Survey reveals Canadians want mining in Canada!

A survey suggests Canadians understand problems faced by the Canadian mining industry.

The survey, by Decima Research, was commissioned by “Keep Mining in Canada” (KMIC), a group launched in September by the Mining Association of Canada. Its objective is to help reverse the decline in mineral exploration and investment in Canada.

Highlights of the poll are as follows:

* More than 80% of Canadians think it is important the federal government create a favorable climate for investment in mining.

* More than 40% of Canadians know mining investment is declining in Canada. * About 65% believe that, unless government acts soon, the mining industry will leave the country by continuing to invest in other parts of the world. * Almost 95% think it is important that Canadian companies invest in future mines by exploring domestically rather than in other countries. “Without encouraging exploration for mineral deposits in Canada, our proven reserves will continue to decline”, said Maureen Jensen, an “ambassador” for the KMIC campaign and president of Noble Peak Resources (ASE). Another KMIC ambassador, Wayne Spilsbury, vice-president of the exploration unit of Teck (TSE), added:

“In spite of our rich mineral endowment, Canada is perceived by mining investors as an increasingly difficult place to do business. Non-profit taxes are increasing, environmental assessment and approval processes are onerous and unpredictable, the regulatory framework is complicated, and land access is decreasing for exploration and development.”

When asked about mine reclamation funds and the designation of park lands, Canadians, although supportive of these environmental initiatives, were pragmatic in their responses.

In the survey, 86% support the principle of reclamation, but 59% believe the government should allow deductions from payments into reclamation funds to promote investment in new mines.

Also, 83% think it is important to check for mineral deposits when considering setting aside land. And if “large, valuable” deposits are discovered, mining and other land uses should coexist, according to 63% of respondents.

“Changes in tax treatment of reclamation funds and more balanced processes for land use planning are two of the five government actions which the industry is calling for, in its 10-point plan,” added Jensen. “The industry itself is already working hard to ensure its own future.”

As a result, the KMIC campaign proposed a 10-point plan of joint government and industry action to ensure mining has a long-term future in Canada. In an interview with The Northern Miner, Jensen said “results of the survey show the welfare of the mining industry is not just the concern of one special interest group but (is) a concern for all Canadians, from coast to coast.”

She added that the KMIC campaign complements the new Liberal government’s mining policy address, issued two weeks before the Oct. 25 federal election.