Job Postings: MNDMF – Precambrian Geoscientist
Posted Nov.28.2010Sudbury – Are you interested in contributing your geoscientific expertise to an organization that prides itself on providing opportunities for personal growth, continuous learning and work-life balance? If so, then consider this opportunity with the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry to join our team at the Ontario Geological Survey.
Click here to view the job posting
Posting Closing: January 14, 2011
Job Postings: MNDMF – Mineral Economist
Posted Nov.28.2010Mineral Economist – Sudbury – Would you like to play a key role in stimulating mineral exploration and development in Ontario? If you have highly developed program and policy analysis skills and have a passion for economic research and analysis, this opportunity with the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry could be for you!
Click here to view the job posting
Posting Closing: December 16, 2010
Press Release – Request for Proposals – Lithogeochemical Investigation
Posted October.17.2010The Discover Abitibi Initiative under the direction of the Timmins Economic Development Corporation (TEDC), is seeking the services of a firm qualified to complete a “Lithogeochemical Study Kidd Munro MegaTem Area in the Timmins and Kirkland Lake region of northern Ontario. The area presently under consideration is known as the Kidd-Munro Greenstone Belt. We will require the completion of the survey in a timely fashion as per the Request for Proposal (RFP). A detailed copy of the RFP can be obtained by contacting Robert Calhoun, project manager at the TEDC by telephone at (705) 360-2600, ext 7085, by email at rcalhoun@timmins.ca or on the Discover Abitibi website under technical projects. The proposal is due by 4:00 pm on November 5, 2010. See RFP for details. Companies intending to submit a proposal should register with the project manager.
The survey is partly funded by FedNor and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation
Demande de propositions – Étude lithogéochimique
Sous la direction de la Corporation du développement économique de Timmins (CDET), l’initiative Découvrons l’Abitibi recherche les services d’une entreprise qualifiée afin d’effectuer une « étude lithogéochimique » dans la région de Kidd Munro, levé MegaTem, dans la région de Timmins et Kirkland Lake dans le Nord de l’Ontario. L’aire qui est actuellement à l’étude est connue sous le nom de ceinture de roche verte de Kidd-Munro.
Le levé doit être complété de façon opportune, conformément à la demande de proposition (DP). On peut obtenir une copie détaillée de la DP en communiquant avec Robert Calhoun, gestionnaire de projets à la CDET au 705-360-2600, poste 7085, par courriel à l’adresse rcalhoun@timmins.ca ou en consultant le site Internet de Découvrons l’Abitibi, sous l’onglet « Technical projects » (Projets techniques). La proposition doit être acheminée avant 16 h le 5 novembre 2010. Voir la DP pour obtenir plus de détails. Les compagnies intéressées à soumettre leurs propositions devraient s’inscrire auprès du gestionnaire de projet.
Ce levé est en partie financé par FedNor et le Fonds du patrimoine du Nord de l’Ontario.
Ontario Prospectors Disappointed Bill 191 Passes Third Reading
Posted October.1.2010The Board of Directors of the Ontario Prospectors Association (OPA) regrets that Bill 191, the Far North Act, was passed after the third reading by the Ontario Legislature.
PLEASE READ THE NEWS RELEASE HERE
2012 Timmins Centennial Legacy Project
Posted September.28.2010The Porcupine Prospectors and Developers Association (PPDA) announces the commissioning of three bronze sculptures (7 ft. each), commemorating John “Jack” Wilson, Sandy McIntyre, and Benny Hollinger, the intrepid prospectors whose spectacular gold discoveries launched one of the biggest gold rushes in history, and spurred the founding of Timmins in 1912.
Read the news release here
Click here for a poster of the sculptures and contact information
Obituary: James Morris (1939-2010)
Posted September.28.2010 
MORRIS, James -1939-2010 -His Worship James Morris passed away at the Englehart & District Hospital on August 20, 2010 at the age of 70 years. Beloved husband of Diane (Dubois), loving father of Lisa Harvey (Marc) and proud grampy of Gillian. Jim is also survived by his brothers Bill (Merrlyn) of Aurora and John (Marcy) of Englehart and their families. Brother-in-Iaws Bob (Mae), Arthur (Claudette) and Gerry Dubois and their families. Surviving also are cousins Elizabeth, Hannah and Grace and their families in Scotland and England. Jim was predeceased by his parents James and Velzora Morris. Jim was a Past Master of Englehart Masonic Lodge #534 and a 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason. Also, he was a volunteer fireman and Fire Chief of the Englehart & Area Fire Department. He had received his 35 year service pin. Jim was a very well respected Justice of the Peace for 14 years. All who knew him, know he was considerate, fair and understanding. Jim loved his job and would still be on the bench if he had his way. In accordance with Jim’s wishes, cremation has taken place. No visitation or funeral service will be held. However, Jim’s life will be celebrated at a memorial service, which will be held at a later date and which will be well announced. Thank you to all the staff at the Englehart & District Hospital and a special thank you to Dr. G. Blunt. In memory, contributions may be made to the Englehart Hospital Clinic Expansion, c/o Englehart & District Hospital, Box 69. Englehart, ON POJ 1H0 or to a charity of your choice. Condolences and contributions may be left at www.mcdonaIdfuneralhome.ca.
