The web has forever changed the way we search for
information. In today's digitized world, most journalists,
policy analysts, political leaders and the general public turn
to the Internet as their first source for facts.
Unfortunately, many of the articles and stories about the
mining sector on the web are negative. The Non-Governmental
Organizations (NGOs) almost seem to dominate the Internet,
challenging every mining development around the world. The
mining industry's social license to operate is being constantly
questioned regardless of the enormous economic and sustainable
benefits the sector provides.
That is why I have launched a new pro-mining blog called:
www.republicofmining.com
.
A blog is a website where entries are updated regularly and are
written in chronological order. Previous posts are archived and
readily available for Google searches. Business blogs can
influence the media, political decision makers and shape public
opinion.
Unlike most blogs that usually have only one writer or voice,
Republic of Mining invites senior executives and other industry
leaders to submit their commentary and speeches about
contentious issues and challenges. Perhaps the blog can become
a current snapshot on what the mining industry it thinking.
Last Thursday, Fred Stanford, President, Vale Inco Ontario
operations gave a key-note address to the Sudbury Chamber of
Commerce. Republic of Mining posted that important speech as it
outlined the company's major initiatives for the next year
including a commitment to hire 500 new employees.
Most Canadians are unaware that the largest private sector
employer of Aboriginal people across the country is the mining
sector. When the environmental movement lobbies to close the
vast boreal forest to mineral development, they are ensuring
First Nations communities remain mired in third-world living
conditions.
Overall, the minerals industry has not effectively communicated
to the general public that the high-tech, sustainable mining
practices of the 21st century significantly decreases their
environmental impacts, as well as help alleviate poverty in
isolated regions.
The site, republicofmining.com, endeavours to provide a
much-needed industry perspective to a global audience that may
have difficulty finding information on the many social and
economic benefits, technical advances, environmental successes
and current challenges of this complex sector.
The Republic of Mining will also focus on the history of the
industry. For example, the gold rushes in California and South
Africa's Witwatersrand, the copper wars in Montana, the union
battles in Sudbury and financial leaders like Canada's Peter
Munk, who created an empire of gold, are all extraordinary
stories.
This year is the 125th anniversary of the Canadian Pacific
Railroad coming through Sudbury and the ensuing discovery of
the rich copper-nickel deposits. This is the main reason why I
am initially posting so many very interesting old articles and
columns from the region's past. The Sudbury articles from
MacLean's magazine, ranging from 1931 to 1951, give a wonderful
snapshot of a frontier community that was largely isolated from
mainstream Canadian cities.
Considering the vast disconnect today, between urban Canadians
and the mining sector, we have not made that much progress!
In addition, Gary Peck, a well known local history columnist
from the late 1970s and Michael Barnes a published author of 50
books - many dealing with mining history - are both going to be
regularly featured on the blog, allowing the digital generation
easy access to their captivating stories. Michael Barnes has
just published a new book - More Than Free Gold: Mineral
Exploration in Canada Since World War Two - of which excerpts
will be posted on the blog.
The captivating past of other mining regions will not be
ignored. Republic of Mining hopes to be a valuable mining
history site where students can easily find many interesting
columns about the industry's fascinating past.
Regularly updated content about mining politics, industry
profiles and commentary from key players, plus exciting stories
from the past, will ensure that the Republic of Mining will
become a key information portal worth visiting by the
mainstream media, political decision makers, the general public
and students working on assignments.
Stan Sudol is a Toronto-based communications consultant, executive speech writer and columnist on mining issues.www.republicofmining.com
