Mining and its supporting industries will continue to be important economic drivers in many of Canada’s Northern regions throughout the next decade. However, mining is a cyclical, non-renewable resource industry. How can its immense potential contribute to the balanced economic growth of Canada as a nation and to the sustainable prosperity of Canada’s North? How can mining projects benefit local and Aboriginal communities? And what is needed to ensure that development is carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner? This report examines these questions to provide a better understanding of the factors that need to be understood and evaluated throughout the life cycle of a mine.

The end result is an economic outlook for the mining industry till 2020, supplemented with a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities faced by industry proponents. The report’s findings provide policy-makers, industry leaders, and communities with insight on steps that can be taken to support the future of sustainable mining in Canada’s North.

Executive Summary

Chapter 1—Introduction

• Methodology

Chapter 2—Canada’s Northern Mining Potential to the Year 2020

• Global Markets and Long-Term Trends
• A Global Overview of the Mining Industry
• Mining in Canada

Chapter 3—Business Factors Related to Mining Development

• Corporate Fiscal Environment
• Regulatory Regimes
• Aboriginal Rights
• Infrastructure, Supply Chains, and Market Access
• Attracting, Developing, and Retaining Skilled Workers

Chapter 4—Impacts and Benefits of Mining for Northern Communities

• Mining and Northern Communities: Times Have Changed
• Relationship Building: Creating Partnerships and Trust With Northern Communities
• Adverse Effects of Mining on Northern Communities
• Future Steps Toward Improved Northern Community Net Benefits

Chapter 5—Addressing Environmental Stewardship and the Impacts of Mining

• Mining and the Environment: A Historical Perspective
• Mining’s Potential Environmental Impacts
• Approaches Toward Environmental Sustainability

Chapter 6—Creating a Sustainable Future: What Happens After a Mine Closes?

• Minimizing the Environmental Impacts of Mine Closure
• Understanding the Impacts of Mine Closure on Northern Communities
• Identifying Community Business Opportunities and Challenges After Closure
• The Roles of Mining Companies and Governments in Mine Transition
• Assisting Mining Workers With Closure
• A Sustainable Future for Mining in Canada’s North?

Chapter 7—Conclusion and Recommendations

• Recommendations

Appendix A—Bibliography