Exploring Mineral Potential In Northeastern Ontario

 
 

February 8, 2010 1:37 PM

McGuinty Government Supporting Business Development And Job Creation

James Bay Frontier communities are exploring whether the industrial minerals sector could provide new economic development and future jobs in the area.

With support from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), the Kapuskasing Economic Development Corporation will determine the economic viability of local deposits of industrial minerals like clay, slate, soapstone and silica.  Communities involved in this initiative include Kapuskasing, Fauquier-Strickland, Moonbeam, Val Rita-Harty, Opasatika, Mattice, Hearst, and Timmins.

QUICK FACTS

 
  • The NOHFC funding is providing $50,000 for this initiative through the Infrastructure and Community Development Program.
  • The total value of non-metallic minerals produced in Ontario in 2008 was more than $3 billion making it Canada's leader in the production of industrial minerals such as salt, talc, calcium carbonate, phosphate, clay products, cement, lime, stone, sand and gravel.
  • There are already significant talc, silica, limestone, barite, phosphate and dimension stone operations in Northeastern Ontario.

CONTACTS

  • Joanne Ghiz
    Minister's Office
    416-328-3638
    joanne.ghiz@nullontario.ca
  • Michel Lavoie
    Communications Services Branch
    705-564-7125
    michel.lavoie@nullontario.ca



Ministry of Northern Development and Mines
ontario.ca/north


 

"Our government is actively supporting northern communities that are looking at alternative initiatives to promote regional economic development and job creation."

 – Michael Gravelle
Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry, and NOHFC Chair

 
 
 
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