OMIC Council

Working Groups

Mineral Policy
Co-Lead: Garry Clark, Chris Hodgson, Christine Kaszycki

The Ontario Mineral Industry Cluster Council (OMICC) recognizes the pressing need for a Mineral Policy for Ontario to sustain a vibrant mining industry. The mineral industry is truly global and for Ontario to remain competitive there must be a clear framework in which to operate and attract investors. The Mineral Policy Working Group (MPWG) was established to define the principles of an effective Mineral Policy and begin the process of discussion and consultation with diverse stakeholders, including exploration and prospecting firms, mine operators, First Nations organizations, environmental groups, etc. The MPWG will develop recommendations on the scope and key elements of a Mineral Policy for Ontario. The end objective is a Mineral Policy for Ontario that is integrated across all levels of government, easily translated into practice, and is acceptable to all stakeholders.

Education and Workforce Development
Leads: Michael Hill and Sylvia Barnard

Working within the broader framework of OMICC's overall mandate, the Education and Training Committee's mandate is to foster the development of training activities and education to meet the ongoing needs of the mineral industry and to provide advice to OMICC and the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines on matters relating to education and training in the mineral industry.

Commercialization and Export Strategy
Lead: Chris Hodgson

The mandate of the Commercialization and Export (CES) Working Group is to develop strategies and make recommendations to promote commercialization and export of products, innovation, services and expertise and technologies in the global market and identify opportunities to obtain stability in Ontario mine operations during mine cycle and increase efficiency whenever possible. The strategies will be driven by the "market pull" and projected market demands.

Center for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI)
CEMI Advisory Board

Establishing a world class Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation was one of the recommendations of the Council. In March 2006, the province provided $10-million to launch the Centre that will focus on mining innovation issues affecting the regional and national mining industry.

Aboriginal Working Group
Lead: Brian Davey

The OMICC has established the Aboriginal Working Group to facilitate discussions between Aboriginal communities, government and the mineral industry: to discuss shared goals; better understand each other's perspectives; and, to identify issues and matters relating to mineral development and their impact on the First Nations communities that need to be addressed.