Letters to the Editor Miner’s library should stay open

I regret to learn of the decision by The Northern Miner to close its library to the public which was recently announced in your paper. The library is an extremely important source of information to those conducting research into the past history of companies and properties. The files contain copies of prospectuses, engineering reports and other data which can be obtained from no other source or without much difficulty. For instance the Ontario Securities Commission recently purged its files, and much information has been lost as a result. In addition, the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines is moving much of its information to Sudbury, making it inconvenient for people in southern Ontario to gain access. Ironically, The Northern Miner opposed this decision as being contrary to the interests of the exploration industry. While it is true that information will still be available by writing to The Northern Miner, thorough investigation cannot be done by mail but requires “hands- on” access to the files.

I am sure you will agree that past history on companies and properties is an important foundation for future projects and without which they may often not proceed. Undoubtedly, there are certain expenses and inconveniences to The Northern Miner in providing public access to the files. However, I believe these are outweighed by the benefits to the exploration industry from public access. I hope that The Northern Miner will reconsider this decision. William Manderson Milton, Ont.