Mining Act changes risks snuffing the industry Tory says

Tb News Source
Web Posted: 8/28/2008 5:48:54 PM

Residents in Greenstone and Ontario's opposition leader are questioning the process of updating the province's Mining Act and worried that a heavy hand could topple the burgeoning industry.

Thunder Bay was the only regional location for consultations on updating the act and for some, the three-hour gathering was too short and created more questions than answers.

The Greenstone Economic Development Corporation works closely with numerous players in the mining sector in the municipality and things are booming. Some estimates project that almost $40 million will be spent on exploration in Greenstone this year alone. It represents a significant commerce for an area devastated by the crash in the forestry sector but GEDC executive director, Dina Quenneville said the recent consultation was too quick and left many people frustrated.

''There is a great fear prospectors will be left out,'' she said, ''and they are significant to the mining cycle. There are 6,000 prospectors out there and 500 junior mining companies.'' She feels planning and changes must happen in a cohesive manner.

Quenneville said there is a lot of uncertainty in the mining sector right now and cites a company operating in the Northwest that recently halted 4 of its 5 projects due to that uncertainty. According to Quenneville, one of the most contentious issues is the right of free entry. She said without free entry to stake claims on land and Crown Land, ''we're out of business'' adding, the industry is becoming very nervous for its future.

The GEDC will be calling for more consultation on the Mining Act, that when passed will play a significant impact in Greenstone and in the Northwest.

Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory, commented during a visit to the region last week, that reviewing the act is a good thing but consultations must be broad so as not to do more harm than good. The PC Leader said people are worried and are speaking their minds on the issue, the industry is seen to be doing well right now but the fear is there he said, that making changes could ''snuff it out.''

Public consultation on the Mining Act will come to a close in Toronto on Sept. 8.