EDITORIAL PAGE Christmas gifts for all

Like many in the mining industry this Christmas, our shopping list is shorter and a little more frugal than it has been for the past half decade. But even though we can only offer best wishes to many who deserve more, we have sent a fax to the North Pole asking Santa to visit some of those in the mining industry who could use a little something extra at this time of year. Here’s part of the list we suggested. For federal Mines Minister Jake Epp, a short course on mining and mineral exploration. The minister doesn’t seem to have much interest in what is going on and has been noticeable only by his absence from any discussion on issues facing the industry today.

For Bill James, the new boss at Denison Mines, a copy of Paul McKay’s book The Roman Empire so he can gain some insight into how Stephen Roman built Denison into a major mining company. Included with that would be a hefty grain of salt to keep the late “uranium king’s” reputation in perspective.

For Cameco CEO William Gatenby, a new director, preferably one who won’t resign to head up the competition’s operations.

A birdwatcher’s manual for Echo Bay President John Zigarlick, whose company was fined by the State of Nevada because it did not take sufficient measures to prevent wildlife from drinking water from the McCoy mine’s tailings pond.

For Murray Pezim, a seat on The Toronto Stock Exchange.

For Mike Malouf, the outspoken critic of Ontario’s new Mining Act, an unlimited supply of ink to keep those cards and letters flowing.

For Robert Ginn, a warm handshake for a class act in steering the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada through two very tough years. For incoming PDAC President Fenton Scott, a bull market for gold to revive investors’ interest in junior mining companies.

For Northgate Exploration President John Kearney, a long, hard winter to keep the winter road to the Colomac mine open — and bankers’ approval to keep the mine operating.

For Patrick Sheridan, tough environmental policies requiring catalytic convertors on all motor vehicles worldwide. Ontario’s environmental regulations would be less stringent, of course, so environmental concerns would not hold up development of new palladium-platinum mines in the province.

For the many prospectors and exploration geologists out there plugging away, a rainbow leading to that pot of gold. For the Bay Street brokers still adjusting to new owners, bankers’ hours — why work any harder in a market like this? For stock promoters, a revised rulebook from securities regulators and for investors, a broker who can pick the survivors from the multitude of bargains.

And to our readers — a merry Christmas to all and best wishes for the holiday season.