Mining Sequence

Mining Information Kit for Aboriginal Communities

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Introduction

Welcome to the Mining Information Kit for Aboriginal Communities.

Mining has been part of the North American economy for centuries. Not only did Aboriginal people use native rocks, they also recovered from these rocks materials that had a variety of uses including tools, weapons, and decorative objects. They mined rocks for native copper, flint, chert, siltstone, obsidian and ochre. Copper was used in the making of spear points for fi shing and harpoons. Flint was used for starting fire and the manufacturing of knives, scrapers, spear points and arrowheads. Red ochre was used to paint stories on rock faces throughout North America. Aboriginal people had an extensive trade network and traded these materials throughout the Americas. To varying degrees, the recovery and use of minerals have always been part of Aboriginal culture.

Mining continues to be an important part of Aboriginal culture. Today, Aboriginal employment and participation in mining have reached unprecedented levels. However, there are still many opportunities to be realized by Aboriginal communities. This Information Kit was developed to help Aboriginal communities better understand the mining cycle and to identify the many opportunities that mining can bring to communities. There are opportunities for relationship building between Aboriginal communities and the mining industry, opportunities for communities to build capacity, opportunities for meaningful participation throughout the mining cycle, and the potential for signifi cant economic and business growth.

Canada is one of the largest mining nations in the world, producing more than 60 minerals and metals. At the start of 2005, over 200 producing mining establishments (metal, nonmetal and coal mines), more than 3000 stone quarries and sand & gravel pits, and about 50 nonferrous smelters & refi neries and steel mills were operating in Canada. The five most important minerals in terms of 2005 estimates of Canadian production value were nickel ($3.3 billion), potash ($2.8 billion), copper ($2.5 billion), gold ($2.0 billion), and diamonds ($1.7 billion).

The goal of this Information Kit is to increase the ability of Aboriginal people to understand and participate in exploration and mining-related activities.

The Information Kit structure is designed to explain the mining cycle – from prospecting and exploration – through mining operations – to mine closure and reclamation. It contains four modules that match the main phases of the mining cycle (refer to Appendix I). They are: Mineral Exploration, Mine Development, Mine Operation, and Mine Closure.

The modules work together, but can also be used separately. Although there is some duplication from module to module, this is done to allow each module to be used on a stand-alone basis. Also, there is a glossary of terms at the end of this publication that provides defi nitions for words that are bolded in the text.

Within each of the four main modules, there are five common topic areas. They are:

• Overview: explains the purpose, main activities and key participants during each phase of the mining cycle.
• Acts and Regulations: identifies the general regulatory requirements, laws, and licences and permits that apply during each phase of the mining cycle.
• Environmental and Social Impacts: identifi es the most likely impacts on people and the environment that a community may experience during each phase of the mining cycle. Ideas for monitoring, lessening impacts (mitigation), and community input are included.
• Community Employment and Other Economic Opportunities: identifi es the many different economic and business opportunities that may be available to Aboriginal communities as a result of mining activity. This section also has ideas on how Aboriginal communities can build capacity (knowledge, skills, opportunity).
• Community Experiences: provides examples of strategies and success stories of Aboriginal communities dealing with the challenges of mineral resource development. It includes examples of Aboriginal-industry leading practices.

With a greater understanding of mineral activities and the mining cycle, there is increased opportunity for Aboriginal participation in mining.

The idea for the development of an Information Kit came as a recommendation resulting from a national survey of Aboriginal communities near mining projects conducted by the Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association. The project partners include:

• Natural Resources Canada
• Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
• Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada
• The Mining Association of Canada
• Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association

This Information Kit is designed to be received and used as a complementary tool to existing instruments and as a living document. Discussion and feedback are welcome and will help expand and enrich future editions.