Mining Process

Mining yields no overnight successes or quick wins. There is no way of predicting where profitable ore deposits will be found and the search for minerals brings both surprises and disappointments. In 1997, Ontario's exploration industry spent close to $190 million on mineral exploration. Each prospector, explorationist and investor may fervently hope for the next "big find" but only one in 500 sites of advanced exploration will yield an ore deposit profitable enough to mine. It can take seven to ten years of exploration, data analysis, planning and financing to bring a mine into production. Every available piece of information is carefully studied to determine the ore deposit's profitability and the best methods of extraction. During this time, market demand can change dramatically as uses for the mineral change, prices rise or fall and other mines begin or cease production.

Every stage of the mining process is governed by comprehensive regulations including: the Mining Act of Ontario, the Environmental Assessment Act, the Environmental Protection Act, the Ontario Water Resources Act, the Public Lands Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. In total, there are twelve provincial and federal ministries involved in regulating mining and exploration activities. They ensure that exploration and mining activities pose no harm to public health, public safety or the environment.