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Ontario's mineral development strategy getting an overhaul

The Minister of Northern Development and Mines is looking for public input on the province's mineral development strategy.

Province looking for new ideas on raising money, using new technology in mining

Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle says a revision in Ontario's mineral development strategy in 2006 lead to a modernization of the Mining Act. A decade later, the ministry is revising the strategy again. (Jeff Walters/CBC)
The Minister of Northern Development and Mines is looking for public input on the province's mineral development strategy.

The Minister of Northern Development and Mines is looking for public input on the province's mineral development strategy.

Michael Gravelle said the ministry is hosting a series of open houses — including one Wednesday night in Thunder Bay — to gather suggestions from people on everything from raising capital to the use of technology.

“We're seeing mines going deeper into the ground and there are challenges with that,” he said.

“There are technologies [that can help] improve the discovery rates.”

Gravelle said the mineral development strategy hasn't been revised since 2006. Meetings have already been held this week in Kenora and Red Lake.

Gravelle said he'd like to hear from people on the issue of raising capital for prospecting and exploration.

“We know it's been very challenging for the junior exploration sector particularly over the last couple of years, so the best advice we can get on that will be part of what we're seeking,” he said.

“We want to continue to make our production as competitive as possible.”

Tonight's meeting in Thunder Bay gets underway at 6:30 p.m. at the Valhalla.

Ontario mineral development strategy discussion paper.