Environment

Since the beginnings of time, man has searched for and adapted the minerals of the earth to improve his lifestyle. For millennia, humans have transformed minerals into tools, utensils and weapons. Although, it is being carried out in a more sophisticated and technologically advanced fashion today, modern mining and metallurgy are carrying on the tradition of the same human activity. Mining in the 21 st century, transforms minerals and metals into the building blocks which are essential to the health, safety and prosperity of society.

However, mining is not a benign activity. It is impossible to extract minerals from the earth and process them without impacting in varying degrees the air, land, water, as well as plant and animal life. However, it must be recognizsed that the goal and commitment of mining companies is to minimize the temporary disruption of the environment during exploration and production and maximize the effectiveness of rehabilitation of lands at the end of the mine life. Mining is a temporary land use.

Environmental impacts of human activities only became recognized as a concern in the latter half of this century and environmental awareness has developed as a relatively new phenomenon in our society. With this increased environmental consciousness, governments began regulating mining and other industrial activities with environmental protection in mind.

The Ontario mining industry continues to be a world leader in environmental protection and demonstrates this commitment through its philosophy, financial expenditures and most importantly, actions. Mineral producers must balance the business realities of remaining globally competitive in producing the valuable commodities demanded by consumers against the requirements for environmental protection. Striking this balance is not a simple exercise. It requires careful analysis of a variety of complex and inter-related factors along with making informed decisions based on sound scientific reasoning, effective economic analysis, common sense and vision.