Canada’s mining sector plays a critical role in the national economy, contributing approximately $149 billion to the national gross domestic product (GDP) according to published estimates from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) in 2022.
Canadian mines have emerged as global leaders in minimizing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Canada’s proactive investments in research, development, and the adoption of innovative green technologies have bolstered the industry’s carbon competitiveness, positioning it as a model for sustainable mining practices on the international stage. However, mining operations are still quite carbon-intensive, particularly in excavation, processing, and transportation phases, which together contribute to the sector’s impact to national GHG emissions.
Initiatives like the CanmetMining program within the Green Mining Initiative, led by NRCan, aim to improve the sector’s environmental performance. NRCan collaborates closely with provincial and territorial governments, as well as the Canada Mining Innovation Council (CMIC), to explore and promote technologies that enhance the sustainability of mining operations. These partnerships ensure that Canadian mines remain at the forefront of global efforts to mitigate climate change while maintaining overall economic competitiveness.