Thunder Bay services exploration needs

Although mining has not historically been a key economic factor in the Thunder Bay area, exploration activity has continued to be strong with a significant growth trend. According to the Thunder Bay Economic Development Corp., this exploration activity has led to an encouraging evolution in the local mining services sector, including exploration supply and services, assaying and mapping. During the past two years alone, at least 10 new local mining service operations have opened their doors in Thunder Bay. Servicing the growing regional mining industry is expected to provide an important source of new local technical employment. With the notable volume of active claims in the district — more than 36,900 in 1989 — this industry is expected to play a more prominent role in the area economy.

Although mining activities are becoming more important to the area, currently only about 1.5% of the workforce of metropolitan Thunder Bay’s 122,000 population are employed in the industry. Major employers remain the forest and transportation industries, followed by the tourism and government sectors. At this time, five mining companies, 21 exploration firms and some 30 mining service concerns call Thunder Bay home.

The only major urban centre in Northwestern Ontario, with the third largest international airport in the province, Thunder Bay serves as a regional supply and transportation hub for a population of about 250,000.

Lakehead University recognizes the importance of the mining industry with courses in such fields as geology, engineering, testing facilities and occupational health and safety. The city is the location of a core storage library.

The Economic Development Corp. says there has been a significant platinum and PGM find at Lac Des Iles, about 40 miles north of Thunder Bay with Madeleine Mines Ltd. developing one property, and several other companies actively exploring. The major mining operation in the vicinity is MacIsaac Explorations’ nickel operation at Shebandowan on property owned by Inco Ltd. Reopened in 1988, the mine and mill employ nearly 400, of which half reside in the city of Thunder Bay and immediate area.

Promoted as providing amenities “second to none” and a lifestyle that’s “a viable alternative to the big cities,” Thunder Bay continues to see its mining activities as being on a growth curve.