North Eastern Ontario Communcations Network: Mining Industry Newsletter
Posted June.29.2010Follow the link below to download the June 2010 issue of NEOnet Mining Industry News (Volume 1, Issue 1).
Click here to download the PDF
Obituary: Duncan McIvor & Memorial Scholarship
Posted Apr.28.2010 
Duncan Forbes McIvor was a University of Waterloo graduate who’s passion for economic geology, quick wit and zest for life earned him the universal admiration and respect of friends and colleagues throughout the mining and mineral exploration fraternity. In recognition of his integrity, honesty and dedication to scientific excellence in the field of exploration geology, Duncan’s family, friends and colleagues have established the Duncan Forbes McIvor Memorial Scholarship in Geology.
Attached is an obituary for Duncan McIvor. Duncan went to Waterloo and spent his formative years working in northern Ontario.
View obituary (PDF)
View scholarship contribution form
Third Annual PDAC 2010 Caracle Cup Hockey Tournament
Posted Jan.18.2010Canlan Ice Sports, North York – Saturday, March 6, 2010 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
The PDAC and Caracle Creek International Consulting Inc. (CCIC) are pleased to announce the third annual PDAC hockey tournament at Canlan Ice Sports, North York. The tournament will consist of 12 teams. Each team plays on NHL-size ice sheets in a modified round-robin format culminating in a consolation final game and a championship game in which participants compete for the honour of having their team and player’s names forever enshrined on the prestigious Caracle Cup. A reception and awards ceremony follows the championship game.
Click here for more details
Ontario Prospector Magazine, Volume 13, Issue 1
Posted Nov.6.2008The Fall/Winter 2008 issue of the Ontario Prospector Magazine has been posted in the Publications page.
Go to the publication section to download your copy.
Ontario Geologist Receives Prestigious Award
Posted Nov.6.2008September 6, 2008 – Mike Easton of the Ontario Geological Survey is this year’s recipient of the Provincial Geologist’s Medal.
Each year, a committee, made up of provincial geologists, bestows this honour upon an individual who has produced outstanding work at one of Canada’s provincial or territorial geological surveys.
With more than 25 years of experience in the Ontario Geological Survey, Easton has devoted his career to mapping and improving the understanding of Ontario’s Precambrian geology, its history and its relevance to mineral resources.
Mike is meticulous in his methodology and extremely productive in his research and mapping. His expertise and cutting edge research contributions to Precambrian geology, metamorphic and igneous petrology and Ontario’s Grenville Subprovince are recognized nationally and internationally. Less-well known is the tremendous service Mike has performed since 1990 in his role as the Geological Association of Canada representative on the North American Commission on Stratigraphic Nomenclature. Read more in the links below…
Click here for Mike Easton’s citation for the award.
Click here for the MNDM News Release and full story.
Geoscience Gap Analysis Meetings
Posted Nov.3.2008The Ontario Geological Survey (OGS) will be conducting several Geoscience Gap Analysis meetings across Ontario, beginning in several communities in Northwestern Ontario from November 4th to 7th (please see attached flyer for dates & times).
The purpse of these meetings is to gather your input to help identify broad regional geoscience gaps across Northwestern Ontario that can be addressed through a 3-5 year OGS operational plan within the OGS strategic direction and enhanced geoscience program. This is your opportunity to provide ideas, suggestions and guidance into possible Ontario Geological Survey geoscience projects. Please see the attached flyer.
Download the flyer here.
First Nations decry lack of time for consultation on Mining Act reforms
Posted October.22.2008By Jessica Mcdiarmid, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Friday, October 10, 2008
Click here for the story
The submission deadline for comments on the Mining Act modernization has been extended to November 12, 2008.
