September 14, 2011 – Republic of Mining

Are Ontario political party pronouncements echoing OMA’s vision for the future of mining?

September 14, 2011

This article was provided by the Ontario Mining Association (OMA), an organization that was established in 1920 to represent the mining industry of the province.

As we move closer to October 6 election day in Ontario, it is encouraging to see mining being part of the platform of all major parties. Many of the topics and positions being presented by the Liberals, Progressive Conservatives and New Democrats seem to reflect the OMA’s plan for the future of mining in Ontario. Last week, the OMA presented each party’s’ views on mining, however, the issues continue to develop. The full text of the OMA’s vision for the future “Action Plan for Ontario: Taking Advantage of a Critical Window of Opportunity” can be found on the OMA website www.oma.on.ca.

The Liberal document “Plan for Northern Ontario” has a lot of mining content. The OMA’s paper calls for “balancing conservation and development targets” and the establishment of a target for new mines in Ontario to demonstrate a commitment to the future success of the industry. The Liberal platform says “at least six mines are reopening and four new mines are expected to open by the end of 2012 and we’ll open at least eight new mines in the next 10 years.”

The OMA would like to see an engaged Ontario government working with the federal government, industry and First Nations to cut approval and permitting time lines in half. While the Progressive Conservatives and NDP have supported permitting improvements, the Liberals have said “we’ll also work to ensure the federal government is at the table for Northern communities and First Nations in planning for smart development of the Ring of Fire.

NEWS RELEASE: Resource nationalism tops miners’ risk list for 2011: Ernst & Young

September 14, 2011

Mining and metals companies contend with supply constraints, volatility

(Vancouver, 13 September 2011) Resource nationalism tops the mining and metals risks list while supply capacity issues like skills shortage, capital allocation and infrastructure access continue to dominate the business agenda, according to Ernst & Young’s annual report Business risks facing mining and metals 2011–2012 .

“This year we’re seeing resource nationalism take the form of greater controls on foreign investment, mandated beneficiation, use-it-or-lose-it demands and authorized government participation,” says Tom Whelan, Leader of Ernst & Young’s national mining and metals practice. “What originally began as a way for mineral-rich countries to repair and replace lost revenue from the downturn has become a way for governments to manage the effects of a two-speed economy.”

In the past 12–18 months, approximately 25 countries have increased or announced intentions to increase their government take through taxes or royalties. South Africa’s new royalty regime, Ghana’s plans to double royalties and the Australian government’s proposed minerals resource rent tax are just a few examples of upcoming legislation that could impact investor decisions.

[Canada] Two faced on asbestos – by Lorne Gunter (National Post – September 14, 2011)

September 14, 2011

The National Post is Canada’s second largest national paper.

June was a very wet month in Edmonton. It rained nearly every day. Sometimes, it poured. And sometimes when it poured, it also blew – hard. Near the end of the month, rain fell for three days straight, while the wind gusted at times from 90 to 110 kilometres per hour.

The downspout from the upper roof of our home emptied onto the lower roof, from where the precipitation rippled across the shingles, disappeared into the eaves, down the pipe attached to the bricks next to the family room window and out onto the lawn.

In the middle of the night on the third straight day of rain, all the water and wind that had played on the roof over all the years succeeded in lifting the corner of one or two shingles. First a little rain, then a lot, snuck under the protective, overlapping asphalt tiles and leaked into our family room through the pot lights in the ceiling.

Around 5: 00 a.m., as the sun was rising on the upper side of the clouds, I was awakened by a dripping sound. Climbing down the stairs, I found some of the rain that should have been running out onto the lawn falling by drips and spoonfuls onto the rug in two places, as well as onto the middle of a large, overstuffed ottoman.

Investment needed to ensure returns on Quebec’s Plan Nord – by Bertrand Marotte (Globe and Mail – September 14, 2011)

September 14, 2011

The Globe and Mail is Canada’s national newspaper with the second largest broadsheet circulation in the country. It has enormous influence on Canada’s political and business elite.

MONTREAL— Companies stand to benefit from the anticipated mining boom in northern Quebec, but they need to start building the right infrastructure projects now to capitalize on the opportunity.

The Quebec government’s ambitious $80-billion, 25-year plan to open up the vast, remote northern region of the province requires that they play a much more hands-on role in the critical development of infrastructure.

“It’s important for mining companies to be pro-active in the decision-making process because there is a need for good preparation and for clear outline of public sector-private sector responsibilities such as who will be in charge of road maintenance over the long term,” said Daniel Roth, Ernst & Young’s head of the Montreal-based infrastructure advisory service.

Infrastructure access has become more of an issue for mining companies around the world in the past year, Ernst & Young says in its annual report on the business risks facing the mining and metals sector.

