Seizing the Moment: Canadians Want More Mining – Can We Deliver?
Pierre Gratton
By now it is a foregone conclusion that in order for net-zero to be achieved, the increased adoption of low carbon technologies is essential, with mining propelling the current seismic energy transition. Electric cars cannot exist without lithium, nickel and cobalt, nuclear energy without uranium, wind turbines and solar panels without copper, zinc, iron and steel making coal.
The enhanced understanding that mining has a significant role to play in the green tech revolution has led Canadians to show greater enthusiasm than ever before for the industry. In fact, in polling recently completed by Abacus Data, support was found to be at an all time high, with 80% reporting that they have a positive feeling about producers of minerals and metals in Canada and 84% giving mining companies in Canada a good or acceptable performance in contributing new materials for use in clean technologies. This broad public support may surprise many, but in reality Canada’s mining sector is widely considered to be a global leader in its commitment to strong ESG standards and community engagement, with made-in-Canada standards like Towards Sustainable Mining being adopted by mining chambers around the world.
In times of growing international uncertainty, the world needs more Canadian mining and strides forward must be made to ensure the sector has the ability to provide a secure and stable supply of the minerals and metals essential to Canadians, our allies and businesses around the world.
Join Pierre Gratton for his annual address to learn more about the significant opportunities before Canada’s mining industry.
Moderator
Carleigh Whitman
Director Environment
Teck Resources Limited
About the Speaker
Pierre Gratton was appointed President and CEO of the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) in 2011. His decades of experience in Canada's mining sector, exemplified through his current role and his previous position as President and CEO of the Mining Association of British Columbia, has made him one of the leading voices in the industry. Based in Ottawa, MAC is the national organization for the Canadian mining industry and its members are engaged in mineral exploration, mining, smelting, semi-fabrication and supply.
Mr. Gratton was instrumental in the development of Towards Sustainable Mining® (TSM), MAC's flagship program that is gaining international recognition and adoption. TSM focuses on enabling mining companies to meet society's needs for minerals, metals and energy products in the most socially, economically and environmentally responsible ways. Since its inception in 2004, TSM is now used in nine countries on six different continents.
Mr. Gratton is First Vice-President of the Interamerican Mining Society (SIM – Sociedad Interamericana de Mineria), Chair of the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame and the Co-chair of the Green Mining Initiative Advisory Committee. He also serves as a Trustee of the Arctic Inspiration Prize and is on the Board of Ottawa's Thirteen Strings Chamber Orchestra.