Ontario Prospectors Association’s Mining Act Modernization Response
Posted October.22.2008Please see the attached response from the Ontario Prospectors Association in regard to the Mining Act Modernization Consultations. There is also a blank form for your convenience, we urge you to fill in and submit either via mail or email.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: October 15, 2008 EXTENDED TO: NOVEMBER 12, 2008
SUBMIT YOUR RESPONSE VIA MAIL:
Mining Act Modernization Consultations
Ministry of Northern Development and Mines
99 Wellesley Street West, Room 5630
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 1W3
SUBMIT YOUR RESPONSE VIA EMAIL:
miningact@ontario.ca
The following link provides background information with regards to the proposed changes. The MNDM public consultation sessions indicated at the link have now ended.
http://www.mndm.gov.on.ca/miningact/miningact_e.asp
You may also submit comments individually to the Environmental Registry posting (EBR 010-4327) which is open for comment from the public until October 15, 2008.
http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERC-WEB-External/displaynoticecontent.do?noticeId=MTA0MjUy&statusId=MTU1ODIy&language=en
Modernizing Ontario’s Mining Act – Find A Balance Consultations
Posted October.11.2008A presentation from Marc Leroux in regard to the Mining Act.
Download the presentation here…
Canadian Arrow on solid ground with First Nation
Posted October.11.2008By IAN ROSS – Northern Ontario Business
First Nation approval was key in Canadian Arrow Mine’s gradual development of its highly-prospective Kenbridge nickel deposit in northwestern Ontario.
At a spring awards gala of the northwestern Ontario mining fraternity, a speaker at the podium described the rugged (and somewhat shadowy) individual freedom of the prospector.
“It happens in the bush, where no one knows what you’re doing, and you move from place to place.”
Secrecy, deception and pipe dreams have all been part of mining lore.
Yet Canadian Arrow Mines president Kim Tyler never could quite fathom over his 27-year mining career why the industry…
Click here to visit the new “Good News” section of our website for the full story…
Ontario Mining Act Modernization Response
Posted September.4.2008TO ALL PROSPECTORS AND EXPLORATIONISTS WORKING OR HOLDING MINERAL INTERESTS IN ONTARIO
The Ontario Government announced August 5, 2008 “Ontario Launches Mining Act Consultations – McGuinty Government Aims to Ensure Balanced, Respectful Legislation” The OPA requests your help by attending consultation sessions, to ensure that the Mining Act amendments improve access to Ontario’s mineral wealth which will benefit all Ontarians. On Monday August 11, 2008 the government will release its discussion paper that will provide a framework for the consultations. The OPA believes that the following 5 areas will be the focus of discussion at the “by invitation only” and the “open public meetings” beginning August 11 and being held across the province. Please see below for meeting times and locations.
HERE IS OUR OPINION ON THESE 5 TOPICS:
Surface And Mining Rights Conflicts
• The Ministers Mining Act Advisory Committee (MMAAC) submitted a multi stakeholder set of recommendations which resolve most of the mining vs surface rights conflicts.
• The Government adopted most of these recommendations in its Mineral Development Strategy published in 2006.
• The recommendations included notification of Surface Rights holders of staking and delivery of exploration plans prior to entering on the land.
Land Tenure
• Ontario has a vibrant exploration industry because we have competitive staking of mineral rights.
• OPA supports competitive acquisition of mineral rights. “Free Entry” has two fundamental components: Entry for Staking and Entry for Prospecting.
• We expect the proposed resolution could be map staking and the return to a work permit system, which in part would resolve much of the conflict in the north.
First Nation Consultation
• A return of the work permit system would provide advanced notice to First Nation communities and set the stage for face to face consultation and the development of memorandums of undertaking.
• In the Timmins area as well as other areas, there are numerous agreements signed for the benefit of the First Nation communities. Exploration in the McFaulds area continues.
• Consent to stake should not be on the table for discussion.
• Consultation costs must be included as part of qualified expenditures in the Assessment work regulations.
&bnsp;
Resource Revenue Sharing
• The OPA has no objection to revenue sharing as long as the money comes from existing tax revenue and that there will be no new taxes.
Far North Land Use Planning
• The Premier announced in July that no new Mining or Forestry development will be allowed in the area of the planned new parks prior to Land Use planning being completed.
• Mineral exploration and mining is currently the only hope for economic development and future for this part of Ontario.
• Sound science and full consideration of the economic future of the north must be considered before creating any new parks.
Thank you for your assistance. We will keep you informed of developments during the consultations.
