Thunder Bay Celebrates Rich Mining Heritage
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Thunder Bay Celebrates Mining

Thunder Bay Celebrates  Rich Mining Heritage


  Thunder Bay celebrated its rich mining heritage recently, which had 
been declared Mining Day by Mayor Keith Hobbs.

Mayor Hobbs made the declaration at a ceremony at Mariner’s Hall at Prince Arthur’s Landing. He was joined by representatives of the City  of Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission  (CEDC), Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, and Northwestern  Ontario Prospectors Association, as well as other mining organizations.

“The mining and exploration industry employees are working quietly in  Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario; they should be recognized for  their significant contribution to the local economy and the culture of their communities,” said Mayor Hobbs in reading the declaration. 
“Mining Day is a celebration where the mining community and the  public meet and have fun at Prince Arthur’s Landing, a historical  site in a city with a long history of mining.”
Mining Day included a series of special public events at Prince  Arthur’s Landing. There were more than 25 exhibitors with fun,  creative and interactive displays and presentations to encourage  everyone in the family to participate and learn about mining, minerals and local geology. Heavy mining equipment suppliers, diamond  drillers and helicopter service providers will also be onsite to  showcase their big tools of the trade.
A guided walking tour took place along Red River Road, providing a  look at how local stone has been used in the construction of some of  Thunder Bay’s most iconic buildings, including Port Arthur Collegiate  Institute (PACI-Lakehead U), Trinity United Church, Masonic Hall and 
others.
"The mining community and many volunteers are coming together to  bring the third annual Thunder Bay Mining Day to the citizens of the  City and nearby municipalities,” said Robert Chataway, President of  NWOPA and Chair of the Mining Day Committee. “As a family-oriented 
event, we hope everyone has a good time while participating in mining- related activities such as gold panning, searching for buried  treasure and looking at gold and other minerals. "

This event benefits from the support of a number of local  organizations, including Northwestern Ontario Prospectors  Association, Women in Mining, Thunder Bay Community Economic 
Development Commission (CEDC) and the Canadian Institute of Mining 
and Metallurgy.“The event is an opportunity to showcase the mineral sector which is  an important contributor to Northwestern Ontario’s economy,” said  John Mason, Project Manager, Mining Services for CEDC. “Children and  adults alike will have fun with interactive displays and hands on  activities on the waterfront!”

Bob Chataway, President , NWOPA
“ This is our 3rd Mining Day and we are learning along the way. The  emphasis is on the kids and having fun interactive activities for the  kids  in a learning environment. We are well represented by the  mining companies. We want the kids to be able to see mining equipment  and activities, rocks and how they are used in products.”
“ Mining is a big part of the economy and in the small communities  that really helps them out. Right now we are in a bit of a lull and  it is hurting the economy of the small towns up north. Thunder Bay is  used sometimes as a bedroom community for these mines.”
“ To prospect it can take 10 years once a mine is found and you  are  spending tens of millions of dollars in exploration before you say  yes to a mine. Then it will take another $500 to $600 million to get  it into production. That is all private money, not government money.  Not every prospect turns into a mine. There are several new mines in  NW Ontario, say near Fort Frances coming on stream that were  originally found in the 80’s. The world economy  has made it more 
difficult to look for mines. There is a nice big find just down in  the US in the iron range that has similar geology as up here. We  are  about three years into the lull and we should be starting to climb out."



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