Problems in the Mining Industry

1. Problems in the Mining Industry

2. Environmental Impact • Air and Water Pollution • Emissions from the mining, smelting and transportation of minerals results in tons of toxic waste entering the air and water systems • Acid Precipitation • The toxic gasses in the air return to Earth encased in raindrops, snowflakes, etc. • This toxic precipitation causes further water and land pollution, and erodes buildings • Six of the top 10 biggest polluters in North America are Canadian smelters (Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba)

3. Abandoned Mines • When the ore body is exhausted, or the mineral quality no longer is profitable, the mine is shut down • The pit or shaft is simply abandoned to the elements – they look terrible and are incredibly dangerous • Now regulations require that mining operations provide a mitigating effect when they close a mine

4. Exporting Jobs • Over 50% of the minerals mined in Canada are exported as ore to other countries • That means that the smelting jobs go to those countries • It also means that the other country buys our ore cheaply, adds a bit of processing (smelting and refining) and ends up with a product of far greater value, adding to their GDP rather than Canada’s

5. External Influences • Downturns in other economies can result in a downturn in Canadian mining as they can not afford to buy the ore • Developing nations are discovering their own reserves, so do not need to buy from Canada • Much of our mining industry is foreign-owned, so economic difficulties in those countries negatively affect their ability to invest, expand or even maintain Canadian operations

6. Social Concerns • Towns are often completely dependent on the mine for their livelihood • If the mine is in financial trouble, the income of the townspeople is affected, so the overall economy is affected • If the mine closes up, an entire community is destroyed as they will have to leave (often losing great amounts of money on their homes and businesses)