Mining Readiness Strategy Evolution –2011 to 2024 and Beyond!
Written by John Mason D.Sc., P. Geo and supported by the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission
The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission and City of Thunder Bay leadership in 2011/12 forecast significant growth in mineral exploration and mine development for Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario. It was felt that the discovery of gold, nickel and chromite would fuel a variety of business opportunities positively influencing the region’s economic outlook. In addition, new mine development would place pressure on infrastructure and government services.
In a calculated response a Mining Readiness Strategy (MRS) was undertaken. It is a comprehensive, inclusive and integrated development plan, designed for Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario to capitalize on ten emerging or expanding mining development projects. The City of Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay CEDC and Fort William First Nation (FWFN) partnered in the effort. The study was called Advantage Northwest and was awarded to SNC Lavalin and Edward Hoshizaki Development Consulting, following a competitive bid process. The proponents undertook the study in 2011 and 2012, through to its formal release in April, 2013.
http://www.noma.on.ca/upload/documents/mining-readiness-strategy.pdf
Themes considered in the study included: identification of mine and advanced exploration projects, economic impacts, supply chain opportunities, energy needs ( transmission and supply), transportation needs, housing requirements, industrial and commercial land availability, health, labour and education needs and project development and financing.
Thunder Bay’s Mining Readiness Strategy (MRS) study was the first of its kind in Canada. Other communities would undertake similar studies in later years, emulating a successful strategic approach.
The 2013 MRS positioned Thunder Bay and FWFN citizens, businesses, council and CEDC to capitalize on numerous major exploration and mine projects in Northwestern Ontario.
A case example of this approach, is the fact that when New Gold Inc. built the Rainy River Mine ( and gold mill) in 2015 and 2016, 36 Thunder Bay mine service and supply companies received an estimated $80M in contract awards.
For NWO Mines and major exploration projects, human resource managers, procurement managers, engineers, geologists, Mine GMs, and senior executives, can be key contacts to drive opportunity.
In 2020 the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission and City of Thunder Bay, following a competitive bid process, awarded MNP LLP a Mining Readiness Strategy(MRS) contract. With evolving metal prices, major exploration projects maturing and mines expanding production, it was deemed time for a MRS refresh.
Six operating mines ( gold and palladium) and 15 major exploration projects ( gold, palladium, lithium, graphite and nickel-copper-PGE), all located in Northwestern Ontario, were the subjects of the study. Collectively these projects, and the mining sector, represented a significant regional development opportunity.
MNP’s mission was to focus on business development in mining supply and services, workforce training, transportation and electrical infrastructure, economic impacts, research and development and gaps/barriers to mine development. MNP’s methodology for MRS was to interface directly with personnel at all 21 projects. Stakeholder interviews, data collection and compilation, industry requirement forecasting, economic impact analysis, recommendations with performance metrics and a final report, followed.
Results from MNP included a series of strategic recommendations that CEDC implemented by the target date of 2021. A marketing and communication plan was also completed by CEDC as a result of MNP’s work.
In 2023-24 MNP conducted an updated Mining Readiness Strategy. Stakeholders were surveyed and industry responses analyzed. Conclusions from the study indicate growth areas with new business potential and include: maintenance and repair services, engineering and consulting services, spare parts/services, electrical equipment and supply services, bulk handling, training and mobile equipment.
In addition other observations were made:
- Land availability for hosting new exploration and mine service businesses is inadequate at present.
- Placement services for career opportunities requires expansion. The requirement continues for operators, skilled tradesmen and professionals, as well as housing supply.
- On the mining service and supply theme, marketing should be ramped up by local suppliers to illustrate vendors offerings, to deepen Thunder Bay’s role as a service and supply hub. Mining and exploration companies active in Northwestern Ontario prefer to deal with local vendors! Such goods include: safety supply, equipment, materials, and geotechnical, laboratory and educational/training services.
- Many of the mining companies have local procurement policies, but service and supply companies have to engage directly with procurement coordinators and manager at the mines to understand the pre-qualification and bid process!
- Indigenous owned mine service and supply companies should be further encouraged to grow in this sector, and connect directly with the mines or through existing Impact Benefit or Collaboration Agreement linkages.
Mine workforce is aging; 18% of the workforce is 55 years old or older. Partnerships between exploration or mining companies and educators, is one solution specific to labour demands. Skilled tradespeople, heavy equipment operators, mill operators and professionals are required. Training organizations all have a role including: Norcat, KKETS, AETS, Nokiiwin, trade unions, Workplace Safety North, Workforce Inc., Contact North, Confederation College, and Lakehead University. Health and safety training, common core training, mining essentials, life skills and pre-trades training are all needed. Lakehead University’s Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Mining and Exploration (CESME) provides world-class geoscientists and may also be key to future mineral processing, engineering ( including mine engineering) and environmental management career opportunities. Confederation College has the capability and track record to deliver contract training for mining, specific to companies who wish to partner, customized for their requirements. In addition, the college’s engineering program is aligned with Lakehead’s to allow a student to achieve diploma status followed by a degree.
Thunder Bay’s employment diversity, and options in many sectors, may also be a good fit for spousal career path development, therefore benefiting the family unit within the city!
Thunder Bay CEDC has already undertaken a number of initiatives following up on MNP’s refresh:
- Executed a reverse trade show for the industry and service and supply companies.
- Updated the Mining Service and Supply Directory.
- Updated the mining portion of the CEDC website.
- Broadened discussions with all stakeholders specific to infrastructure requirements for NWO ( i.e provided ETF/NOMA, IESO and Hydro One input as to electricity supply and transmission needs for NWO).
- Marketing and communication strategies illustrating mining opportunities have been structured.
- Discussions with Lakehead University and Confederation College are underway with the goal of curriculum meeting industry needs.
- Expanding the Rural and Northern Immigration Program to assist in meeting workforce needs.
- Supporting industry led career days and Mining Day.
- “Spotlighting” Indigenous businesses to promote success stories.
- Conducted an Indigenous Business Impact Assessment survey.
- Promoting Thunder Bay’s role in the mining industry at CenCan, MineExpo and PDAC
- Celebrating mine openings such as the Equinox-Greenstone Gold Mine, with the goal of strengthening relationships to drive business opportunities for Thunder Bay mine service and supply companies.
- Discuss ongoing news and needs for mine developments with all levels of government, particularly where advocacy may be required.
