New board for New Brunswick Mining Association

John Martin, mine manager at Health Steele Mines, was recently named the new president of the New Brunswick Mining Association (NBMA).

Martin says the province’s mining industry enjoyed generally positive results over the past year because of improved prices, a favorable exchange rate and productivity gains. But he noted that the industry still faces many challenges, particularly from offshore competitors.

“Industry and governments must work together to ensure the continued contribution of this vital segment of our provincial economy,” Martin says.

NBMA members account for more than 85% of the value of provincial mineral production, which was $885 million in 1994. In terms of production value, the industry is the second largest sector of the provincial economy.

The mining industry directly employs more than 4,000 people in New Brunswick, and it contributes significantly to the wealth generated by the province, accounting for more than 8.9% of provincial exports.

Donald Roberts, general manager of the Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan was named the first vice-president of the NBMA, while Jean Desrosiers of Brunswick Mining and Smelting was named second vice-president.