most part were low profile, shy individuals who shunned publicity.

I believe sincerely that the mining industry should institute a “Hall of Fame” for our oldtime prospectors. The Hall of Fame, which would be administered by a committee of prominent mining personalities in the industry, would be comprised of past prospectors who made significant contributions to the development of the mining industry as we know it today. A history of their achievements, some interesting stories, pictures and old artifacts could be placed on display for interested viewers.

The prospector has been such an important player in the development of our mining industry and up to now we’ve done little to recognize him. A Hall of Fame would add immensely to preserving this heritage. Nelson W. Baker West Hill, Ont.