Mining industry, alive and well inNorthwestern Ontario
by Scott A. Sumner
I grew up in small tiny mining towns in Northwestern Ontario. My father became a mining engineer right after the air force, and I was born in Atikokan Ontario, where my father worked for a large open pit iron mine called Steep Rock. This mine was undergoing some challenges at that time as after some years working in that town they came into the main engineering department and laid off 40 people at one time which led my father to begin his search for a new job. That search ended in Manitouwadge at Noranda Mines where he enjoyed the next phase f his career, including the culmination of helping to plan the mining methodology of the new Hemlo gold mine that was just being discovered around the time of his retirement.
It was fun for me to attend. The third mining show held recently in Thunder Bay at the Fort Williams Gardens and Curling Club facilities. The number of exhibitors at this event was very impressive and really showed you how important the mining industry has become to not only Northwestern Ontario but the entire countryThere were exhibitors from across Canada, including those that supplymines with products and services as well as many mining companies themselves which could showcase what they are accomplishing in today's environment.I was able to chat with even an engineering firm located in Duluth Minnesota, that were up here for the event, as well as many other suppliers of products and services.
They all seem to be quite upbeat about the current state of the mining industry and were quite buoyant about what to expect in the coming years.
I think Thunder Bay in particular can play a good role in the mining industry by being a service center and perhaps even a place to provide homes for mining staff.It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the next several years. We all know there's quite a push now to provide more available housing in Thunder Bay. The population could certainly grow with many new high residences and high paying jobs, which will definitely support our local economy .I definitely enjoyed growing up in the small mining towns and think it's a great industry that can make an impact not only here, but across Canada and even globally.
