Minerals, workers in demand – Chronicle Journal

February 1, 2024

The economic contribution of critical minerals, industry challenges and skilled labour recruitment comprised a presentation by the Ontario Mining Association president at the Prosperity Northwest Conference in Thunder Bay.

Chris Hodgson said on Wednesday why Northern Ontario minerals are in such demand using Ontario’s critical mineral strategy, that he says supports many aspects that the mining association has long been advocating.

“It’s a non-partisan issue now that all parties want to see more mining because of a couple of factors,” Hodgson told The Chronicle-Journal.

“One is the situation globally, where the West wants to rebuild supply chains that are closer to home. The second is electrification for climate change. They want to decarbonize the world. So fossil fuels are out, electrification is in and that requires more metals and critical minerals.”