The Mining Association of Canada (MAC), whose members include the vast majority of Canada’s leading mining companies, has been supporting its members whose operations, like many sectors across the Canadian economy, have been heavily impacted by the current COVID-19 global pandemic. MAC has established a COVID-19 Working Group that is in constant contact. This working group provides a forum for sharing information on best practices to protect employees and the communities, as well as challenges and successes regarding their implementation.
Canadian mining has an extensive North American supply chain that is retooling to provide products that are needed now more than ever. Mines produce materials that are essential for protecting Canadians, including medical technologies and medications, and it is important that supply chains stay open during this crucial time so that we can ensure mined products are readily available for the people and businesses who rely on them. Canada needs our products, and we must continue to ensure they are mined safely, not just for workers but for communities.
MAC members have issued statements and updates on a near-constant basis focused on company-specific responses to COVID-19. Our members are making these decisions based on their unique circumstances through discussions at corporate and community levels and based upon extensive input from public health officials and provincial and federal governments. Many have reduced their workforces and in some cases have put mines on care and maintenance. In all circumstances our members are working to ensure that sites continue to be managed safely. For regular updates on the measures being put in place by MAC’s members, visit www.mining.ca/covid-19. Our members are also having discussions with local health authorities to provide personnel, equipment and other supplies to support the needs of local health facilities.
Mining and its supply chains, critical to helping address the crisis today, will be equally if not more important to Canada’s economic recovery, and appropriate fiscal and policy measures to ensure the industry rebounds will be vital. The federal government’s recently announced wage subsidy provides welcome support to the industry at this time, and MAC will continue working with government decision makers to ensure the long term sustainability of the industry in Canada.
The mining industry is a major sector of Canada’s economy, contributing $97 billion to national GDP and responsible for 19 percent of Canada’s total domestic exports. Canada’s mining sector employs 626,000 people directly and indirectly across the country. The industry is proportionally the largest private sector employer of Indigenous peoples in Canada and a major customer of Indigenous-owned businesses.
About MAC
The Mining Association of Canada is the national organization for the Canadian mining industry. Its members account for most of Canada’s production of base and precious metals, uranium, diamonds, metallurgical coal, mined oil sands and industrial minerals and are actively engaged in mineral exploration, mining, smelting, refining and semi-fabrication. Please visit mining.ca.
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For more information, please contact:
Cynthia Waldmeier
Director of Communications, the Mining Association of Canada
Phone: 613-233-9392 x225 or 613-894-2128 (cell)
Email: cwaldmeier@mining.ca