New page on OPA Website
Posted September.4.2008A new page has been added to the OPA website where contractors and suppliers that are OPA members can list their services free of charge. The page can be accessed by clicking on the menu link above or by clicking here.
Modernization of the Ontario Mining Act
Posted August.7.2008Please see the press release announcing consultation sessions relating to the modernization of the Ontario Mining Act. It is important that anyone interested in prospecting, exploration and mining participate in the public and stakeholder meetings. The process to modernize the Ontario Mining Act is going to take place very quickly.
Facilitated public and stakeholder sessions will be held in:
• Timmins – Monday, August 11, 7:00-9:00pm
Location: Howard Johnson Inn, 1800 Riverside Drive, Goldrush Ballroom
• Sudbury – Wednesday, August 13, 7:00-9:00pm
Location: Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel, 50 Brady Street, Conference Lounge
• Thunder Bay – Monday, August 18, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Location: Valhalla Inn, 1 Valhalla Inn Road, Scandia Room
• Kingston – Thursday, August 28, 7:00-9:00pm
Location: Radisson Hotel Kingston, Harbourfront, 1 Johnson Street, Harbour Shadows Room; and
• Toronto – Monday, September 8, 7:00-9:00pm
Location: TBA – please visit the Ministry’s website
If you are interested in attending one of these sessions, watch your local newspaper confirming the above information (times and locations). Announcements should be in the newspaper in the next day or two.
Notice of AGM
Posted June.11.2008The annual meeting of the association members will be held on July 3, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. Following the annual general meeting on July 3, 2008 there will be the July meeting of the OPA Board of Directors to which [members of the Ontario Prospectors Association] are cordially invited. Please see the following Notice of AGM and attached Board of Directors for 2008.
The Explorationist – May 2008
Posted June.11.2008The May 2008 Explorationist has now been posted online. Visit the publications section.
Or download it here directly (Note: 3.3 MB PDF)
Update on Aboriginal Engagement (MNDM)
Posted May.21.2008The first issue of the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines’ newsletter Update on Aboriginal Engagement – A Consultational Approach for Ontario’s Mineral Sector Activities is available. [The MNDM] has launched this newsletter to keep participants apprised of progress being made in our Aboriginal Engagement initiative. The new Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle would like to reiterate that Ontario is committed to meeting its duty to consult with Aboriginal communities on mineral sector activities.
Download the Update on Aboriginal Engagement Newsletter
See the letter from the Minister
2008 Northeastern Ontario Mines & Minerals Symposium
Posted Mar.24.2008The Technical Session program has been posted for the 2008 Northeastern Ontario Mines & Minerals Symposium that will take place April 14 – 16, 2008 in Timmins, Ontario.
Click here to go to the Symposium page…
Republic of Mining .com
Posted Mar.24.2008TORONTO: A pro-mining business blog – republicofmining.com – has been launched aiming to become a valuable internet information portal on the global mineral industry.
A blog is a website where entries are updated regularly and are written in chronological order. Previous posts are archived and readily available for Google searches. Business blogs can influence the media, political decision makers and shapr public opinion…
Click here for the full press release…
An Invitation to the Northern Ontario Mines & Minerals Symposium
Posted Feb.10.2008Please see the attached letter from the MNDM; an invitation to the Boreal Prospectors Association’s Northern Ontario Mines and Minerals Symposium February 18, 19, and 20 in Sioux Lookout.
2008 Northwestern Ontario Mines & Minerals Symposium
Posted Jan.22.2008Information and delegate registration forms have also been posted for NWOPA’s 2008 Mines & Minerals Symposium on the NWOPA site.
2008 Northern Ontario Mines & Minerals Symposium
Posted Jan.22.2008Information and registration/sponsorship forms have now been posted regarding the 2008 Northern Ontario Mines & Minerals Syposium taking place February 18th (evening) to February 20th in Sioux Lookout, Ontario. More information is available on the Boreal Prospectors Association’s symposium page.
