I THINK MINING

Just arrived is FACTS + FIGURES 2010, A Report on the State of the Canadian Mining Industry.   This document will be essential reading for all in Canada who are involved in or who seek to enter the Canadian Mining Industry.  It should be required reading for all who oppose mining in Canada or mining elsewhere by Canadians.  Even MiningWatch has to quote these impressive numbers:

Facts & Figures 2010 underscores the importance of the industry to the Canadian economy. The sector contributed $32 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2009 and employed 307,000 workers. Importantly, the industry provided business to over 3200 companies supplying goods and services ranging from engineering and geotechnical services to drilling and processing equipment.

My copy of the report, downloaded from the link provided above says 306,00 workers.  Either way an impressive number.  Here are some additional facts from the report:

• The mining industry paid around $5.5 billion in taxes and royalties to federal, provincial, and territorial governments in 2009.
• Canada attracts 16% of global exploration spending.
• The mining industry accounts for 19% of Canadian export goods.
• Over half the freight revenues of Canadian railroads are generated by the mining industry.
• There are an estimated 1,000 Canadian exploration companies active in over 100 countries.
• There are an estimated 120 agreements in place between mining companies and aboriginal communities.
• Overt he past 20 years, the value of minerals and metals to Canada’s economy has remained in the range of 3.0% to 4.5% of the country’s GDP.
• At the end of 2009, there were 961 mining establishments in Canada, including 71 in metals and 890 in non-metals.
• Quebec has the largest number of metal mines with 24, followed by Ontario with 16, and British Columbia with 12. 
• Canadian mineral production was valued at $32.2 billion in 2009: of which $6.3 B was ion Ontario; $6.2 B in Quebec; and $5.7 B in BC.

The report contains in is 112 pages far more information than a mere blogger need summarize or comment on.  Suffice it to say there are realms of fascinating and impressive data.  Download a copy and set aside an hour or two to delve into the details.