Canadians use products derived from mineral resources in all aspects of their daily lives. As well, mining delivers social and economic benefits to communities across the country.
This must be explained to a younger generation of Canadians.
The Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) is working with Science North in Sudbury to create an educational digital game to promote mineral literacy among young Canadians and encourage future participation in the industry.
The second phase of the project will design and develop a pan-Canadian, multi-media mining exhibit called "Our Earth's Riches." CIM and Science North are each contributing $500,000.
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Federal Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau and Natural Resources Minister Seamus O'Regan are getting into the game by announcing a $22,500 investment for a CIM program that will raise awareness of the benefits and importance of mining in a low-carbon economy and drive innovation for the minerals and metals industry.
For the feds, this is considered a key part of Ottawa's Communities Strategic Direction of the Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan, designed to boost the competitiveness of Canada's mining sector in a low-carbon, digital economy.
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The government said increased knowledge about the diverse and highly skilled and highly paid careers available in mining will build the workforce of the future and steer more youth, women, Indigenous people and visible minorities to participate in natural resource development.
"Minerals and metals are essential to lowering emissions and to building our net-zero future. Investing in mineral literacy is investing in our youth and the future talent of the mining sector," said O'Regan in a statement.
"The success of the mining industry depends on ensuring that communities can participate in the mineral development cycle, from pre-exploration to post-mine closure," added Garneau.
"Supporting communities with the knowledge and educational tools they need to make informed decisions and understand the contribution of the mining sector, especially in a low-carbon economy, is critical. We are providing some important tools with the funding announced today."