Rocks, trees … medical research? Thunder Bay aims to reinvent itself – by Gordon Pitts (Globe and Mail – September 13, 2011)

September 14, 2011

The Globe and Mail is Canada’s national newspaper with the second largest broadsheet circulation in the country. It has enormous influence on Canada’s political and business elite.

THUNDER BAY – Rory Carrillo grew up loving his native California for its heady brew of ideas and people, and the moderate weather that allowed him to train year-round as a triathlete. Yet three months ago, this son of Los Angeles washed up on the shores of Lake Superior – in the blue-collar Northern Ontario city of Thunder Bay.

“I wanted to go some place different,” said Mr. Carrillo, 28, and few places could be more different than Thunder Bay, a city with a ravaged forestry industry, a proud but underused port, and long cold winters.

Mr. Carrillo is the new face of Thunder Bay, as it strives to pull off a near-impossible task for a once resource-dominated economy – to reinvent itself as a place where brains rather than commodities are the building blocks.

He has what The Lakehead desperately wants – knowledge, specifically medical-technology knowledge. He has a masters in biomedical engineering, and five years experience with a big medical devices firm in San Francisco.

NEWS RELEASE: International Indigenous Summit on Energy and Mining (June 29, 2011)

September 14, 2011

Joint Statement: Assembly of First Nations and the National Congress of American Indians

Today, across North America, unprecedented opportunities exist to develop the energy and mining resources on Indigenous lands in ways determined by the First Peoples of these lands. The work and collaboration of Indigenous peoples must grow to ensure responsible development, as driven by Indigenous peoples and governments, meets the growing global demand for natural resources and energy.

This week, over 800 Indigenous leaders and citizens, representatives from government and industry from across North America and around the world, gathered in Niagara Falls, Ontario for the first-ever International Indigenous Summit on Energy and Mining.

Hosted by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the three-day Summit, which closed today, featured presentations, dialogue and discussions on key topics in resource development such as international partnerships and trade opportunities, sustainable and responsible resource development, free prior and informed consent, green energy, education and labour force development and the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“This is truly an exciting time for Indigenous peoples in Canada and around the world,” said AFN National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo.

Resource Development and Indigenous Peoples: Finding the path to co-operation – by Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo

September 14, 2011

This speech by Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo was given at the Joint Law Society of Upper Canada and Indigenous Bar Association Luncheon on September 9, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario.

“Environmental groups and industry have far too often
rushed to impose their values and their views on our
interests…. Permit me to lay out a new path for you:
a path that guards Indigenous economic interests, our
rights, and our sacred commitment to the health of the
planet. A plan that is confident in our ability to be
major players, and one that is optimistic about creating
hope and opportunity for our children and their children.”
(AFN National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo)

Resource Development and Indigenous Peoples: Finding the path to co-operation (September 9, 2011)

First of all, I want to thank the Law Society of Upper Canada and the Indigenous Bar Association – President Margaret Froh for the kind invitation to speak to you today.

Today, I want to challenge all of us to set aside some misconceptions and false choices.

I’d like to set out for you a path of cooperation as opposed to conflict, and to envision a future of mutually supportive commitments to economic development and governance.

NEWS RELEASE: LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY JOINS FORCES WITH CANADIAN MINING EXECUTIVE – Terry MacGibbon announced as the new Chair of the Next 50 Campaign

September 14, 2011September 14, 2011

Terry MacGibbon, Chairman of Quadra FNX Mining Ltd. and Chair of Laurentian University’s Next 50 Campaign; Nawojka Wachowiak, Vice President, Investor Relations Quadra FNX Mining Ltd; Paul M. Blythe, President and CEO Quadra FNX Mining Ltd.; Tracy MacLeod, Laurentian University Campaign Director Development Office; Dominic Giroux, Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor

Toronto, ON (September 14th, 2011) On Tuesday evening, at Toronto’s National Club, an audience comprised of some of the biggest names in the mining industry listened as Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux and Paul Blythe, president and CEO of Quadra FNX Mining Ltd., introduced Terry MacGibbon, Chairman of Quadra FNX Mining Company as the new Chair of the university’s Next 50 Campaign. To date, the campaign has raised $39 million of its $50 million goal.

“I am honoured to accept this important position and to be a part of the development of a university that I believe is on the cusp of greatness,” said MacGibbon. “Laurentian’s bold plans for the future speak to its desire to set the pace for educational excellence in Canada, and projects like the newly-announced Laurentian School of Mines and the Laurentian School of Architecture will surely attract some of the country’s brightest, most ambitious young minds. I fully support Laurentian in its mission to provide these individuals with the highest quality educational experience available and am committed to helping the Next 50 Campaign reach its goal.”