The Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada’s Minister of State (Science and Technology) and for FedNor and Minister responsible for the Ring of Fire, today delivered the opening remarks at the 23rd World Mining Congress on behalf of the Honourable Joe Oliver, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources. While addressing the 1,500 delegates from around the globe, Minister Rickford highlighted the importance of mining to the Canadian economy.
 

“A strong and healthy mining sector has been, and will continue to be, crucial to securing and creating jobs for Canadians and ensuring the growth and long-term prosperity of our communities,” said Minister Rickford. “Our Government has made it a priority to put in place the conditions necessary for the mining industry to continue to grow and thrive in a responsible way, for the benefit of Canadians today and future generations.”
 

There are more than 200 active mines in Canada, producing more than 60 minerals and metals. Canada’s mineral exports were valued at close to $93 billion in 2012, which accounts for more than one-fifth of Canada’s total exports.
 

Canada’s mining sector creates employment opportunities across the country in urban and rural areas alike. Nearly 330,000 Canadians are employed in the mining and mineral processing industries. The mining sector is also an important employer of Aboriginal Canadians.
 

“We are committed to supporting mining research and positioning Canada as a world leader in science and technology, for the benefit of communities across the country,” added Minister Rickford. “We continue to pursue the technological innovations that are making our industry grow and become more competitive in both economic and environmental terms, and we continue to seek out new resources.”
 

Federal Government programs such as the Geo-Mapping for Energy and Minerals program and the Targeted Geoscience Initiative are providing the public geoscience needed to make informed land-use and resource-management decisions.

The Government of Canada is also working closely with industry on the Green Mining Initiative to reduce the mining sector’s environmental footprint and to position Canada as a global leader in responsible mining development