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Statistics on
Aboriginal Participation in the Mineral
Industry
Exploration and mining is a primary
engine for socio-economic development in
Aboriginal communities. In 2001,
Aboriginal Canadians accounted for 5.3%
of the total mining labour force; this
continues to grow. Since 1996, the
mining sector has seen a 43% increase in
the Aboriginal work force, and,
according to the 2006 census, Aboriginal
Canadians now account for 7.5% of the
mining labour force.
Aboriginal Canadians are the fastest
growing segment of the population and a
high proportion are under 25 years of
age. Contrast this with a generally
aging workforce and retirements in the
exploration and mining industry over the
next ten years and it becomes clear that
there is an opportunity and need to
develop this “natural partnership”.
Natural Resources Canada has been
working to compile examples of
partnerships between Aboriginal
communities and exploration and mining
companies. As of May 2009, there are 150
mineral projects that involve
partnerships between local Aboriginal
communities and mineral industry
companies.
For government of Canada information on employment, partnerships, and
communities,
click here.
For the NRCan Statistical Profile
information,
click here.
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