Submitted by the Mining Association of Manitoba

 Manitoba’s mining sector has enormous potential, even beyond that of its neighbors. 

“World markets have changed and there is increased focus on reliable access to critical minerals and metals that is drawing interest to our province,” said Stacy Kennedy, President of the Mining Association of Manitoba Inc. (MAMI) and Head of Manitoba Operations – Vale. “Manitoba has a unique geological environment with vast mineral potential, which includes 30 of the 32 most critical minerals needed for many of the products we rely on in our everyday lives.”

Increased mining in Manitoba will contribute to a more stable supply chain and meet strong local, national, and even global demands. 

“The relative stability of Canada and Manitoba is attracting investment, which in turn will strengthen our industry’s ability to meet this increased demand,” said Kennedy.

The magnitude of Manitoba’s mineral deposits will be pivotal to the provinces ability to grow its economy, foster sustainable communities, and provide rewarding employment opportunities for all Manitobans. These deposits include copper-zinc, gold, nickel, rare metals, and many of the world’s most sought-after critical minerals, such as lithium.

Mining is part of Manitoba’s third largest primary resource industry and is expected to play an increasingly crucial role in providing materials for the 21st century economy. The sector currently employs an average of 4,500 workers directly, with many more in indirect jobs and generating millions of dollars in spin-off business. The 2019 value of mining was approximately $1.4 billion, so prospects for Manitoba’s future economic benefits are exponential. 

“Mining already positively impacts, directly and indirectly, a great number of businesses and communities in Manitoba, including First Nations,” said John Morris, MAMI’s Co-Executive Director. “Mining operations are the major employer in communities like Thompson, Flin Flon, Snow Lake, Wabowden, Lynn Lake, Leaf Rapids, Bissett and Lac du Bonnet. Many of these communities began and still exist because of mining.”

Alongside the growth and momentum in the industry itself, as the province’s major mining association, MAMI recently expanded its membership program to create enhanced business development opportunities for a broader range of member types. 

“Our leadership and board recognized it was time to modernize our governance and membership types to represent a broader base from across the sector,” said Morris. “We’ll be extending voting rights to members – not only from operating mines – but also from exploration and development, safety and rescue, as well as businesses and organizations that support the industry, such as suppliers and contractors, and other non-profit partners and consultants.” 

MAMI member benefits include a strong voice in association strategy, business networking, engagement in events and activities that shape the sector, and working together to advocate and address issues that positively impact industry participants and all Manitobans. 

“This broader range of perspectives will help MAMI in achieving a key goal, which is to reshape the public’s understanding of and perceptions about mining. Greater, ongoing engagement and collaboration with industry members, government, Indigenous and other stakeholders, and our communities is key for a healthy industry and robust provincial economy,” said Morris. 

Another MAMI goal is to continue to work proactively and collaboratively with government and community leaders to ensure the industry has the support and certainty it needs to empower Manitoba to become a global leader in the emerging world-wide low carbon economy.

“Manitoba’s rich, untapped mineral wealth, high regulatory and safety standards, and clean, green, state-of-the-art mining operations are at the forefront of this emerging sector,” concludes Kennedy. “We look forward to leveraging both existing and new relationships to help realize and advance Manitoba’s vast mining potential, provincially, federally, and internationally.”