1. Problems in the Mining Industry

2. Environmental Impact  Air and Water Pollution  Emissions from the mining, smelting and transportation of minerals results in tons of toxic waste entering the air and water systems  Acid Precipitation  The toxic gasses in the air return to Earth encased in raindrops, snowflakes, etc.  This toxic precipitation causes further water and land pollution, and erodes buildings  Six of the top 10 biggest polluters in North America are Canadian smelters (Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba)

3. Abandoned Mines  When the ore body is exhausted, or the mineral quality no longer is profitable, the mine is shut down  The pit or shaft is simply abandoned to the elements – they look terrible and are incredibly dangerous  Now regulations require that mining operations provide a mitigating effect when they close a mine

4. Exporting Jobs  Over 50% of the minerals mined in Canada are exported as ore to other countries  That means that the smelting jobs go to those countries  It also means that the other country buys our ore cheaply, adds a bit of processing (smelting and refining) and ends up with a product of far greater value, adding to their GDP rather than Canada’s

5. External Influences  Downturns in other economies can result in a downturn in Canadian mining as they can not afford to buy the ore  Developing nations are discovering their own reserves, so do not need to buy from Canada  Much of our mining industry is foreign- owned, so economic difficulties in those countries negatively affect their ability to invest, expand or even maintain Canadian operations

6. Social Concerns  Towns are often completely dependent on the mine for their livelihood  If the mine is in financial trouble, the income of the townspeople is affected, so the overall economy is affected  If the mine closes up, an entire community is destroyed as they will have to leave (often losing great amounts of money on their homes and businesses)