A Made-in-Ontario Success Story

Ontario Mining: A Made-in-Ontario Success StoryThe Ontario Mining Association presented the findings of this economic study at Queen's Park on March 25, 2009.   It discusses the contribution of the mining industry to the overall Ontario economy and presents the what, when and where of the sector, who is involved in the industry and why and how mining matters to Ontario.

The study was produced for the Ontario Mining Association by G&K Accounting Professional Corporation with the assistance and co-operation of the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.  

Highlights of the study would include:

  • The total value of mineral production in Ontario in 2007 was $10.7 billion
  • Mining provides Ontario with a trade surplus of about $3.3 billion annually
  • The productivity of the industry continues to improve - each mining industry employee accounts for $660,000 of output annually
  • Jobs in the mining industry continue to be among the highest paid in Ontario
  • Total capital investment in Ontario mining, including research, exploration, construction and equipment, reached $2.7 billion in 2007, representing an increase of 58% from 2004
  • Ontario continues to attract the largest share of mineral exploration expenditures in Canada -- $572 million in 2007 out a national total of $$2.5 billion
  • The value of goods and services procured within 80 kilometres of mine sites in Ontario was more than $1.4 billion in 2007, up from $836 million in 2005
  • The mining industry in Ontario contributes more than $600 million to governmental tax revenues and the industry's $1.2 billion payroll results in a further $350 million in personal income tax payments.

Ontario's mining industry is a productivity powerhouse.  It is a modern, high-tech, solution-providing industry that delivers benefits to all parts of Ontario that far outweigh the size of the industry relative to many others.  It is an industry that believes in itself and in Ontario. 

Overall, the Ontario mining industry matters to Ontario for its direct $10.7 billion in mineral production and related tax revenues, and the jobs this production sustains, but also for the fact that it is a largely "made-in-Ontario' industry that contributes disproportionately to both the provincial tax base and the province's international balance of trade.

To learn more about its economic contribution to the society and economy of Ontario click here.