Prospectors and Explorationists in 2007
Posted Jan.18.2008 – (2007 OEGS President’s Address)One of the most over used lines this year has been “Would you know of a … available”? Inserting linecutter, prospector, geophysicists, geologist or diamond drill would fill in the gap. It was a common phone conversation, email thread and local paper advertisement…
Find the full document here…
Building a Dialogue with Aboriginal Communities
Posted Sep.22.2007A new guide for junior exploration companies and prospectors about building a dialogue with Aboriginal communities has been posted in the publications section. This guide assists mineral resource exploration and development project proponents in engaging and working with Aboriginal communities. The Government of Ontario announced the creation of the Ontario Mineral Industry Cluster Council (OMICC) in 2003. Junior exploration companies identified the need for a high level ‘tip-sheet’ that could be used as a portable, in the field, tool to assist them in approaching Aboriginal communities. In response to this need, the OMICC sponsored the production of this Guide. The content, of recommended best practices was developed by the OMICC Aboriginal Working Group which is made up of members from industry, associations and government. For more information visit www.omicc.ca
Click here for the document…
OPA Web Site Re-DesignPosted Aug.28.2007The Ontario Prospectors Association web site is undergoing a major redevelopment to improve the user experience of the web site and to make important information easier to access. With the new format, recent news will be posted on the main page and move to an archive area after approximately three months. Upcoming events will be listed in the new events box with links to pages dedicated to each event. Events will also be archived in a similar fashion. This update will also reduce the loading time for the site especially for users with slower internet connections. If you have any suggestions or comments about the new design please email the webmaster at the link at the bottom of the page. Thank you.
Potential changes to how claim staking and mineral exploration would be conducted on property where the mining rights and surface rights are held separately Posted Aug 2007
In March 2006, the government released Ontario’s Mineral Development Strategy to reinforce the province’s international position as a leading mining jurisdiction and foster responsible mineral development for the benefit of all citizens of Ontario. Ontario’s Mineral Development Strategy contains action items….
Click here for the full story…
see also: A Guide for Private Landowners Working With Ontario’s Mineral Exploration Community
A Good Practices Guide for Staking and Exploration When Working With Private Surface Rights Owners Posted Aug 2007
As urban areas expand and rural areas are becoming more developed, prospecting and staking on land with privately owned surface rights has become a focus of attention. There are requirements in the Mining Act governing claim staking and exploration. In addition, the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines recommends the following best practices to foster…
Click here for the full document…
A new book by author C.M. Barnes: More Than Free Gold Posted Aug 2007
Many people in exploration and the mining industry are aware of Free Gold, the story of Canadian mining to 1946 by Arnold Hoffman. Now follows the sequel, published under the auspices of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, with the proceeds going to Mining Matters, the Association’s charitable education group….
Click here for the full story…
A Project Needs Your Help!Posted May 2007The OPA has been asked to assist with providing its members a chance to comment on the attached project. Please take the time to respond.
Click here for the Project Document (PDF)
More information on the Superior Aggregates project
Act Proposal Notice: Surface RightsAugust 2007Please take a moment to review this posting titled: Potential changes to how claim staking and mineral exploration would be conducted on property where the mining rights and surface rights are held separately.
A Guide for Private Landowners Working with Ontario’s Mineral Exploration CommunityAugust 2007Please take a moment to review this brochure /pamphlet.
A Good Practices Guide for Staking and Exploration When Working With Private Surface Rights OwnersAugust 2007Please take a moment to review this brochure/ pamphlet.
New book by Michael Barnes, C.M.August 2007A new book by Michael Barnes, C.M., author of eleven other industry related books More Than Free Gold – Mineral Exploration in Canada since WW II”
2006 OEGS Opening AddressBy Vivienne Coté, Dec.12.2006Good day and welcome to Sudbury and the 2006 OEGS. Welcome to Deputy Minister Susan Herbert. Thanks to Susan Warren and Garry Clark and all the volunteers who have helped along the way.
What a great year the explorationists in Ontario are enjoying. The data generated by past geoscience initiatives has stimulated exploration and provided new targets for prospectors and mineral investors. In all parts of the province there are new discoveries and continued expansion of showings. Claim staking has reached record breaking numbers, and prospectors, geologists, and line cutters are in demand. In fact anyone having related skills should be able to find employment. Being a northerner I know how important it is to have hundreds of millions of dollars injected into local economies throughout the north. Presently a new co-operative project, the Atikokan Mineral Development Initiative is being planned to gather geoscience data which will spur exploration in the Atikokan area. It looks as if the 2006-2007 exploration season is going to be the busiest ever.
+ Expand this article to full view…
Illegal Access by Drilling Companies Nov 2006
Please take a moment to review this letter regarding exploratory drilling adjacent to provincial highways.
Gregg Stott receives Provincial Geologist’s Medal for 2006 Posted Aug 2006
Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci announced this week that Greg Stott, a geologist with the Ontario Geological Survey (OGS), is this year’s recipient of the Provincial Geologist’s Medal. The citation was presented this week during the annual Canadian Mines and Energy Ministers meeting in the city of Whitehorse.
Click here for the full story…