Canada is one of the most resource-rich countries in the world. The mining industry significantly contributes to its economy. Canada's mining sector plays a pivotal role in the global supply chain, providing essential raw materials for various industries. Mining output was worth 56 billion dollars in 2021,ith metallic mineral production contributing $36 billion and coal and non metallic mineral production contributing $20 billion. (Natural Resources Canada).
Canada is a global mining leader. It ranks number one for potash production, and . It ranks among the top five global producers of diamonds, gemstones, gold, indium, niobium, platinum group metals, titanium, and uranium.(Natural Resources Canada).
Canada's mining industry is diverse, encompassing a wide range of commodities. Canada produces over 60 minerals and metals at over 200 mines and thousands of quarries. Key commodities include potash, diamonds, gold, nickel, copper, zinc, oil, and uranium.
Mining operations are spread across various provinces and territories, each with its unique geological characteristics. The industry is a major employer, supporting communities across the country. The mining industry remains one of the largest employers of Indigenous peoples across Canada.
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Figure 1: Mining in Canada
Potash is the name given to a group of minerals that contain potassium (K). Saskatchewan is the world's leading potash producer. In Canada, potash is only found and mined in Saskatchewan with ten active mines. The world’s largest potash operation is found in the K3 mine in Esterhazy, Saskatchewan. (Saskatoon Star Phoenix). Potash is a major source of Potassium (K) with a majority of the product is used in fertilizer. Potash plays a critical role in agriculture by enhancing soil fertility and crop yields, thereby contributing to global food security. Only 5% of the product is used in other ways such as detergents, ceramics, and alternatives to de-icing salts. (Natural Resources Canada). The province's extensive potash deposits are a vital global resource. In 2022, Saskatchewan produces 24.6 million tonnes of potash, or 38% of the world's overall production.
Figure 2: K3 Potash Mining Operation in Esterhazy, Saskatchewan.
Is a fossil fuel primarily mined in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia. Canadian mines produced 47 million tonnes of coal in 2022. Metallurgical coal comprised 59% of the total output for the year(Natural Resource Canada). Coal is a significant energy source, particularly for electricity generation and steelmaking. It is still extensively used in modern energy sources due to its low case and high availability. in 2023, coal contributed 316, 543 Terajoules (TJ) or 2.5% of all energy usage in Canada (IEA). Canada's coal industry faces increasing pressure due to its significant environmental impact and global shifts towards cleaner energy sources. As of 2024, there are 10 coal mines in British Columbia, 9 in Alberta, 3 in Saskatchewan and 2 in Nova Scotia. (Coal Association of Canada). There are some major environmental concerns in mining Coal in the transition for zero net emission. While the future of Canada's coal industry faces uncertainty due to environmental concerns and the global shift towards cleaner energy sources, advocates argue for its continued production to ensure economic stability and energy security.
The majority of Canada’s copper is found within British Columbia. Copper is mined by surface mining by either underground or open pit mining. Once the ore is extracted, it is refined to extract pure copper. This process crushes the ore, separating the copper-bearing minerals, and then smelting and refining the copper. (University of Arizona). Copper is a critical metal and is essential for industries ranging from electronics to construction. In 2022, Canada produced 2.4% of the world’s overall mined copper. (Natural Resources Canada). Canada's abundant copper reserves and robust mining sector position the nation as a key global supplier of this critical resource.
Lithium is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal that is essential for modern technology, particularly in the production of batteries. Lithium is a critical mineral used in many electronic goods such as batteries. The demand for lithium has surged in the last decade (Natural Resources Canada). Im Canada, lithium is mined in two mines in Quebec and Manitoba. As the world transitions towards electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, lithium is essential in this transition. Canada has roughly 3.2 Million Tonnes of Lithium Oxide resources. In 2022, Canada mind 500 tonnes and accounted for 0.4% of the world’s overall mined lithium. (Natural Resources Canada). As demand for lithium continues to grow, Canada's lithium industry is poised for significant expansion, contributing to a sustainable future.