History & Geography · Grade 7 · Natural Resources: Use and Sustainability · Term 3

The Mining Industry: Economic Impact

Examine the economic benefits of mineral and metal extraction for Canada and its northern communities.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• ON: Natural Resources around the World: Use and Sustainability - Grade 7

About This Topic

Mining is a major industry in Canada, particularly in Ontario, providing essential materials for everything from construction to high-tech electronics. This topic explores the different types of mining (open-pit, underground, and strip mining) and the economic importance of the industry for northern and Indigenous communities. Students will examine the life cycle of a mine, from exploration and extraction to the eventual closure and reclamation of the site.

The curriculum also addresses the significant environmental impacts of mining, such as habitat destruction and water pollution, and the importance of consulting with Indigenous nations on whose traditional lands many mines are located. This topic is best taught through role plays of community consultations and collaborative investigations into the 'minerals in your pocket' (smartphones).

Key Questions

1. Analyze the economic contributions of the mining industry to Canada's GDP.
2. Explain how mining creates employment and infrastructure in remote regions.
3. Evaluate the trade-offs between economic growth and environmental concerns in mining.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the contribution of mineral and metal extraction to Canada's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) using provided data.
• Explain the process by which mining operations create employment and stimulate infrastructure development in remote northern communities.
• Evaluate the economic benefits of mining against potential environmental degradation and social impacts.
• Identify key minerals and metals extracted in Canada and their primary uses in manufacturing and technology.

Before You Start

Canada's Diverse Regions

Why: Students need a foundational understanding of Canada's geography, including its northern regions, to grasp the context of mining's impact.

Introduction to Economics: Supply and Demand

Why: Understanding basic economic principles like supply, demand, and the concept of GDP is necessary to analyze the economic impact of the mining industry.

Key Vocabulary

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)	The total value of all goods and services produced within a country in a specific period, indicating the overall economic health.
Extraction	The process of removing valuable minerals or metals from the earth through various mining techniques.
Infrastructure	The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise, such as roads, power supply, and communication systems.
Reclamation	The process of restoring land that has been mined to a natural or economically usable state after mining operations have ceased.
Commodity	A raw material or primary agricultural product that can be bought and sold, such as copper, gold, or nickel.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Mining is a 'sunset' industry that isn't important anymore.

What to Teach Instead

Mining is actually more important than ever for 'green' technology like electric car batteries. A 'minerals for the future' research task can help students see the industry's modern relevance.

Common Misconception

Once a mine closes, the land is ruined forever.

What to Teach Instead

Modern laws require companies to have a 'closure plan' to restore the land. Looking at successful reclamation projects through a gallery walk can surface this correction.

Active Learning Ideas

Role Play: The Community Consultation

Students take on roles as mining company executives, environmentalists, local business owners, and Indigenous leaders. They must debate the opening of a new mine and try to reach an agreement on 'best practices.'

60 min·Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: Mine Reclamation

Pairs research a 'reclaimed' mine site in Canada (e.g., a former quarry turned into a park). They create a 'before and after' presentation showing how the land was restored.

45 min·Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: The Cost of Mining

Students discuss the trade-off between the economic benefits of mining (jobs, money) and the environmental risks. They share their thoughts on whether some areas should be 'off-limits' to mining.

25 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• Engineers at Vale's Sudbury operations manage the extraction of nickel, copper, and other precious metals, contributing significantly to Ontario's economy and global supply chains.
• The development of all-weather roads and airstrips in Nunavut, often supported by mining companies, allows for the transportation of goods and people, connecting remote communities to larger markets.
• Smartphones contain numerous minerals like copper, gold, and rare earth elements, all of which are extracted through mining processes that impact economies and environments globally.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Facilitate a class discussion using the prompt: 'Imagine you are a community leader in a remote northern town. A mining company wants to open a new mine. What are the top three economic benefits you would highlight to your community, and what are the top three environmental or social concerns you would raise?'

Quick Check

Provide students with a short case study about a fictional mining project in Northern Canada. Ask them to complete a two-column chart: 'Economic Benefits' and 'Potential Challenges'. Students should list at least two points in each column based on the case study and their learning.

Exit Ticket

On an index card, have students write one specific example of how mining contributes to Canada's GDP and one specific example of how mining creates jobs or infrastructure in a remote region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main minerals mined in Ontario?

Ontario is a world leader in the production of nickel, gold, copper, and platinum group metals. It also produces significant amounts of salt, gypsum, and structural materials like sand and gravel.

What is the difference between open-pit and underground mining?

Open-pit mining involves digging a large hole from the surface to reach minerals near the top. Underground mining uses shafts and tunnels to reach minerals buried deep within the Earth.

Why is it important to consult Indigenous communities about mining?

Many mines are located on the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples. Consultation is a legal and ethical requirement to ensure that Indigenous rights are respected and that communities benefit from the economic activity while minimizing environmental harm.

How can active learning help students understand the mining industry?

Role-playing community consultations helps students understand that resource management is about balancing competing interests. Active learning encourages them to think critically about the social and environmental complexities of an industry that is often 'invisible' but essential to their daily lives.