February 6, 2013

Northern mining expected to double by 2020

OTTAWA

A report by the Conference Board of Canada predicts mining production from Canada’s North will nearly double by 2020.

However, the report says a lack of transportation, energy and other infrastructure are the biggest obstacles to northern mining development.

The Conference Board forecasts mining output from the North will grow by 91 per cent from 2011 to 2020, a compound annual growth rate of 7.5 per cent.

It says mining is the future economic driver for the region, but the right balance must be found between risk and opportunity.

In addition to the lack of infrastructure, the report says companies face other challenges including a skills shortage and regulatory uncertainty as well as the need to include Aboriginal communities.

It says aboriginal rights must be respected, and communities must be consulted for projects to be developed sustainably.

News from © Canadian Press Enterprises Inc., 2012

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