During the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic, the Canadian government deemed mining an essential business.

While realities shift and strict pandemic protocols are followed, Canadian mining companies continue to deliver domestic and global supply of resources, provide livelihoods for employees, partner with local communities, contribute to northern economies and trade with other nations, says Canadian Mining Hall of Fame chairperson Jon Baird.

He tells Mining Weekly that it is evident that mining continues to be important to the Canadian economy and society, and it is Canadian Mining Hall of Fame’s job to recognise the leaders who make an extraordinary difference.

“Minerals and metals always play an essential role in driving the Canadian economy and delivering the products we need for the proper functioning of society. The government’s decision to name mining an essential business only further exemplifies the importance of our industry. People are the very essence of our industry and we honour individuals who lead our industry through times of great opportunity and great challenge,” Baird says.

In light of this, the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations.

Founded in 1988 by The Northern Miner, the Mining Association of Canada, the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum, the organisation recognises outstanding achievement in the mining industry, celebrates individual leadership and inspires future generations in mining.

Through their leadership and achievements, individual nominees must have shaped Canada’s global leadership in mining, embody the important role mining plays in Canadian society, and inspire future generations into mining.  The 2021 inductees will join the 190 individuals who have been inducted since the inception of the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame.

The yearly nomination and selection process, involving individuals, mining associations and the Board of Directors of the Hall, is proceeding and will continue in a ‘virtual’ fashion as usual.  

The organisation indicates that the 2021 inductees will be appropriately honoured by whatever means possible, given the Covid-19 pandemic.

Baird notes that the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame is closely watching and following guidelines from Toronto Public Health Public Health Ontario. Its annual dinner and induction ceremony is usually held in January each year, but the climate is now uncertain. Therefore, details on the induction ceremony and gala will be announced when appropriate, with Baird emphasising that the dinner will only be held when it is safe to do so.

Nominations must be submitted through Canadian Mining Hall of Fame member organisations or associate member organisations. Member organisations include: the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum; the Mining Association of Canada; The Northern Miner and the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada. Associate member organisations include: the British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan mining associations and the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia.

Any member of the public or organisation is encouraged to nominate a candidate, provided their nomination is channelled through the appropriate organisations as mentioned.

The deadline to contact a member or associate member organisation about nominating a candidate for induction lapsed on June 1.

The next deadline is June 30, and it is for nomination materials to be delivered to member or associate member organisation for review.

July 20 is the deadline for member or associate member organizations to submit nominations to the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame.

Nominations must include the specific information outlined in the nomination guidelines. The guidelines, criteria for selection and nomination form are available at: https://www.mininghalloffame.ca/nominate/.

ABOVE AND BEYOND

While the Canadian government deemed mining an essential business, some companies and projects made the individual decision to close owing to circumstances, and many mining companies stayed open in an effort to continue global supply chains, contribute to northern economies and provide a livelihood to employees, indicates Baird.

“Health and safety has always been ingrained in Canadian mining and the addition of Covid-19 pandemic protocols is another extension of our industry’s resilience and commitment,” he enthuses.

Further, Baird notes that as essential businesses, many Canadian mining companies responded to the needs of their local communities during this challenging time and provided financial support as well as personal protective equipment donations, with this including many of the organisation’s sponsors.

“Covid-19 has been heart-breaking for Canadians and, indeed, for people all around the world.  It did not stop and start within borders and its impact has been widespread and devastating.  Mining is a global industry and Canada is its leader.  As we consider all plans for the 2021 Dinner and Induction Ceremony, we will absolutely consider a tribute, dedication or initiative to further support efforts to overcome this challenge together as an industry,” says Baird.