New Ontario mining law a priority

In fact, the new Mines Minister has been in constant motion since taking up his new portfolio last month.

In a recent interview with The Northern Miner, O’Neil said he spent his first few weeks at the new post by touring a number of mine sites, including various gypsum, uranium and gold mining operations across Ontario.

This week, he made another official debut at a Mines Ministers’ conference in Sudbury, Ont. Attending that conference were ministers from all provinces, the federal government and the two territories.

Having served previously as Ontario’s Tourism Minister, O’Neil succeeded Sean Conway as Mines Minister following a recent government cabinet shuffle.

“Premier Peterson wanted a full- time Mines Minister and I intend to be a full-time minister”, said O’Neil.

Conway, who also served as government house leader, gained wide respect in the mining community through his staunch commitment to updating Ontario’s antiquated Mining Act.

“Updating the Mining Act will remain one of my highest priorities,” affirmed O’Neil. “I expect that legislation will be introduced in parliament’s fall session.”

Observers say the new mining legislation will likely receive speedy passage to third reading. A Green Paper was introduced by Conway in the Ontario legislature last December.

With some 15 years in provincial politics under his belt, O’Neil is well known for his interest in promoting Ontario abroad. He was also deeply involved in the U.S.-Canada free trade negotiations.

“My previous experience in government has provided me with the opportunity to see the need for industry to compete in a global economy,” he said.

“A good part of my new job will be getting out among the mining community,” he added. “I don’t intend to just sit in my office. I plan to be out travelling around a great deal.”

O’Neil was the newest minister at the 3-day mines ministers’ conference. But being a newcomer didn’t seem to bother him. “I know I’m brand new to the mining industry and I have a lot to learn,” he admitted. “I will be looking for some help too,” he said. “It’s a whole job in itself just getting to know everyone.”

A native of southern Ontario, O’Neil said he has travelled extensively in the north and was also vice-chairman of the Inco inquiry which took place during the early 1980s.

In his new mining portfolio he will have to deal with the federal government’s desire to cut back on funding for provincial mineral development agreements (MDA’s), and a dramatic decline in the level of exploration spending by the mining industry.

“I and the Ministry are going to have to take a close look at ways of generating more activity in the mineral exploration sector. The falling exploration numbers are of great concern to us.”

Exploration spending has dropped off significantly this year across the country, and at the same time, base metal reserves have continued to decline, causing concern about the industry’s future.

Environmental issues are also likely to take on a high profile during O’Neil’s term as Mines Minister. A recent heated controversy surrounds interprovincial jurisdiction on environmental matters relating to a proposed gold mine near Shoal Lake, Ont.

“The Shoal Lake issue has been under heavy discussion by the government,” O’Neil said. “We’re studying the matter carefully at present.” Regarding the relocation of the Ontario Geological Surveys to Sudbury planned for 1990, O’Neil said he will ensure that the Toronto- based mining and exploration community are not left behind without essential information services.

Last year, Ontario’s mining industry produced minerals valued at more than $7 billion and employed nearly 210,000 persons directly and indirectly. The province is Canada’s largest producer of nickel and gold, and is host to 68 major mining operations.

Ontario Mining Association Chairman Andy Rickaby said: “While I feel we had an excellent relationship with former Mines Minister Sean Conway, I’m sure we’ll establish an equally fine relationship with Mr O’Neil.”

The OMA put forward its views on the proposed new Mining Act and a number of other issues of concern to Ontario’s mining industry at the Sudbury ministers’ conference.

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