The Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan (CMMP) was released by Mines Canada in March, 2019. The plan was written to show Canada will continue to work as a leader in the mining industry and not shirk its economical, social and environmental responsibilities throughout the mineral development sequence or mining which is comprised of exploration, development, production and decommissioning.
The CMMP is comprised of … The Vision, Principles and Strategic Directions that governments, industry and stakeholders can pursue to drive industry competitiveness and long-term success.
The Vision* (en français)
Working with all stakeholders is required to achieve this vision. These stakeholders include federal, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous Peoples, industry, and advocacy groups. On the whole, these stakeholders are Canadians.
Principles
The Vision keeps in mind principles identified by Mines Canada. These principles are:
- Canadian mining influences social and economic conditions in Northern, Isolated, Indigenous and Urban regions across Canada positively.
- Canada’s mineral development sequence is responsible economically
- Canada’s mining industry will adapt to changing demands
- Canada researches and uses technological developments that assist efficient and responsible production
- Canada provides leadership throughout the world advancing respective economies while promoting Canadian values
- Canada’s mining industry respects federal, provincial, and territorial legislation that must be followed while cooperating with affected communities
Strategic Directions
Mines Canada plans to continue to achieve The Vision while observing its Principles by following six strategic directions –
- Economic Development and Competitiveness: The mining businesses requires economic development. Competitiveness is also required which can be increased with technological advance – these are natures of the mining business. These practices are planned to be continued or improved so investing in Canadian mining operations can continue to be promising.
- Advancing the Participation of Indigenous Peoples: Working on Indigenous People involvement throughout the mineral development sequence will be beneficial to both present and future projects. This is due to Indigenous Peoples’ heritage in the project region combined with their Aboriginal and treaty rights.
- The Environment: Public trust must be built. Two acts that are done to do this are to develop mines that leave a minimal environmental footprint and decommission older mine sites (see National Orphaned/Abandoned Mines Initiative (NOAMI)). Protecting Canada’s natural environment is essential to the mining industry throughout the mineral development sequence.
- Science, Technology and Innovation: Supporting scientific research and innovation funding that considers all phases of the mineral development cycle allows industry to identify and manage obstacles throughout the cycle.
- Communities: Sustainable mineral development activities deliver benefits. Displaying these to Canadians including the socio-economic benefits would help give them a greater appreciation. Local procurement is beneficial to communities and mining operations.
- Global Leadership: Direct investment throughout the mineral development cycle benefits Canadians. Global investment would provide funding for mining companies that practice and source business responsibly. Canadian mining companies have access to dependable and adept mining supply and services sectors.
*The Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan; Mines Canada
