The mining and the mineral industry is an enormous and vital contributor to the Canadian economy, as the following figures make clear: 3.7 percent of the national gross domestic product (GDP) is contributed by the mining and mineral processing industries; over 380,000 people are employed in the mining and mineral processing industries; average weekly earnings in the mining industry are over $1 000; 13.3 percent of total exports are provided by minerals and mineral products; 80 percent of mineral and metal production is exported.

 

Canada is ranked second in the world in exploration investment; and 113 Canadian communities have mining as the major source of economic activity. Such an overview, however, does not tell the whole story. Besides affecting our national livelihood, mining has a direct impact on some of the most important aspects of our everyday lives.