Mining

The Mining Working Group identifies best practices for environmental sustainability to improve the quality of life in the region, in concert with fostering economic development. The working group aims to show how development, when done responsibly, supports economic growth and increases the standard of living.

The Working Group commits to:

Promoting a better understanding of the region's mineral resource potential. For example, more than $35 billion worth of minerals was produced in the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada in 2011. Additionally, investment in major mining projects could produce billions of dollars. The working group aims to show how sustainable development supports economic growth and increased standard of living. If legislators have a better understanding of the potential and infrastructure-related needs of the sector, mining would also benefit.
Facilitating a catalog of best practices for corporate social responsibility in the mining industry, then assembling these ideas in a regional framework.
Endorsing, encouraging and advocating for a single-window environmental assessment process .
Seeking funding to pursue an interactive mapping project on mineral resources and infrastructure in the region; working with the Arctic Caucus to expand their efforts.
Integrating mining into workforce development sessions and transportation sessions at future PNWER meetings.
Encouraging the participation of the indigenous and First Nations community.

Join us at the PNWER Annual Summit in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, July 21-25, 2019 to see what issues our leaders have been working on.

Mining Working Group Co-Chairs

Senator Keith Regier
Montana State Legislature

Pamela Schwann
Saskatchewan Mining Association

2019-2020 action items & findings

Action Items

Advocating for the free flow of minerals (no tariffs) on critical minerals within the region to promote development in the area.

Participation of PNWER in advancing the collaboration for critical mineral development in the region (could include follow-up/progress presentations by NRCan and Dept. of Interior).

Share information on mineral exploration/production/investment in region. In 2019, focus on incorporating indigenous tourism into a session at the Summit.

Findings

Saskatchewan Geological Survey has a best practice for mineral assessment for parks or no-development zones. This process provides an assessment so that an inform decision can be made on area’s designation.

During the session, the importance of hosting a plenary speaker that will promote mineral literacy that showcases the connections between natural resource development and digital economy was highlighted.

2018-2019 Action Items and Findings

Action Item

Action items awaiting approval by the PNWER Leadership Council

2016-2017 ACTION ITEMS

Action Item

Encourage governments to have discussion on competitive pricing on carbon by getting executive staff and stakeholders to work together on a North American strategy.

Organize an initial conference call to help develop a North American strategy.

Mapping of the natural resources project update and follow up on past action items.