{"id":30407,"date":"2023-02-27T09:10:42","date_gmt":"2023-02-27T09:10:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/?p=30407"},"modified":"2023-05-12T13:30:34","modified_gmt":"2023-05-12T12:30:34","slug":"the-future-of-mining-in-newfoundland-and-labrador","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.innovationnewsnetwork.com\/the-future-of-mining-in-newfoundland-and-labrador\/30407\/","title":{"rendered":"The future of mining in Newfoundland and Labrador"},"content":{"rendered":"
Located in Canada\u2019s Atlantic region, Newfoundland and Labrador is the easternmost province of the country. Over 15 mineral commodities have been produced or mined in the province, and metal mines are currently in production for iron ore, nickel<\/a>, copper, cobalt, and gold. Currently, there are 11 mining and mineral exploration companies operating in the province, offering high-paying jobs and expenditures that help boost a wide range of income streams throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.<\/p>\n To find out more about Newfoundland and Labrador\u2019s modern mining activity and the potential of the province\u2019s critical minerals industry, The Innovation Platform<\/em> spoke to Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology.<\/p>\n Mining is one of our province\u2019s oldest industries. The first inhabitants of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Maritime Archaic Indians, quarried local stone as early as 7,500 years ago, and the first modern major mining development began in Tilt Cove in 1864.<\/p>\n In recent years, the industry has experienced a real boom, from record high mineral shipments to the highest mineral claim staking activity in decades. As a result, the mineral industry is a key economic driver for the province and a focus for investment attraction efforts. Currently, the provincial mineral industry has 11 mines producing six metal and eight non-metal commodities. The estimated activity for 2022 is projected to result in over C$5.4bn in mineral shipments, C$189m in exploration expenditures, and employment of over 9,000 person years.<\/p>\n The rise of critical minerals presents a real opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador with this province\u2019s tremendous critical mineral potential. Support for exploration is necessary to expand our future critical mineral production and participation in the creation of those products necessary to drive the transition to a green economy.<\/p>\n Globally, critical minerals are generating increased interest due to their role in the transition to a low-carbon and digitised economy. Out of Canada\u2019s 31 critical minerals, the province has potential for 23. In addition to producing nickel, copper, cobalt, fluorspar and antimony, the province has critical minerals with advanced economic studies or resource estimates including rare earth elements<\/a>, copper, tungsten, molybdenum, uranium, vanadium, and zinc.<\/p>\n In December 2022, the province leveraged federal investment of C$5.2m over three years to deliver two new critical mineral initiatives focused on geoscience and exploration activities. As part of this announcement, the province confirmed continuation of C$4.6m in support through its existing Junior Exploration Assistance programme and in-kind supports for critical minerals. These investments will support an airborne geophysical survey programme to help identify areas in the province for potential critical mineral exploration. The surveys will capture data remotely from areas where the geology is not well understood due to poor bedrock exposure. The funding will also provide increased support for eligible junior exploration companies exploring for critical minerals in Newfoundland and Labrador through a new component of the provincial government\u2019s Junior Exploration Assistance Program.<\/p>\nMining is one of Newfoundland and Labrador\u2019s largest and oldest industries. How has this industry developed over the years? What minerals are in focus the most currently?<\/h3>\n
What potential does Newfoundland and Labrador have in Canada\u2019s battery metals supply chain? Why is it an attractive area for investors?<\/h3>\n
How are you supporting critical minerals exploration and development in the province?<\/h3>\n