National/International Importance
In 1996, the mineral industry's contribution to the Canadian economy (GDP) was 3.0% ($21.3 billion).
Total direct employment was 198 000, or 1.4% of total employment in Canada. Of these, roughly 49 000 were employed in mining (excluding coal mining), 64 000 in smelting and refining, and 85 000 in metal semi-fabrication.
Average weekly earnings in the mining, quarries, and oil wells industry in 1996 were $1038, one of the highest levels of any industry in the Canadian economy. Average weekly earnings in the mining industry were $1051.
During the past decade ending in 1996, labour productivity increased by 48% in the mining industry and by 37% in the smelting and refining industry. Which in turn increased the amount of job opportunities.
In 1995, approximately 55% of Canadian rail revenue and 65% of the volume loaded at Canadian ports were minerals and mineral products.
In 1996, there were some 299 metal, nonmetal and coal mines; 3000 stone quarries, and sand and gravel pits; and 50 nonferrous smelters, refineries and steel mills operating in Canada. Canadian mining companies spend over $100 million annually on research and development and thus the Canadian mining industry is a world leader in environmentally safe and clean mining practices.
New investments (capital only) totalled $4.5 billion in 1996: mining and concentrating, $2.3 billion; smelting and refining, $1.4 billion; and metal semi-fabrication, $0.8 billion.
Canada is one of the world's largest exporters of minerals and mineral products.
Some 80% of Canada's mineral and metal production is exported. In 1996, minerals and mineral products provided 11.1% of Canada's total exports (including re-exports) and contributed $15.4 billion to the Canadian trade surplus.
In 1995, Canada was the world's largest producer of potash (37.4%), uranium (31.1%) and zinc (16.1%).
In 1995, Canada was the world's second largest producer of asbestos (22.6%), elemental sulphur (21.0%), nickel (17.9%) and cadmium (12.2 %) .
In 1995, Canada was one of the top five producers in the world of aluminum, cobalt, copper, gold, gypsum, lead, molybdenum, platinum group metals, salt, silver, and titanium concentrate.
In 1996, Canadian minerals and mineral products exported to the United States totalled 69.4% ($20.9 billion); to the European Union, 10.8% ($3.4 billion); to Japan, 4.6% ($1.4 billion); to Mexico, 0.4% ($0.1 billion); and to other countries, 14.8% ($4.4 billion).
Notes: Trade data exclude re-exports, coal and fabricated metal products are excluded.