Minerals
Canada is one of the largest mining nations in the world, producing more than 60
minerals and metals, a leading producer and exporter of minerals and mineral-based
products.
Exports of minerals and mineral-based products averaging 15% of Canada’s total domestic
exports. (These figures include all minerals and mineral products, excluding oil
and gas.)
In 2005, Canada’s minerals and metals industry employed about 388 000 men and women:
approximately 45 000 were employed in mining, 84 000 in primary metal manufacturing,
and 259 000 in nonmetal and fabricated metal manufacturing. Canada’s mining industry
provides some of the highest weekly earnings in the economy, averaging almost $1100.
In comparison, weekly earnings in the Canadian economy average just over $700. Canada’s
minerals and metals industry ranks among the top 10 in GDP per worker.
At the start of 2006 almost 200 producing establishments (metal, nonmetal, including
peat bogs and coal mines), over 3000 stone quarries and sand and gravel pits, and
about 50 nonferrous smelters, refineries and steel mills were operating in Canada.
There are more than 1000 mining companies listed on Canadian stock exchanges, more
than in any other country. In 2003, Canadian mining companies raised close to $6
billion in equity financing, more than 45% of the world total.
Source:
GovCan
Natural Resources