TORONTO - The Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources, today delivered the opening remarks at the Canada Mining Innovation Council’s (CMIC) Signature Event 2012, where he highlighted the importance of innovation and collaboration in the exploration and mining sector. Endorsed by Canada’s mines ministers at their 2008 intergovernmental conference, CMIC was created to bring together leaders from industry, government and academia to increase research, innovation and commercialization efforts in order to strengthen Canada’s pre-eminent role as a global mining leader.
“Our ability to seize opportunities depends to a large extent on cooperation,” said Minister Oliver. “Our collaboration brings forward the innovative technologies and approaches that will that ensure Canada continues to be synonymous with exploration and mining excellence.”
Minister Oliver also emphasized the pressing need for innovation to drive system-wide regulatory reform in order to position Canada for economic growth and long-term prosperity and to ensure our resource sector continues to be an attractive place to invest.
“What Canada really needs is a regulatory system appropriate for the 21st century, one that balances efficiency with effectiveness and one that stimulates jobs and growth in a social and environmentally responsible manner,” stated Minister Oliver. He also noted that provincial and territorial governments are in agreement on the need to step up cooperation on regulatory improvement, stating that “Our ultimate goal is one project, one review, with clear timelines from beginning to end.”
Building on previous successes, Natural Resources Canada is currently working with CMIC to develop new technologies in areas such as mine ventilation and waste-tailing management. Close collaboration with the Council’s Exploration Innovation Consortium has also benefitted the development of NRCan’s Targeted Geoscience Initiative, a five-year, $25-million program aimed at fostering innovative ways to explore for deep mineral deposits.
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